PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10412, 9 April 1897, Page 6

PARLIAMENT.

[it !iuajum,-FBK*e association.] LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Thdbsdat.

The Council met at ten o'clock,

CBAIKBf AH OF COMMITTEES. The Hon. D. Bailiie was elected unopposed Chairman of Committees. BANK Ot NEW ZEALAND. Mr. Obmohd gav* notice to ask whether, on the report of the liquidator of the J. G. Ward Farmers' Association, the Government intended to take any itept in respect to the position of the present president ot the Bank of New Zealand, and of representing the colony in that institution. THE ADDRESS-IN-REPLT.

[ Mr. Pinkerton" moved the Address inReply, declaring it devolved on the colony to lend the Premier and a sufficient force to worthily represent the colony in England. The Premier's visit would be of advantage to the colony. New Zealand bad everything to win and nothing to lose by accepting Mr. Chamberlain's invitation. Mr. Kellt seconded and said preference in the native contingent should be given to the descendants of those who had done service on the battlefield. Sir G. Whitmobe supported a handsome representation of the colony. Mr. Orhond said that the present sestion was unnecessary and that the colony should not have boon pub to the expense. He regretted that Parliament was nod to meet it the usual time. It would be quite easy for the Premier to go home, and Parliament meet in June, when such questions as hie collegues desired could be discussed in his absence. Other members having spoken, the address was carried, and committees appointed to consider the course to be taken to represent the colony at the Record Reign Celebrations. LEGISLATIVE APPOINTMENTS. Mr. Oliver moved " That copies of the correspondence between the late Governor and the Secretary of State for the Colonies respecting the appointment of members to the Council be laid on the table."

Sir G. Wmitmork seconded. Mr. Feldwick moved the previous question.

The Minister of Education said there was no unusual departure in the matter. Mr. Oliver then agreed to withdraw his motion, and Mr. Feldwick his amendment. Mr. Reynolds dissented, and argument ensued, which was only ended by Mr. Bonab moving the adjournment of the debate for a week.

The Council adjourned at 5 p.m. til! 11 to-morrow morning. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday. The House met at 10 o'clock. A QUESTION Or FRIVILEOE. . Sir R. Stoitt raised a question of privilege respecting the luspeniion of the Standing Orders relating to the precedence of Government business on Wednesday and Thursday, and complained tnat members of the Government had improperly altered the Order Paper, and put their own motion before those of private members whoso notices were tabled first. The Smaker said the Order Paper had been prepared by the Clerk of the House, and had not been altered in each a way as to constitute a breach of privilege. ADJOURNMENT. The House adjourned for a-quarttr of an hour to allow the Speaker to present the address to the Acting-Governor. WELLINGTON UNIVIRBITY. Replying to a question the Premier laid he did not favour converting the Mount Cook gaol into a university, but be might favourably consider the question of miking, during the second session, provision for the Wellington University. HALF-HOLIDAY FOR LINE-MKN. The Minister of Railways said in view of providing for the safety of the travelling public he could not give railway lineman a Saturday half-holiday. THE TELEPHONE BATES. The Postmaster-General explained that the increase of telephone rates wan due to a loss on the system, and with extension there would be a' further loss. The amount of loss roughly estimated was £4000, and he pointed out that New Zealand rates were the lowest in the world. LIGHT RAILWAYS. . It was stated that the Government would consider the question of preparing an estimate of the cost of completing the Midland railway by light railways. TAX 0.1 TRAVELLERS. The Premier said he could not see his way to relieve foreign commercial travellers of the £50 license fee. ADVANCES TO SETTLERS. The Minister oe Lands said the Government had 'nob taken et«ps to raise the second million and α-half for advances to settlers, as a portion of the previous loan was still in hand. ALLEGED MISREPRESENTATION. The Government, it was stated, had taken steps for the arrest of an officer of the Accident Insurance of New Zealand for alleged misrepresentation in the Wairarapa district.

N?W ZEALAND AND THE QUEEN'S DIAMOND JUBILEE. Mr. Seddos moved that a committee'be appointed to consider the best means of appropriately representing New Zealand's congratulations on the completion of the 60th year of the Queen's reign. Such a course, he thought, would give pleasure to every member of the Legislature, and the committee, he knew, would draw up an appropriate address. Captain Russell, in seconding, said Her Majesty's happy reign was an epoch almost unparalleled in the world's history. Mr. Roli.eston felt that an address would be drawn up which would do justice to New Zealand. Mr. Carroll, on behalf of the native race, expressed the pleasure fell) at such a motion being proposed, and he referred to the complete unity existing between the natives and Europeans. The four native members strongly supported the motion, and referring to the Premier's visit to England, said they would like to see him accompanied by some leading chiefs. Messrs. Mills and Monk also supported the motion, the latter suggesting that the Government should make the distinguishing feature of the Jubilee the placing of the natives on exactly the same footing as the Europeans in respect of the disposal of their lands. The Premier, in replying, mi that it was only to prevent the natives becoming landless that the Legislature stepped in and acted the part of a good parent. The motion was carried unanimously. SUPPLIES. The Public Revenue Act Amendment was introduced and the second reading ordered for this afternoon. The House adjourned till 2.30. On the House resuming at 2.30, The Hon. J. McKjsnzik moved that the House heartily appreciates the opportunity of' the colony being represented at the public celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne, and cheerfully approves of the Premier's acceptonce of the invitation of the Secretary of State to take part in such celebration. He dilated upon the fact which rendered it necessary that the colony should be represented on such an occasion, and that the cost of the trip should be voted by Parliament. What the cost would be he was not prepared to say at present, bit he had no doubt thai members would cheerfully vote

