POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9093, 29 June 1888, Page 5

POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—Sr-ECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Thursday. FINANCIAL.

With a view of eliciting information, Mr. Moss asks the Colonial Treasurer whether the following sums, amounting in all to £110,691, which were part of last year's expenditure, but for which no provision is made on the Estimates for 1888-9, are included in the retrenchment of £233,097 referred to in the Financial Statement, viz. : Moiety to local bodies under Gpecial Acts, £46,672; rates on Crown landf, £38,324 ; purchase of arms and ammunition, £13,555; Electoral Department, £10,455; savings under Parliamentary Honorarim and Privilege Act, £17,979 ; exchange and commission, £6075 ; introduction of fish ova, £1358: aids to prospecting. £2023 expenses connected with Crown Lands and Rating Act, £2000; audit of County and Road Board accounts, £2150.

THE OYSTER FISHERIES.

Mr. Lawry has received letters from some of his constituents, complaining bitterly of the depreciations of certain persons employed in oyster gathering. He has placed a question on the order paper asking the Government ii fcfoy will take into consideration the advisability of compelling those engaged bt oyste. gathering to take out a license, tie same to bo cancel'ed if the bolder is convicted of theft, or o? taking oysters from privai;.' property without first istaining permission to do so.

THE PUP fPFHI FOREST.

ill reply to Mr. Tiobbs, the Minister of Lands said the Government had not re ceived any proposals to purchase the Puhlpuhi block, but simply single trees. As to getting experts to value the timber on the block, they would give the suggestion consideration! In reply to Mr. R. Thompson, the Minister intimated his intention of having the State forests north of Auckland re-valued.

THE BACHELOR TAX.

The Premier did not take kindly to the proposed tax on bachelors proposed by Mr. Bruce He said the Government did not propose at present to impose any further taxation, but would keep the suggestion in mind. Mr. Bruce caused some amusement by declaring that a bachelor's life being a luxury, he ought to be taxed for it.

THE FEMALE FRANCHISE.

Mr. Pyke is appearing in a new role, that of championing the fair sex, who desire to exorcise the franchise. Ho has put a question on the order paper asking the Government what they intend to do in the matter in view of the petitions presented to the House.

NATIVE LANDS.

In reply to Mr. Taiwhanga, the Native Minister stated that the purchase money for the blocks of land referred to by him in his motion had all been paid to the grantees 14yearsago, but there was nothing in the department to show whether in their own right only, or on behalf of their respective tribes. The details of expenditure attached to the statement of the Native Minister, the late Sir D. McLean, were correct ; and the other information desired by the hon. member would be found in tho Parliamentary papers.

THE ANNUAL REPORT OF MINES. In inquiring to-day at the hands of tho Minister of if it was his intention to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor by delivering tho annual statement upon the mining industry of the colony, Mr. Cadman said that the mining industry was now an important one. A number of capitalists in Australia and England were desirous of knowing the facts in connection with this industry, and from an authoritative source. This would b© best done, as had been done by Mr. Larnach, by way of an annual report. The Minister roplied that ho had no intention of making a report, but the usual mining reports would bo laid upon tho table.

POLITICAL BAILIFFS. In reply to Mr. Kelly, the Minister of Justice said that Resident Magistrate Court bailiffs, for whom salaries appear on the Estimates, are not, strictly speaking, subject to the Civil Service Act, forbidding Civil servants from taking part in political proceedings. At the same time he thought it injudicious for them to take part in politics, and if any gross case was brought under his notice, he would at once deal with tho officer. Mr. Kelly said in his district, at the last general election, some of them were in favour of Protection, and others of Freetrade, and he 'thought it well to have the point settled whether they were under the Civil service or otherwise.

RAILWAY TARIFF ON FRUIT. Dr. Fitchett is obtaining signatures to a document, expressing the opinion that fruit should be carried on the railways at the lowest possible rate. Many of the Auckland members have signed it. A deputation will wait upon the Minister of Public Works to-morrow, fortified with a paper numerously signed in favour of the above-named object.

