PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9268, 2 August 1893, Page 5

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

[by TELEGRAPH — special correspondent.] Wellington, Tuesday. THE GOVERNMENT AND THE FEDERAL COUNCIL. During the recent visit of the Hon. Mr. Ward to Australia, when, as PostmasterGeneral, he attended tho Postal Conference hold at Brisbane, ho then, and subsequently in Sydney and Melbourne, did good werk that at the time promised to bear fruit in tho direction of intercolonial reciprocity of trade on certain liines. Such agreement would have so relaxed the restrictions of the Australian markets as to have materially benefited New Zealand producers. It was a disappointment to many representatives of free trade, and some fair traders also, that this subject was not referred to in the Speech from the Throne, while the statement in the Budget " that in tho meantime the subject is in abeyance" was not re-assuring, and convoyed the impression to those who concerned themselves with the subject that Mr. Ward's colleagues did not share either his hopes or aspirations on the question they had thus left in abeyance." Since Mr. Ward's visit to Australia great efforts have been made by same of the colonies, notably, Victoria and South Australia, that have hitherto been represented at tho annual Federal Council at Hobart, to enlarge the scope of the Council, increase its number, and induce the colonies that have hitherto hold aloof, Now South Wales and New Zealand, to consent to representation, and thus make a practical forward step towards Australasian federation in tho larger sense. The otlicial invitation to consider this proposal must have boon for some time before the Cabinet here, for their reply is looked for. From such indirect evidence as I can gather I think the answer will be adverse, ami that Mr. Ward to tho contrary notwithstanding, the New Zealand Government will decline to bo represented at the coming Federal Council at Hob.irt.

Later. I have seen the- Premier, and ho says New Zealand will decline to take part in federation, or move from its present position at present. NATIVE FEDERATION. There is not unanimity in tho native mind in regard to native federation. A meeting of native chiefs from various parts of tho colony is being hold this week at the Wellington hotel, for the purpose of considering the proposals submitted at tho .Maori Parliament. Natives who hail attendo 1 tiio Hastings meeting, and members of both Houses of the Legislature were invited to bo present. The first question considered wan the petition of Major Kemp and others respecting a separate Maori Parliament to ileal with tho whole native question. Major Kemp moved, " That the members present should state what/ they intended to do re the petition, and also with regard to the Bill drafted as a result of the Hastings meeting.'' Mr. Taiaroa, M.L.C, said he mid ilo all he could to givo legislative effect to the measure, and would, if necessary, introduce it to tho Council. Major Kopata was more guarded, and expressed his willingness to support the Bill if it. was of a nature to advance the interest of his people. Mr. Tair.ua, M.H. R., said ho was in favour, as tho majority of his people were in favour. Mr. Kapa, M.H.R., oxpressed himself similarly. Mr. Parata, M U.K., had arrived at the meeting late, and the previous proceedings were ex plained to him, he being requested to keep silence if lie was not prepared to endorse what hail been said by the other speakers. lie, however, took a different view, and unhesitatingly declined. He was not in favour of the proposals, and did not, therefore, intend to support them. His reasons were as follow :— 1. Because the majority of the natives in the South Island had not signified their intention to support the proposals, and, bo far a-* ho know, objected. 'J. Some of his people had requested him not to be associated with any Homo Rule proposals. 3. Because he had presented petitions against the proposals. For these reasons he could not support them.

LAND SCRIP INQUIRY. The Public Accounts Committee this morning commenced an inquiry into the issue of land scrip in the Auckland, Wellington, anil Canterbury districts. There were present:—Mr. Shera (in tho chair), the Premier, the Colonial Treasurer, Sir John Hall, Sir Robert, Stout, Mr. Mills, Dr. Newman, Mr. Guinness, Mr. Coords Hutchison, and Mr. Tanner. Tno issue of serif) in the Canterbury district was first taken, Mr. O'Hara Smith, Audit Inspector, and Mr. Rhodes, M.H.R , being examined. The committee adjourned until tomorrow for the production of papers by tho AuditorGeneral.

THE TARANAKI HIGHWAYMAN. Tho Premier, in answer to Mr. E. M. Smith, member for New Plymouth, said that it would bo a dangerous precedent to «ay they would give a reward, pound for pound, with the amount subscribed at Taranaki to be presented to Harold Thomson for this highwayman capture. On first hearing of the matter, Mr. Seddon sent Mr. Thomson n telegram saying the Government would fittingly reward his conduct, but they could not go further than that.