it. The Hon. J. Carroll seconded the motion, and urged that the Hone* should rise to the occasion, and recognise the importance of their empire. There might, he said, be some oi their own subjects in diitress and requiring relief, but (he loftiness of the event about to come off was one that should be looked at with becoming respect. His aspiration was to aes the natives ind colonials properly represented at the Quean's celebration. Captain Romill supported the proposal that they should Mod a representative to England, and that the Premier should represent the colony. He would like to understand, however, that the nbsence of the Premier would not be unnecessarily prolonged, and that the ordinary Parliament should meet not later than would allow of mitten being '<% discussed before Christmas. There was, he said, a tacit understanding between such ' members of the Opposition as could be got together and the Government, that ParlianMat would meet not Uter than September 15. He read the corttipoodinc*

with the Premier, re his proposed visit to England. At the letter's request he came to Wellington and discussed the matter. Captain Russoll urged that supplies be granted only until August 31, bat subsequently September 30 was agreed upon, and this would enable Parliament to be convened by September 15. The 14th of October was never mentioned at the interview. Parliament would nob be curtailing the Premier's pleasure in England by insisting that the ordinary session should open nob later than September 30. Parliament should be convened by that date, whether the Premier was present or not. Mr. Siddon aaid that what he told Capt. Ruseell was that he would refer the matters discussed to his colleagues. Be said Capt. Russell must have misunderstood him, and be could aeeure the House that he never agreed upon Parliament being convened not later than September 30. He said it was in the interests of the colony that matters of great importance should be fully discussed, and he pointed out that tho discussion would render it necessary for him to stay in England until a time which would nob permit of an early session. The Pacific Cable was of the utmost importance, and it was desirable that they should have the cable on British soil. Another great queetion was that the producers of the colony were suffering injustice, and both aides would agree that when at home be should move in the direction of having some alteration made. Uβ declared that New Zealand was paying twice the freight for produce that Australia was. When the colonial Premiers were at home they could, as a body, move in the direction of abating many disabilities under which producers now suffer. He contended it was quite necessary that the Premier should be present at the opening of Parliament, no that in the speech from the throne he could place the proposals of the Government before the colony. No doubt the Opposition could get along very well in the absence of the Premier, but that did not suit him, As to the 14th October, he would assure the House that next session would not meet later than September 30. If, as bad been at first suggested, he should return by August 31 without doing anything, the Opposition would point to him with scorn, stating, here is your leader, what baa he done ? and he could assure the House when he returned he would give them some results of benefit to the colony. While in London he would endeavour to do honour to New Zealand, and with dignity. Sir Robert Stout said, in referring to the great freedom possessed in England that every act of the present Ministry was in direct opposition to what had attained such freedom. Spoils to the victors was the watchword of the Ministry. It was useless for anyone to aspire to a position or advancement in the Civil service unless he was of, the right political colour. He thought the Premier should accept the invitation to represent the colony at tho celebrations. They were, however, not sending him to discuss the frozen meat question. That could easily be discussed without the Premier's presence in London. Other questions, such as the Midland Kailway, etc., could be arranged by letter or cable, and if it was for theee the Premier was going, then he thought he should not leave Wellington. The Premier, replying to Sir K. Stout, said the present resolution only referred to his visit to England, and not as regards tho military contingent. What the Government would do in tho matter would be decided later.

Sir R. Stodt, continuing, taid be cordially supported the motion, but regretted that the Parliament of New Zealand could not meet in the absence of tha Premier. Ib was to his mind a slur on the Ministry, and established a dangerous precedent. Mr. Fishes thought it was not a fitting occasion on which they should have to listen to a vitriolic speech, and the outpourings of a disappointed man. The action of Captain Russell, he said, would receive the commendation of the people throughout the colony. He did not think the stay of the Premier should be limited, as ample time should be given him to diecuea the questions mentioned in tliu invitation, besides those of the Pacific cable, the Midland railway, frozen meat, and New Plymouth bondholders. He supported the sending of a contingent. Mr. Wason regretted that the question of aending troops had not been included in the motion as they would have to go over the whole matter again, and perhaps have an acrimonious debate. He supported the proposal for the Premier to go home and also troops if only a reasonable sum was asked for.