VILLAGE HOMESTEAD SYSTEM. A return furnished gives the number of settlers under this system in the various settlements. The sections abandoned and the number transferred in the Auckland district are as follows : — Selected since the commencement, 639 sections ; area, 27,343 acres. Forfeited, 133 sections : area, 5508 acres. Transfers, 32 ; area, 1438 acres. Abandoned, 10 ; area, 404 acres. Selectors still holding, 496, area, 21,430 acres. Arrears on 31st March last, 168; amount, £160. The return was made on a motion of Mr. Ballance, late Minister of Lands.

GOLDFIELDS COMMITTEE. This committee has reported recommending that the Mining Companies (1886) Amendment Bill be allowed to proceed with amendments annexed. Re the claim of George Clarkson for a reward for the first gold discovery at the Thames: Tho committee reported that the Auckland Provincial Council had investigated the matter ; also, that the Thames goldfield had been proclaimed before the alleged discovery was made. They had no recommendation to make in tho case of the claim of J. H. Oakes, for various alleged discoveries of gold at Coromandel and the Thames. The committee having passed a resolution limiting the period for claiming a reward for discoveries of gold to twelve months from the date of such discoveries, they could not entertain the petition.

PETITIONS.

By Sir G. Grey, from John Foley, for grant of land ; by Mr. R. Thompson, from Robert Nathan, to like effect ; by Mr. Taipua, from Rev. W. Turipona and others, Shortland, praying Government will pass an Act proclaiming their district a Maori district, to prevent public-houses being established.

HON. JOHN BRYCE.

About thirty members of the General Assembly intend to visit Wanganui, in order to attend the banquet to be accorded to the Hon. John Bryce, on Saturday evening. On that occasion Mr. Bryce will be presented with a handsome library, valued at £400. The selection of the books was left to himself, and the gift is in recognition of his public services to the district and to the whole colony.

THE TARIFF.

The consideration of the amendments in the Tariff Bill will take place to-morrow. The third reading will be held over for a week, so as to enable the Bill to be closely scrutinised, and prevent any anomalies or blunders in it. The committee has already effected considerable improvements in the classification of goods. Mr. J. B. Gilfillan, representative of Brown and Poison in New Zealand, was here, and saw several Auckland member;* in relation to the increased duty on cornflour, but was unsuccessful in preventing an increase. I understand the cornflour industry is about to be started in Christchurch.

THE ESTIMATES.

As soon as the tariff amendments are considered, the Estimates will be at once proceeded with. The Retrenchment Committee sat again to-day, and further considered the Estimates. They are beginning to discover many lions in their path, and there seems little prospect of effecting anything in the way of dealing with individual salaries or correcting anomalies in the Civil Service. It has been discovered also that they can do nothing in the way of moving that a lump sum be taken off the Estimates aa they

stand, as that virtually means asking the Government to withdraw and recast them, which is practically a vote of no-confidence. They have no desire to see the present Ministers removed from office, or to bring' about a Ministerial crisis. From what I can gather, they now propose to move a reduction on the total of each department of the Estimates, equal to their proposed retrenchment in that department. Such a proposal the Govern-r*.-"ife would consicler on its merits, and possibly accept the lump reductions, working out the adjustment of the departments to the lesser amounts themselves. This is regarded as the only prospect they have of effecting any substantial retrenchment. Apart from the retrenchment proposed by the Retrenchment Committee, which amounts to about £40,000, Mr. Monk, I understand, contemplates moving a reduction of £50,000 in the cost of working the railways.

END OF THE SESSION.

Conjectures are now being hazarded as to date of the close of the session. Possibly the Estimates may be interrupted by the introduction of the Native Policy Bills, and the Crown and Native Lands Act Repeal Bill. The Public Works Statement will shortly be brought down, and then the end will draw nigh. On Tuesday the Government will be asked to specify the measures they intend to proceed with. Unless any unforeseen circumstances should occur, it is expected that the session will be brought to a close a! <out the middle of August. ■■

TR3 POLITICAL SITUATION.

