POLITICAL NEWS AND VIEWS

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11440, 2 August 1900, Page 6

POLITICAL NEWS AND VIEWS

[by TELEGRAPH. CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Wednesday. THE DEATH OF THE DUKE OF* EDINBURGH. The two speeches on the motion expressing the sympathy of the House of Representatives with the Queen and Royal Family, on the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, left little to be desired. The Premier sjmke with considerable feeling, and all he said was in good taste, while Captain Russell, in his few remarks, said the right thing, and said it in the right way. The resolution was, of course, carried unanimously, though a regrettable little incident occurred iu connection with the motion for adjournment. Mr. McLachlan appeared to tliink that the House should only adjourn until half-past seven,p.m., and not till to-morrow afternoon, and when the Speaker asked if a division was demanded, he replied in the affirmative', amid cries of "No" from all parts of the House.' Mr. McLachlan, however, persisted. While the division bell was ringing, however, Mr. Seddon crossed (lie House, and bad a few words with Mr. McLachlan, the result being that when the question was again put, no "Noes'" were heard, and the adjournment was therefore carried unanimously, to the general satisfaction of members, who felt that a division on such an occasion would be most undesirable. The Legislative Council also adjourned without transacting business after having adopted an address similar to that of Ihe House of Representatives. HOW THE FARMERS ARE TAXED. Under the Government Valuation of Land Act, as passed so lar, water-races, drains, rabbit fences, and similar works are not regarded as improvements, if they have been formed by anyone but the actual owner of the land. For example, if 12 men combine privately to construct any such work, they can claim exemption, but if they combine publicly, and form a drainage, water-race, on rabbit board with ft (lag powers, they cannot claim exemption, although their lands are pledged and rated to pay interest. The lands, too. it may be noticed, have been increased in value, and so subject to increased local rates. This liberal depar tmv will be of interest to farmers, with their thousands of miles of water-races, drains, and rabbit fences. PRESENTATION TO MR. GEORGE HUTCHISON. '1 lie members of the Opposition party met to-night to make a presentation to Air. G. OuU'liisoif, in view of his early departure ior .South Africa. There was an excellent attendance. Captain Russell, in a brief but very happy sjieec-h. spoke of Mr. Hutchisons good qualities as a Parliamentary lighter. He was loyal to his patty and always mist self-denyiim as a party man. I'liey would not say adieu, but an revoir; and would look forward to the day when -Mr. Hutchison would come back to New Zealand. Captain Russell then presented Mr. Hutchison with a solid silver salver | as a token of the kindly feelings of the party to him, and as a permanent record of their goodwill. The plate bore the following inscription: "Geo. Hutchison, Esq., M.H.R., from his comrades in the New Zealand Parliament, July, 1900." Mr. lifiv/is (Cbristchurch) then came forward, j and in a humorous speech, presented the guest of the evening with two portraits of himself (Mr. Hutchison)—Mr. Lewis himself being tin; photographer. They were really first-class likenesses, and were greatly admired by those present. Mr. Lewis said | he hoped the pictures would remind Mr. Hutchison of the days lie had spent among j them. Mr. Hutchison, in reply, heartily ! thanked those present for their kindly j words and good wishes, and for the mementos they had given him. He said he was going next, week to the Transvaal, and would sooner or later have to sever his connection with the New Zealand Parliament. In some respects he was very sorry; it might seem like deserting one's friends, but it was not of course with any such intenI lion that he was going. He believed thai J there was a unique opportunity in South , Africa. It won not likelv that the fortunes ! of the Opposition would be in the aseenI danl for some tima. They regretted this ' from a public point of view, but the majoritv of the people seemed content to forbear from anything like a determined opposition at present. Perhaps the worst revenge they could have on the Government would be to allow them to legislate very much ns they liked. Rut Captain Russell alwavs contended that no matter what the numbers of his followers might be, it was their duty to make the best of the legislation placed before them. Still, when they saw their best, efforts turned against them, and to the advantage of the Government (for they had saved the Government again and again), they were tempted to let the Ministers have their own way to a ve.rv large extent. He was not likely to be absent from the colony for very long. He bad considerable interests here, that would necessitate his returning within the next two or three vein's. He would then look forward to meet'iie all his old friends again, and trusted that their numbers might be largely anginwitd: and if it was to be | three years lienca, he hoped the Opposition | would be a different one. He could not I believe this splendid conn try could long I continue tinder the present domination. The people would rome to see that a change uas not only desirable, but necessary; and he trusted that would be within three years from now. He would still watch with miterest the doings of the Parliament of New Zealand, and one of the most gratifying recollections would Iw the ("kens he had received that night. Mr. Hutchison's health was then drunk in champagne, and those present individually expressed their best wishes for his future welfare.