Mr. Masse: regretted there had been any misunderstanding between the Premier and the leader of the Opposition. He fully supported the motion. CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES. Before the dinner adjournment, the Premier gave notice that) ha would move, to-morrow, that Mr. A. R. Guinness be elected Chairman of Committees. The House adjourned 5.30. The House resumed at 7.30. Mr. G. Hutchison twitted Mr. Fishor with his change of front, and quoted from his previous speeches, to show how in former sessions he had been most distrustful of the Government he was now supporting. He moved an amendment, that the contingent to accompany the Premier should not comprise more than 30 men. Mr. Wabd regretted that any acrimony had been introduced into the debate. Everyone admitted that the Queen ahould have a fitting celebration, and that the colony should be thoroughly represented. He regretted the misunderstanding between Mr. Seddon and Captain Russell. What was the meaning of the amendment, seeing that Captain Raesell'e memo, in the interview with the Premier was a dieapproval of a contingent going Home. Referring again to the celebration, he said that the relation of the Queen to the seven crowned heads of Europe had frequently tended to prevent the outbreak of hostilities, therefore the colony should not grudge spending three or four thousand pounds in sending Home the Premier and a contingent. The Premier, he said, should have all reasonable time to perform the duties devolving upon on him while absent. Messrs. Fbaseb and Ckowtmer regretted the acrimonious discussion, but supported tne motion.

The Premier explained the interview with Captain Russell, stating that the latter was under a misunderstanding. There was only, he said one meaning to the amendment by Mr. Hutchison, and that was for party purposes. Mr. Seddon added he had asked Captain Russoll if the amendment was moved with the sanction of the Opposition, but the leader of the Opposition had tendered no reply. Earlier in the day he had said the resolution under discussion referred only to himself, yet the amendment came down and it was unfortunate in that respect, and more so that Captain Russell remained silent.

Mr. Hutchison agreed to) withdraw the amendment if the Premier would give an assurance that he would submit the question on the contingent going home to tlie House. « Mr. Seddok said he would* submit a proposal to the House to-morrow, and thereupon Mr. Hutchison withdrew the amendment. Mr. Monk supported the Premier's visit, but thought he should not interfere with commercial matters, not having had the necessary business training to deal intelligently with them. At 10 o'clock the mover replied thanking the House for the manner in which his motion had been accepted. He denied that the Premier domineered over the Cabinet as had been eaid. Sir K. Stout had said that the present Ministry was the most corrupt ever in the colony, bub brought forward no facts to substantiate the statement, and he warned the lion, member to be more careful in his remarks in the future. Referring to the misunderstanding between the Premier end Captain Russell, as to the date for which Supply would be granted, he declared that.immediately after the Premier's interview with the leader of the Opposition the Cabineb decided to leave the question open till the early session of Parliament. The motion was carried on the voices. WELLINGTON LOAN BILL. The Wellington Sanitation Loan Bill patted through Committee without amend* ment, and the third reading fixed for tomorrow. PUBLIO REraeia BILL. * Mr. Siddom moved the second reading of the Public Revenues Act Amendment) Bill. ; ,' ' '• '; :; 7 : -Vv" ■' The Hon. Mr. Richardson pointed oub that under clause 3 ot the Bill unauthorised expenditure hid jumped to £180.000, u

azainstj £44,000 for 1892-3J£11,555 for' 1893-4, £20,384 for 1894-5, and £88,89'.' for 1895-6. Referring to the memorandum on the finances read by the Colonial Treasurer he said one remark therein, that there was really a surplus, seemed to him to throw some doubt) on the possibility of previous surpluses. The Advances to Settlers did not meit with his approval, and would to his mind result in loss to the colony. Again, the public works fund was in an unsatisfactory condition, and but little would be left for winter employment. Sir R. Stout thought the Bill gave the Government an unlimited amount of money, and urged an alteration of some clauses. After dealing with the increased amount for unauthoriaed expenditure, he pointed to the increased expenditure last year. Such increase was no less than £145,520, and of this £122,193 was departmental expenditure. Loan expenditure and interest was increasing, therefore it was imperative to rtduce expenditure. Mr. Rolleston wondered at the responsibility of bbe Government undertaking the postponement of Parliament until the time proposed. He thought a great principle was involved. The Premier would be wise if he decided to convene Parliament nob later than the middle of September. There were vital subjects of importance to the public which required the consideration of Parliament at the earliest possible opportunity. He instanced the banking business, which if not settled as soon as possible would be a gross public scandal, There were matters of charitable aid and local Government requiring attention. Replying to Mr. Rolleston the Premier said if any men were sent home they would not number more than fifty with officers. He was dissatisfied at the postponement of Parliament on constitutional grounds, and regretted that the Premier could not go home without the suspension of the usual Parliamentary institutions. He explained the reason of increased unauthorised expenditure, stating that the period for which it was required was a time when the least revenue was collected, therefore an increased amount was necessary. The Bill was read a second time, and the House adjourned at 1.55 a,in. till 2.30 tomorrow. '