PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10835, 19 August 1898, Page 5

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Thursday. ORCHARD AND GARDEN PESTS. Tnis morning Messrs. Monk and R. Thompson were examined by the Agricultural and Stock Committee in connection with the Orchard and Garden Pests Bill. The taking of evidence has been completed, and the consideration of the Bill itself will now be proceeded with. NOXIOUS WEEDS. A native petition will be presented to the House to-morrow, protesting against the passing of the Noxious Weeds Bill, on the ground that it affects native lands, and has not been interpreted into the Maori language. The matter appears to be one of considerable importance to the natives. CIGARETTE SMOKING. The Women's Christian Temperance Union of New Zealand is petitioning Parliament to introduce legislation prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to young persons under 16 years of age. THE WELLINGTON-LYTTELTON SERVICE. ■The Wollington-Lyttelton Steam Feny Service Committee met again to-day. Mr. Ronayne, of the Railway Department, and Mr. Gray, Secretary of the Post Office Department, were examined, but no evidence of much public interest was elicited. Mr. Gray gave evidence regarding the cost of carrying the mails. It did not appear that there would be any saving by an accelerated service, or any very great benefit. JURIES BILL. The Judges of the colony have been consulted in reference to the Juries Bill. They have expressed themselves in favour of the retention of special juries, but they are indifferent as to grand juries. > RAILWAY ROLLING STOCK. I am authorised to state that, anticipating the favourable vote of the House on his proposed expenditure of £200,000 on railway rolling stock, the Minister for Railways has issued instructions for a number of artisans who were discharged from the railway workshops to be taken on again. Some of the men have already been re-engaged.