THE IMPERIAL GUARANTEED DEBENTURES. From time to time members of the Opposition hare anxiously inquired of the Government for particulars of the Imperial guaranteed debentures pledged to the Bank of England, and the delay seemed to imply reluctance on the part of Ministers to give the information. The return was tabled this evening, and shows that the account has not been operated upon since November 2, 1891. The return shows that from October, 1800, to November, 1892, debentures amounting to £200, were pledged to the Bank of England, and of the accruing funds £130,000 was credited to the public works fund, and £130,000 to the consolidated fund. In connection with this return Mr. Richardson has to-night given notice that he will ask the Treasurer how ho reconciles the amounts of the imperial guaranteed debentures in column 2 of the return just laid upon the table, and furnishing particulars of such debentures therein given at £260,000 as the total value pledged to the Bank of England from Ist April, 1890, to :s')th .June, 1893, with the return given at the foot of page 21 of the Financial Statement, that Treasury bills issued in redemption of guaranteed debentures during the year amounted to £356,000." I may add that the total amount of the imperial guaranteed debentures is £800,000. '

TREASURY BILLS. An important return, on tho motion of Mr. Duthie, was laid before Parliament this evening, showing all transactions up to 30th June last in respect to the issue of additional •Treasury bills, as authorised by the Public lie venues Act. It shows that during the period named Treasury bills amounting to £636,000 were issued, and bills to the value of £303,000 redeemed, leaving the value, of the total net issue at £353,000.

N ATI VER EPRES E TATION. Native representation was the basis of the big argument on the Electoral Bill. Mr. Shera moved an amendment, the effect of which was that the Maoris should have equal representation with the Europeans. The Premier thought there should be distinct representation. Captain Russell said if equal electoral rights wore iriven to tho natives, the North Island would be entitled to three members. Major Hamlin said tho present representation of natives was a sham. Mr. Fergus said if the franchise was to be given to European women, why not give it to Maori women? Sir Robert Stout said if the proposd extension was given, they would have a most undesirable class—tho Pukeha-Maori—in the House, until the Maoris could bo got to road English, any interference would destroy their representation. It was idle to talk of abolishing the Native Department, and it was impossible to get rid of the Maori question for years to come unless tho Maori people were killed off. Mr. Taipua avowed that he had changed his views on the women's franchise question because he thought that the Maori and European woman would bo equal, He thought, however, the natives should be consulted. Mr. R. Thompson suggested that Mr. Shera should withdraw his amendment, to which sundry voices from various parts of the House, " Don't." Messrs. Shera and Hamlin wero tellers for the amendment, for which 11 voted and 35 against. Mr. Buckland voted in the minority.

RESULTS OF THE LAND AND INCOME TAX SYSTEM. The Hon. J. G. Ward laid upon the tablo of the House this evening a report by the Commissioner of Taxes aB to the results of the land and income tax system. Contributions by persons and companies are thus summarised as at 30th June last :—12,10!) persons paid the land tax for a result of £103,226, and 251 companies for £69.355. The graduated tax was paid by 1414 poisons, amounting to £44,234, and 77 companies for £23,640 ; and 3211 persons paid income tax amounting to £34,889, and 237 companies £38,738, making a total of land and income tax of £374,088. As compared with the above, the property tax figures show that 25,841 persons paid £246,262, and 486 companies paid £107,905, making a total of £354,187. lb will thus bo seen that the existing taxation has exceeded the result of the property tux by £10,921.

JOTTINGS. The Colonial Treasurer leaves Wellington, to-morrow, for a few days. The return of the writ in the Thames election has boon laid before the House, Mr. McGowan having been elected unopposed. _ The Railway Commissioners state it is true that native or New Zealand coal is carried over some of the railway lines at. a cheaper rate than the imported article. The object of this was the promotion of industries and of settlement.

The Gore Electric Lighting Bill, to which Sir Robert Stout took objection, on the ground that municipalities should not part with monopolies, has, by agreement, been referred back to the committee

Mr. Taipua, tho Maori member, says that the Wost Coast Native Resorves Bill is another efforb by the Government to make tho natives unable to draw their breath. "Wo are handing over ourselves to the Public Trustee and he will have control of us and our lands. I object to such despotic power in tho hands of one man," ho said with much dignity. Tho Premier will feel himself called upon to tako action upon the condition of the Hrunnertoii mines in tho direction pointed by the exports in whom he has every confidence. He thought from the strata formation it was impossible there could bo a subsidence of tho river.

Soveral members spoke against any variation of the will of the late Hon. William Robinson as expressed in the private Bill introduced by Sir John Hall. Tho Premier and Treasurer opposed it, but the Minister for Labour took a directly opposite view, and demolished so completely what his colleagues had advanced that, the introducer of tho Bill said he could not say more in support of it. The effect of the Bill is to subdivide among the heirs the real estate, and Mr. Reeves made a point by saying that he would like to see general legislation to bring about a like result throughout the country Mr. I'inkerton's notice that he would ask the Government to put £1500 on tho Estimates for the Dunedin Hospital was greeted with such a storm of disapproving "Oh, oh's!" as made it appear that the hon. gentleman is not likely to get more than his labour for his pains. Mr. Joyce, of Akaroa, vainly tried to draw from the Minister for Education this afternoon some expression of approval of the kindergarten as part of tho public schools system, but the lion. Mr. Reeves did not respond according to the dosiro of Mr. Joyce. Mr. Taylor wanted to know from the Minister for Works why the caricatures that formerly adorned the walls of the lower press room of the House had been effaced, and by whose order? He had been there, ho said, most effectively represented as being "obsquatulated " upon by the previous speaker. He hid admired that work of art, and used to take ladies to see it. (Hon. members, "Oh, oh.") The Premier was sorry that tho precious picture hid not been copied or placed in the Art. Gallery. It had been effaced for ever. Mr. Fish was in evidence at question time with two notices affecting women and paint respectively. Ho still thinks, apparently, that the operative artist ana his Government critic are alike incompetent. As to poor woman he has laid down a torpedo beneath the surface of the Electoral Bill that, if successfully exploded, may cause her to call the lion, gentleman a wretch," and things like that.

