PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9435, 5 August 1889, Page 5

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

WrcixiXGTON', Sunday. THE WEST COAST COALFIELDS. It is currently reported that some startling facts will come to light when the report of the Committee on the West Coast coalfields is laid on the table. It is said that all these mines arc practically in the hands of a leading shipping company, which is able to control the market and the output. It is also stated that all the properties havo been let by the Government on long leases from GO to 99 years, consequently it is said the only chance of checking the power of the monopoly by obtaining an independent supply is the discovery of a fresh coalfield. It has been known for a long time past that coal beds exist on the banks of the upper Wanganui River, but there will be great difficulty in getting to them until the snugging operations which were commenced some years ago are completed, and as this is about the only known locality whore a coalfield not already being worked exists it will bo necessary that tho colony should keep a sharp eye on the locality in order to prevent the land passing into the hands of the monopolists who now control the mines of the West Coast of the Middle Island. One result of the present inquiries of the West Coast Coalfields Committee will probably be tho resumption of snagging operations in the Wnnganui river with the view of opening up these coal measures, and developing the field. A BLISSFUL CALM.

Since the compromise was effected a complete calm has sot in in matters political. The tone of the House has changed to one of peaco and brotherly love, and members are all in a most friendly mood.

MR. FISH AMD THE MINISTRY. During the discussion of Sir George Grey's amendment, it was Mr. Fish who made a " most furious and amusing onslaught on the Government," who referred to Mr. Scddon as being "cheek by jowl" with the Premier, and to Sir John Hall as the " Mephistopheles of the Ministry," and not the member for Auckland Central, who was erroneously credited with the "furious and amusing onslaught."