'!?.h'» Jov( rnment do not intend to call a meuiin;.: of their supporters when the Tariff is pasted,' Vf\ ,h a view of considering the .position. At all events their present intention in simply to go straight ahead with iheir measures,' indicating from time to time those which they regard as vital, and the rejection of which would lead them to consider their position. It seems that a number of the Freetrader secessionists, favourable to the Government apart from Protection, are averse to such a meeting, as being decidedly awkward for them, but will give the Government an incidental and unpledged support.

THE AGENT-GENERAL.

I am informed authoritatively that there is no truth in tho statement current that the Government are desirous of reducing the Agent-General's salary, or to limit him to two years while he desired to have his term extended to four years.

THE TRUNK RAILWAY LOAN.

The Post still maintains that the loan is ear-marked for the central route, and that if the Auckland members endeavour by further legislation to divert it to the Stratford route, the attempt- will, if necessary, bo resisted in the Law Courts.

RAILWAY COMMUNICATION.

It is now well-known that the Government do not intend to do more in railway construction than to complete the links or works on important lines. On some of the small linos land has been sold at high prices, it is alleged, on the promise that these extensions would be carried out. A statement is circulated that the Government intend to bring in a Bill on the lines of the Fair Rent Bill to relieve such landowners by remission of rent or compensation, but the Minister of Works informs me that the statement is without foundation.

FREETRADE IN NATIVE LANDS. The Ministerial policy providing for freetrade in native lands is likely to give rise to a warm and lengthy debate. Sir George Grey is specially opposed to one of the clauses affecting lands at present under restriction from sale. In the early part of the session Mr. Monk announced that he would endeavour to get some restriction made in the Bill against the acquisition of a larger area than provided for under the present Land Act by any individual title. That could scarcely be called Freetrade, and tho restriction would probably bo evaded by dummyism.

THE MOKAU COMMISSION. The Mokau commission sab again to-day, when, I understand, the evidence of the Surveyor-General was taken. Tho Post says : " Before the Native Affairs Committee, it is understood, some evidence was given which may render it unnecessary that Mr. Hamlin should now formulate in writing the charges he recently made against Chief -Judge Mocdonald. The evidence given will no doubt cause full enquiry to be instituted into t N e truth or otherwise of the allegations made."

SUBSIDIES TO LOCAL BODIES. The Hon. Dr. Pollen moved, "That in the opinion of the Council it is not advisable, in view of the financial condition and obligations of this colony, that any portion of the public revenue derived from Customs duties should be appropriated or set apart permanently, or for a definite Eeriod, to provide subsidies for local odies."

WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. This committee reported : — ln the case of Margaret D. Brigges, who prayed to be allowed to select land in the Auckland district under a land scrip which has been lost, petitioner had no claim against the colony ; in the case of Joseph Gower and Henry Smith, deferred-payment settlers, praying re-valuation, a3 a Bill was before the House, they had no recommendation to make.

THE CHINESE DIFFICULTY. The Ministers have now received copies of the proceedings of the Conference on the Chinese question held in Sydney, and a copy of the proposed Bill, a precis of which I telegraphed last night.

AUCKLAND LUNATIC ASYLUM. The Public Petitions Committee to-day reported on the case of Stephen Spalding, of Auckland. The petitioner, an inmate of tba Whau Lunatic Asylum, states that he was tried in October, ISB6, for arson, pronounced insane, and sont to the Asylum. He petitioned Parliament in November, 18S7, praying to be removed to Mount Eden Gaol. The petitioner now alleges that five patients have died in the Asylum through cruelty and neglect, that 21 have run away, and that 48 attendants have left since November, 1887. He prayed for a public inquiry into the affairs of the Asylum. The Committee report that in their opinion an examination of the petitioner should be made by two medical men, independent of the superintendent, with a view to ascertaining his sanity, or otherwise, arid the committee would draw the attention of the Government to the report of the official visitor of 14th June, 1888, in connection with this case. •

