PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10413, 10 April 1897, Page 5

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

[by telegraph—special coRHKsrONDEKr.] WmiKGTOX, Friday. PAIR RENT AND OLD AGE PENSIONS. Some of the ghosts of last year's legislation are beginning to trouble tho members of the new Parliament. The Hon. Mr. Steward gave notice of a question to ascertain from the Government whethor they would brieg in a Fair Rent Bill next session. Mr. Joyce asked the sumo question in respect to the Old Age Pension Bill. THE BAM OF NEW ZEALAND. Reports have been prevalent that a new general manager of the Bank had been appointed, The rumour is premature. The Hon. Mr. Osmond, however, brought the question of the relations between the Government and the president of the Bank before the Legislative Council. The Minister of Education asked time to confer with his colleagues. THE STRENGTH OF PARTIES. The proceedings, upon the motion of the Freinior, for the appointment of Mr. Guinness proved to bo very important. In a House evidently whipped up by the Government, and immediately after a Government caucus, the division gave 35 for Mr. Guinness and 32 against—that is three of a majority. Tho announcement was received with Opposition cheers. POLITICAL BARGAINS. The disagreement between the Premier and tho leader of the Opposition as to the time Parliament should moet, arose again. The Premier suggested that there was a misapprehension on (he part of the leader of the Opposition. It was n fair bargain between the parties concerned, Mr. Rolloston objected to " bargains'' between leaders of parties. Such bargains took the real control of the issue out of tho hands of Parliament and consequently out of the control of the people. They interfered with the proper dignity of tho House. They wore dangerous to the froedom of Parliament. There should be perfect confidence between parties that no advantage would be taken by one or the other. Ho regretted that tho experience of lion, members was that n candid statement was not always made in tlieso matters involving the finance of the colony. Ho considered tho extension of the Public Revenues Bill for tlireo months was ample to enable Parliament to meet on tho 30th of September. The Premier said ho did not want to go Homo, He had carefully explained tho whole position, and if it did not meet the viows of i.ho Opposition the responsibility would not be with him. BUSINESS OF PARLIAMENT. Although it id understood that tho onsiness of the present session will bo concluded to-morrow, there were on tho ;order puper to-day 72 questions, 21 notices of motion, and four Bills in various stages.