The second reading of the Native Land Validation of Titles Bill has been fixed for to-morrow.

A return has been ordered of the revenue derived from bankruptcy cases in the colony, and the expenditure in the same for the three years from Ist April, 1890.

The Minister for Labour thinks the question of local bodies making by-laws for the register of persons who carry on business as keepers of registry offices for servants may be brought in under the department for Labour Bill.

The engagement made with Dr. McGregor, Inspector of Lunatic Asylums, terminates on the !3lh December next.

A Bill empowering the Public Trustee to pay the rightful owner any small sum of money standing to his credit, without having first to obtain an order of the Supreme Court is in type, and in the course of a few days will be distributed. The Government have considered whether legislative provision may be made, viz., by an amendment of the Public Works Act, to enable the compulsory acquisition upon the payment of full and fair value, of land required for sites for public schools. They are in sympathy with the suggestion but think a clause could be insetted in the Lands for Settlements Act. It is understood an endeavour to do this will be made.

Mr. Fish doubts as to who is really Premier, He is not sure whether the lion, member for Inangahua wags the tail of the Government or whether that appendage is agitated by the Premier. The House would soon have to know.

The Government did not propose placing before the House a copy of tho evidence taken in the Jackson Palmer cum-Revell inquiry, together with the terms of the caretaker's apology; but, Mr. Hhera did. Tim return has therefore to stand over. The (Government in turn oppose Mr. Shera's motion for a return of ail telegrams and correspondence relating to the survey of the Urewera country, which Mr. Shorn says was enforced by the armed constabulary alleged at tho instigation of powerful Europeans. So the two motions stand together. The only difficulty in tho way of an improved San Francisco mail servico has been with the American authorities. This is practically settled, and all is expected to bo completed in the next week or ten days. The Joint Committee on Bills have reported that the Mangawai Harbour Endow ment Bill inferred to them by the Legisla tivo Council is a public Bill. The object of the measure is to vest in tho Mangawai Road Board the lands in the Molesworth township as an endowment for the harbour. Leave has been granted to Mr. Lawry to bring in tho Newmarket Hall Amendment Bill.

Recommendations by committee have boon niiido on petitions as follow :—T. Kennedy, jun., Auckland, that petitioner be granted compensation for the full period he una in tho service of the Lands Department, bub without payment, in lieu of three mouths' notice ; Michael Mullooley, re inability to complete title to Mangaware referred to the Government, with a recommendation that inquiries bo instituted, with a view to finally settle the same.

Amongst petitions presented to-day were tho following:—By Mr. Houston, from residents in Opua, for direct veto; by Colonel Eraser, from Alexander Brodie, Auckland, prayinc that in view of his public services (amongst them his being the means of opening the To Arolm goldfields), that relief may bo granted. Mr. R. Thompson is to ask the Colonial Treasurer whether it is the intention of the Government to settle tho claims of those gentlemen who acted as land tax reviewers at the last triennial valuation, and to ask the Premier whether it is the intion of tho Government to introduce a Bill during the present session to '.jive effect to the desire of the settlers north of Auckland to have the gumtields handed over to the County Councils as an endowment for the maintenance of main roads in that part of the colony. Mr. Houston is to ask the Minister of Marine if he will prescribe a" close season" for mullet on the northeast coast of the North Island.

Tho Government oppose the return of the total number of men employed on cooperative works in each electoral district, but do nob oppose if tho county areas be taken.

At the night sitting, the member for Inangahua moved the adjournment of the debate on the Imprisonment for Debt in

order to take the Electoral Bill. Ministers voted in a body against him, and won by three votes.

Another women's franchise petition has been presented by Sir John Hall, making the total signatures 28,336. Among the items in a "general contingencies " return laid upou the table this evening for the year ended March 31 are travelling expenses of Ministers, £713; carriage hire on reception of Lord Glasgow, £94; Koch's cure for consumption, £105 ; travelling expenses of labour delegates, £23. The Hon. Mr. MeCulloueh has got a promise from Sir Robert Stout, that the latter will introduce the Journalists Bill in the Lower House.

In a memorandum regarding the New Zealand Institute, laid upon the table this evening, Sir James Hector urges the claims of the Institute, particularly in relation to the educational value of its work, upon the consideration of Parliament.

The number of registered insane persons in the colony on the 3lsb December, 1892, was 1917—males, 1154; females, 733 — showing an increase of 39 males and 29 females : total, 08.