PUBLIC PETITIONS COMMITTEE. - In the case of Thomas Wing, late harbourmaster at Manukau, praying for compensation, the committee are of opinion he has no further claim against the colony ; re petition of Adam Jordan and others, Thames, protesting against aid to denominational schools, no recommendation to make; petition from natives of the Bay of Islands re William King, Maori dispenser, roferred to Native Affairs Committee ; petition of the Waikato County Council, praying for the abolition of the totalisator, referred to the Government ; Geo. Lipsey and others, To Aroha, re surrender of land for mining purposes, referred to tho Government for inquiry ; Paora Tuhaere, for rehearing of the Little Barrier Island case ; T. Kafctosfeldb and others, jewellers, Auckland, for increase of duty on jewellery; fruit-growers, Whangaroa, for increase of duty on all kinds of fruit, including oranges and other sub-tropical fruit, all referred to tho Government; J. W. Gray and others, Tauranga, for crofters' settlement at To Puna, referred to the Government for favourable consideration ; re certificated engineers in vessels on the coast being compelled to get British certificates, same recommendation ; re E. Picket and others, Thames, referred to Government ; re H. Jenid, Auckland, late Armed Constabulary, praying employment, referred to Government for favourable consideration ; re F. T. Murray and others, Motukaraka, praying continued compensation for bush falling, referred to Government ; Henry Porter, Henry James Symes, William Henry Clarke, William Miller, James McCormick, Daniel Hutchison, Willi.im George Garrard, George Watson, Robinson Spending, all military claims for grants of land, referred to Government.

THE AUCKLAND CUSTOM-HOUSE. Mr. Monk brought up the question as to the allegation that the bricks used in the eroction of the Custom-house were greatly inferior to those recently used or the new buildings at the Auckland Lunatic Asylum. The Minister of Public Works entered into a full explanation. He stated that from the outset there had been great jealousy shown

in the building trade over this job. He had received two telegrams purporting to bo from men on the works, and stating that the bricks were the worst that had been used in the district, and that they were very bad. The telegrams were signed by the names "Moore, and "Thompson." He telegraphed to the architects, Messrs. Mahoney and Sons, who stated that the building materials were good; and also to Mr. Hales, Resident "Engineer, to inspect the work, and he reported to the same effect. Some bricks had been forwarded to the ground, which hod been rejected by the contractor, and carted away. Mr. Mahoney's son was clerk of works, and fully appreciated the responsibility of his duty. The strangest part of the story was that the telegrams had been repudiated by Moore and Thompson, who stated that they must be hoaxes, as they had never sent them. He was making the strictest inquiry into the affair. A sample of the bricks had been taken out of a party wall, and, with the mortar, sent down to the office of the Engineer-in-Chief, where it could now be inspected by members of the House. Mr. Monk replied that the telegrams he had received "were not from " Moore and Thompson," and he was informed that since the inquiry the bricks were being obtained from another yard, but he could not, of course, personally say that that was so. THE POINT RESOLUTION BUSINESS.

Sir George Grey informs me that he has had an interview with the Premier to-day, who has positively promised to look into the. papers concerning thia transaction tonight. Sir George Grey is rtly dissatisfied at the dilatorinese which the Government have manifest. 1 in the whole business. /

LICENSING COMMITTEES' ELECTION

B? -I-

The Temperance section c) the Hous»? '>.- termined bo do their be™ to kill this Bill. Mr. Full on led the attack, and mot id an amendment, which was Tied, planing women over 21 on the electoral roll. The supporters of the Bill hau no intention of agreeing to this. A motion to report progress was lost, and, by arrangement, the House was counted out after the Supply adjournment. Messrs. Goldie, Monk, and Hobbs were the active Auckland members in opposing the Bill. Sir George Grey missed the division for giving women a vote on licensing elections, though in favour of such a proposal having gone homo for some medicine owing to indisposition. On his return he was gleeful over the defeat of the Bill. Major Steward was greatly chagrined at the killing of his measure, but intimates his intention to bring it forward again next session.

MINISTERIAL PROGRAMME.

I learn that the Government have decided to go on with the following measures this session—Crown and Native Land Rating Act Repeal Bill, the four native policy Bills, District Railways Purchasing Amendment Bill, Regulation of Local Elections BUI, Land Act Amendment Bill, Fair Rent Bill, and if possible the Municipal Corporations Bill, and they will endeavour to carry the Electoral Bill through its second reading.

