POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9094, 30 June 1888, Page 5

POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP.

A , [BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.J Wellington', Friday. VAILE'S RAILWAY SYSTEM.

Ik reply to Mr. R. Reeves, who asked if tho Minister for Public Works had any information as to the success or otherwise of Mr. Yaile's system in the working of the Whangarei-Kamo Railway line, the Hon. E. Mitchelson said that owing to the stoppage of the Whauwhau and Knmo coal mines, Government had dispensed with tho stationmastor, and made tho guards issue the tickets. For convenience of work the tickets had been issued for tho wholo distance at one fare. It had nothing to do with Vaile's system, but it was simply a step taken by tho department througn the decline of traffic. If that was Vaile's system it had nob proved a success, as the net returns from the Whangarei-Kamo Railway for 1886-7 wore £771, for 1887-S only £81.

GOLDFIELDS AND MINES COM-

MITTEE.

The interim report on the treatment of refractory ores was brought up to-day. It appears tho committee recommended tho Government last session " to obtain from America and elsewhere, during tho recess, full information as to the host, and most effective methods of dealing with refractory ores." It now reports that it regrets 1o find, according to information elicited from the Mines Department, that action was not taken on the recommendation contained in tho report above referred to until tho third May last, on which date tho Minister forwarded ii memo, to the Premier, stating that it was desirable to ask the AgentGeneral to obtain information from Freiburg, in German}', and at Swansea, in England, especially. The report goes on to say that the delay in giving effect to the recommendation has placed the committee this session at a disadvantage; and that the delay in dealing with the question is inimical to the mining industry, and urge Government to add to the information to be obtained by tho Agent-General, and any information obtainable from America through the Colonial Agejit and other sources. A warm discussion ensued on the report. Colonel Fraser denounced the wanton indifference shown by the Minister of Minos to the mining industry, but hoped that it was more an overlook than anything else. Mr. Peacock said they should not look solely to Europe. There were already in the colony several processes for treating refractory ore? —tho Newbery-Vautin, Parke's, and live Molloy processes. If there were experts in tho colony, capable of dealing with the problem, it would be well for the Government to give a good bonus under these conditions, namely, £'2500 to anyone who will submit a process for treating refractory ores at a cost, not exceeding 60s per ton, and yielding a net profit) of 15s per ton, the reward only to bo paid after 25,000 tons had been treated. This would obtain a practical solution of the problem, and lead to a groat development of the mineral resources of the colony. Mr. Cadman said the Minister of Mines had shown no interest in the mining industry, but solely in lands and land settlement. Mining was quite as important a subject, and frequently the forerunner of settlement. It would have cost but little to obtain the information needed. The Minister of Mines explained the delay in sending home, and also sail! that in America mining matters were nob controlled by tho Government, but by mining bureaus like our Chambers of Commerce. He had communicated with two gentlemen who would endeavour to get, all tho information from these mining bureaus as to the latest and best methods of treating refractory ores. Mr. Allen said he believed tho best processes would come from America rather than from the Continent or 1 Britain, because their refractory ores were of a similar character to those of New Zealand. ENDOWMENTS RESERVES BILL. The Minister of Lands has notified Major Steward that he will incorporate his Bill, bearing the above title, in an amendment of the Public Bodies Powers Act, of which he has already given notice. It will be operative over all the primary and secondary education and Harbour Board endowments taken out of Crown lands, amounting to over a million acres. It is provided that if the Governor is not. satisfied as to the disposal of the land or the fulfilment of the trust ho may demand plans, and interpose his veto. The University endowments of Canterbury and Otago are excluded, but the endowments of the Auckland University will be subject to the provisions of the measure. Mr. Moss is of opinion that tho University endowments of the different provinces should be treated alike. RAILWAY TARIFF ON FRUIT. A meeting of members interested in the reduction of tho railway freight on fruit was held this morning, Mr. V. Pyke, convener, in the chair. Tho Chairman announced that 01 members had signed the paper in favour of greatly reduced rates on local fruit. After some consideration of the question, 011 the motion of Mr. Lawry, ;i, committee, consisting of Messrs. Pyke, O'Cailaghan, Hobbs, McGregor, and Jacksoil was appointed to wait 011 the Minister for Public Works on Monday, and represent the wishes of those who have signed the requisition. At the meet ing in the afternoon of the committee itwas decided to request the Minister to place fruit under a specific class of reduced rates as other local products have been. It was also resolved to put to the Minister that the minimum weight entitling fruit to bo brought under such class should bo 561b, also the empty cases should bo returned free of charge.

THE LICENSING COMMITTEE BILL.

The supporters of this Bill admit that the Temperance party completely outmanoeuvred them last night, and that they never suspected that Mr. Fulton had the wisdom of the serpent as well as the harmlessness of the dove. They state thoy will not be trapped in the same position next session. Major Steward informs me that ho was quite willing to have assisted Mr. Fulton to obtain the licensing' voto for women After his own Bill was carried, but in a separate measure. The Temporanco narty hold that the endeavour to got triennial licensing elections was less a desire to save Municipal bodies the cost of these elections, as to spare the brewers the heavy expense of annually fighting for the licenses of publichouses in which they are interested. AUCKLAND CUSTOMHOUSE. I understand that when the outcry first arose as to imerior building materials being used in the erection of the new Auckland Customhouse, Mr. Thompson (City North) telegraphed to Auckland to disinterested persons desiring them to inquire into the matter. The reply he received was that the materials were good. THE THAMES HOSPITAL. In reply to Mr. Cadman, the Minister of Justice said the Government wore obliged to the hon. member for calling attention to the statement that persons who could well afford to pay for medical advice and modicine were receiving it at a payment of a small weekly fee, and they would inquire into the matter. The Government hart no power, as suggested, to publish a monthly list of such persons so treated, but the allegations would bo thoroughly sifted. Mr. Cadman endeavoured to read a letter from a constituent in support of the statements in his motion, but the Speaker ruled he could not do so. Ho said lie had always understood the Thames Hospital was well managed, but the letter ho had received certainly reflected on it. THE TE AROHA BOARD. Mr. Kelly asks the Government if it is their usual practice to dispense with the services of members of the Domain Board without notice, and if not, why this course was pursued with the Te Aroha Board OYSTER GATHERING. In reply to Mr. Lawry, tho Minister of Marino said the Government felt tho justness of the reasons which actuated the hon. member in moving in this matter, in the way of issuing licenses, which should be cancelled in case of misconduct by the holder. A clause had been prepared for insertion in the Fisheries Bill, which it was hoped would have been passed this session, but in default the clause would be put in next session. THE GOVERMENTAL SAVINGS. The Colonial Treasurer, replying to Mr. Moss's question, pointed out that the reduction of C' 233,097, referred to in the Financial Statement, was on the estimates of the

proviona Government, nob on their actual expenditure, and that of the sums reforred fco by Mr. Moss, the rates on Crown lands, expenses of general elections, and a few other items amounting to £54,000 odd, were the only items included in the savings referred to. Mr. Moss considers tha explanation only makes the puzzle greater, and that it is more difficult than ever to find nnder which thimble the pea is lying. The rules prevent him asking for the full information by question; and no has therefore given notice of a motion for Tuesday for a statement "showing under each vote the salaries, wages, contingencies, and other items respectively that form the sum of £(233,097 referred to in the Financial Statement as reductions effected on the Estimates for public expenditure during the year 1887-8." THE " MOKAU" COMMISSION. The Commission sat to-day, and took tho evidence of Major Messonger. This will probably close the evidence at Wellington. Early next week they will go to Whanganui, whore important evidence, it is said, can be obtained ; then to New Plymouth, and on to Auckland and Otorohanga, going to Mokau on the return journey. The documentary evidence is of a most voluminous character. The "Mokau" Jones case again came up in the House to-day, occupying the best part of the afternoon, on a motion of Mr. Reeves, to lay some further correspondence from Mr. Jones on the table, but tho Native Minister decisively refused to give his consent. As usual the whole case was threshed out again. Mr. Reeves challenged a division, but was beaten by two to one. Among those who voted for the production of tho correspondence was the lato Native Minister (Mr. Ballance), whose native legislation is said to have deprived Mr. Jones of the fruits of his labour in the hour of victory, and the following members : Sir G. Grey, Colonel Fraser, Messrs. Lawry, Moss, and T. Thompson. "Mokau" Jones left today for Mokau, so it is hoped his grievances will now have a rest for some time in the House.

THE PARLIAMENTARY HONORA-

RIUM.