SCAB AT THE THAMES. In replying to Mr. Walker's question, the Minister of Lands said the terms of it practically endorsed a charge of want of confidence in the Sheep Department. He was hopeful of confining the scab disease to the locality in which it had broken out. Mr. Lance expressed the opinion that there must have been gross neglect somewhere in the department.

THE RABBIT CONFERENCE. To-day I learned that the commissioners who took part in tho Rabbit Conference at Sydney wore nob altogether satisfied with the action of M. Pasteur's representatives. Those gentlemen, acting undor instructions from their principal, would not allow the Commissioners to experiment, except under certain conditions which the Commissioners thought were unsuitedto the circumstances of the colony. Late to-night the Minister of Lands informed me that he had received a cablegram from Mr. Bell, who is still In Sydney, stating that all difficulties had been removed by M. Pasteur's representatives, and that the Commissioners could now experiment in any manner they deemed fit.

THE KAUAERANGA BLOCK. In regard to the petition of Wirope Hotorene Taipari, praying for a rehearing of tho Kauaoranga Block, the Native Minister informed Mr. Paratn that it was a large question, and the Government would have to consider it after the session, and look into tho merits of the case.

THE SHOP HOURS BILL. Mr. Joyce, in order to disarm the opposition manifested to his Bill, has drafted a number of amendments calculated to remove the objectionable features. These provide for an extended list of exemptions, for permitting a shopkeeper and members of his family to serve after the ordinary hours, and for enabling large establishments even to keep open, provided no member of their staff is required, or permitted to work more than a certain number of hours per day. It is also proposed to give municipal authorities powers to pass by-laws regulating shop hours in any trade, on a petition of a majority of those engaged in the particular class of trade. The general provisions of the Bill are also to be limited to a few of the chief cities and towns, unless adopted by a local option vote. A deputation of shopkeepers met the Wellington members, to-night, at the Parliamentary Buildings to discuss the amendments, which were submitted in cxtenso. Mr. Joyce was invited to be present. A desultory discussion took place. He informs me that if defeated, he will bring the measure in next session till it becomes law.

DISTILLATION. A lengthy discussion took place on the proposal to re-commence colonial distillation. Mr. Hobbs bitterly opposed the proposal, and asked what the country was coming to when men in all seriousness in this time of depression could suggest such a thing ? Mr. Goldie said it was not a question of recommencing, if ex • Inspector Shearman's and Inspector McGovorn's reports were to bo believed that it was going on briskly, and he referred to the Bay of Islands. Mr. Hobbs, amidst great laughter, rose and repudiated the charge of illicit distillation, but owned up to sly grogselling occasionally in his district. It was in Waipu, in the district- of the hon. member for Marsden, that the more serious charges wore provalont. This brought Mr. Thompson to his legs, and he vindicated the fair fame of his electorate amid much merriment.

MISCELLANEOUS. The Government have taken charge of Mr. T. Mackenzie's Californian Thistle Bill, and Dr. Fitchett's Tramways Act Amendment Bill. In addition to the latter Bill, there is a private measure on the same subject. The Local Bills Committee report in favour of the Gisborne Harbour Act (1884) Amendment Bill, and recommend that it be allowed to proceed with amendments. A return was laid on the Table to-day of leases granted in Rotorua Township since 1882, the rent received from each lessee, the arrears of rents, and the amounts paid to natives, also, a list of sections surrendered.

In reply to Mr. Cadman, the Minister of Lands said that Mr. Jeffcoate, though requested, had not called upon the Commissioner. The Government did not intend to give further consideration to his petition. The cultivation of the wattle is being brought under the notice of the Government.

In reference to »the claim of James Maxwell, for land at Lucas's Creek, the Native Affairs Committee confirmed the decision of the previous session. The Government are being questioned as to why the Estimates for the Public Trust and Government Insurance departments have not been brought down with the other Estimates.

A return is asked for of the number of incurable patients in each Hospital in the colony.