As the Government sustained a defeat on the question raised on the Hon. Mr. Mantoll's motion in tho Legislative Council yesterday with reference to the demand of the Government for re-payment of £25 Overpaid in error on the honorarium of four Wellington members of the Legislative Council, the published correspondence is of some interest. When the incident occurred there was a general impression on the part of tho public that there had been some inadvertent laxity on the part of the Speaker of the Legislative Council, or some sharp practice on tho part of the recipients, but the correspondence does not indicate anything of the sort. Tho Speaker seemed to have acted with due precaution, and the members concerned received the extra money in cood faith. Tho trouble began when the Colonial Treasurer took steps to got the money refunded. Some droll stories arc told of the recipient-sin turn exhorting thoir fellows to hold out while they themselves were surrendering at discret ion. When tho stoutest recusant found that his comrades had paid up he gracefully forwarded the cheque, out all parties are said now to be under the impression that they were in too great a hurry in returning the money, and the decision of yesterday against the Government has confirmed them in that view. RABBIT NUISANCE COMMITTEE. Tho interim report of tho above committee was presented to-day. With regard to the petition of F. Grudin and others, of tho county of Waipa (vVaikato), in which they state that rabbits will never become a nuisance in the district, and pray for changes in tho Act so as to permit of small areas such as road districts being formed into rabbit districts within the meaning of the Act of 1886. The report says : —" Your committee is of opinion that the petitioners underestimate the great damage and loss likely to arise from tho rabbit pest in the Waipa district. It cannot, therefore, recommend that the enforcement of tho Act should bo relaxed, nor does it deem it advisable that less than 200,000 acres should bo formed into a district for tho purpose of local administration of tho Rabbit Act." SMALL FARMERS. A return of small farmers who have arrived in the colony prior to the 27th of April last, in terms of the regulations of 1885, show that 351 souls, of whom 270 were adults, have arrived; paid by colony towards passage money, £2713 ; capital known to tho Agent-General as in possession of passengers, £38,895. AUCKLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

The annual reports of the School Inspectors were laid upon the tabic, but tho information has all been anticipated.

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.

The Government Printer's annual report on Government printing, shows that work to the value of £27,3113 was executed by the Department last: year ; the receipts from Gazettes and official publications, £2697, as against £1576. The number of employees has ranged from 129 to 161. Victoria issues 50 per cent fewer copies of publications than New Zealand does.

THE RETRENCHMENT COMMITTEE.

The Retrenchment Committee sat again to-day. A resolution was passed to the effect that the Government be requested to undertake during the recess a further systematic reduction on the Estimates to the extent of £100,000 at least. In accordance with this resolution Mr. Goldio communicated with the Premier, requesting that he would receive a deputation from the committee in the evening. It was also arranged at the above meeting that Mr. Monk should intercept Supply by a motion requesting the Government to introduce a Bill for further effecting reforms in the Departmental services of the Government.

THE INTERVIEW WITH THE

PREMIER.

A deputation, consisting of Dr. Fitchett, and Messrs. oldie, R. Thompson, Taylor, Monk, Peacock, Guinness, Withy, and .Lawry, waited upon the Premier this evening, re tho desirability of further retrenchment in the public service. Mr. Goldie, who has been the most indefatigable worker on the solf-constitutcd retrenchment committee, introduced the question to be considered, and at considerable length traced what the committee had done, and the conclusion arrived at as to where reduction could be made. They had got no further than class 10, but they were satisfied that up to that point no less a sum than £40,000 could be saved. The Premier expressed great satisfaction at tho work which the committee had done, though he urged upon tho members present to confine themselves to facts and figures based upon correct data, and not upon rumours made in the street, and intimated that, whilst he had a great respect for the Auckland Financial Reform Association, ho believed they had arrived at their conclusions without making their positions tenable in this way, but he should deal with that Association in the House. Messrs. Peacock, Monk, R. Thompson, Dr. Fitchett, and others spoke, tho latter gentleman wishing it to be understood that no one gentleman present was bound by tho opinions expressed by any others. The Premier said he. should be pleased to givo full consideration to what had been said and done by tho committee, and he would assist in effecting any retrenchment when it could be done with justice and without impairing tho efficiency of the service. Ho also dealt with the apparent irregularities in tho Civil Service, and pointed out whero injustice would be inflicted if certain suggestions were adopted. Speaking generally, the Premier appeared satisfied with tho work done by the committee, but tho impression conveyed to some members was that the Premier considered the conclusions arrived at ro certain items of retrenchment were not based on a sufficient knowledge of the whole merits of tho case. The meeting, however, was characterised by the best of feeling, and, as stated, tho Premier expressed high appreciation of the honesty of purpose of the gentlemen forming the committee. Mr. Thompson agreed with Mr. Goldie that the course adopted, viz., to wait upon the Premier as indicated was the best thing to do, but he was unable to attend the meeting. THE ESTIMATES. On going into Committee of Supply Mr. Monk intercepted by his motion re departmental services, and spoke very effectively on the retrenchment question. Mr. Fish made a sneering speech at tho efforts of what he termed the " Skinflint Committee." Sir John Hall scouted any idea of further retrenchment in the way indicated by Mr. Monk. It was only possible by retrenching the luxuries the country now enjoyed. As

tiho Opposition were indisposed to go on with the Estimates till they had seen tho Premier's Civil Service Roform Bill, Mr. Seddon moved tho adjournment of the debate, and it was carried in the teeth of tho Government by a majority of nine. The following is the division list : —Ayes, 34 : Atkinson, Beetham, Buchanan, Cowan, Dodson, Feldwick, Fergus, Fisher, Fulton, Graham, Hall, Hamlin, Hislop, Hocljjkinson, Hutchison, Jackson, Lawry, Lovestam, T. McKenrie (Clutlia), McGregor, Mills, Mitchelson, Moat, O'Conor, Parata, : Peacock, Pyke, G. F. Richardson (Mataura), I Ross, Seymour, Taipua, T. Thompson (Auckland N.), Turnbull, Valentine, Whyte. Noes, 43: Allen, Anderson, Ballance, Blake, Brown, Bruce, Buxton, Cadman, Duncan, Fifcchefct, Fitzherbert, Fraser, Goldie, Grey, Grimmond, Guinness, Hobbs, Hodgkinson, Jones, Joyce, Kelly, Kerr, Lance, Larnach, Macarthur, M. J. S. Mackenzie (Mount Ida), Marchant, Monk, Moss, Newman, O'Caliaghan, Percival, R. H. J. Reeves (Inangahua), W. P. Reeves (St. Albans), E. Richardson (Kaiapoi), Seddon, Smith, W. J. Steward (Waimate), Taiwhanga, Taylor, R. Thompson (Marsden), Walker, Ward, Wilson, Withy. TO-NIGIIT'S DIVISION. The division was a surprise, but nothing was intended by it further by the Opposition than to show the Premier they nad a little independence. Other members voted with them to gain time for consideration, but with no hostile intention against the Government. If the economists insist upon a lump reduction, which he deems inexpedient, he may consider his position. It is understood the Government are anxious to pet on with the Estimates, fearful if the Protectionists get the tariff through they might leave them in the lurch immediately afterwards. The latter disown the imputation. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. I understand the salary of the Engineer-in-Chief is to be reduced by £200, and that of the Assistant Engineer-in-Chief by £100 or £150, besides large reductions in the Public Works Department. FAIR RENT BILL. Th ') Waste Lands Committee have struck Out he appeal clauses, and reduced the measure considerably. It is expected that the xlovernmcnt will decline to proceed with it in its emasculated form, and that Sir George Grey will protest against the alteration. POINT RESOLUTION AFFAIR. The Premier, Sir George Grey informs me, has looked into the papers concerning this business, and informs him that he asks time to consider the question. Sir Harry will bring it before the Cabinet, and communicate the decision as to their course of action on Tuesday next. MISCELLANEOUS. A petition was presented, to-day, by Sir G. Grey, from Michacl Gill, praying for a grant of land. A return to order of Mr. R. Thompson shows tho cost of the South Canterbury rabbit fence as £4666, and tho total length is 42 miles.

Mr. Cadman inquires of th« Government what action they intend to take in tho matter of tho petition of George Lindsay and others.

The Minister of Education has issued a circular to Education Boards with reference to tho danger through fire to school buildings by allowing their use for dancing and other festive gatherings. Through representations of Mr. Graham, the Gisborne Harbour Board and Government have jointly arranged for a complete survey of the Gisborne Harbour.