ECHOES FROM THE HOUSE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 602, 18 August 1883, Page 1 (Supplement)

ECHOES FROM THE HOUSE.

(BY AN INSIDER.)

The beginning of the end is now visible Business is expected to be wound up with a view to prorogation about Friday, the 31st instant. 'ln the short time remaining, the Government cannot carry all the Bills they have introduced ; and the stern duty of ‘‘killing off ” theL weaklings must be performed ere many days. Among the Bills they intend to carry through all stages are Mr Bryce’s two measures dealing with native policy ; the Native Land Laws Amendment Bill, having beau read a second time on Frid <y with only verbal objections, and the Native Committees Bill standing for second reading some day this week. The Legislative Officers’ Salaries Bill may have to be abandoned, if the discussion on second reading presages too .much trouble in Committee, as is too likely. Ihere is no choice but to pass the General Assembly Members’ Expenses Bill, though a peculiar interest attaches to its details, on account of the doubtful position in which members of the Legislative Council are placed by the “ notice to quit ” which was served oo them through the Governor’s opening Speech. Their honorarium will be voted, no doubt, though not without some explosive grumbling from a section of the Lower House, who are threatening to move amendments which can only be called “nasty.” The Property Tax Bill, for putting on another halfpenny, must go through, and is having so easy a passage as to excite surprise. The real fight is said to be reserved for the stage of Committee. If so, the Opposition may as well admit that their functions are abdicated ; for this was the only Government measure against which, the Opposition threatened to make a combined soand, Mr Montgomery and Sir G. Grey uniting against it, and each challenging its principle as against their favorite land tax Having allowed the principle to go, after one of the weakest debates on record, there cannot be much dignity in contesting the difference between a halfpenny and a farthing. Measures of less importance which may be expected to go through are the Land Acts Amendment Bill, Destitute Persons Act Amendment Bill, Impounding Bill, Affirmations and Declarations Bill, Kawhia Township Sale Bill, Property Law Consolidation Bill, Adulteration Prevention Act Amendment Bill, Married Women’s Property Bill, Local Courts Bill, Municipal Corporations Bill, Settled Laud Bill, Electric Telegraph Act Amendment Bill, several local Bills, aid possibly three or four other measures. The Wanganui Bridge Bill is certain to be contested aud denounced as a favor to a supporter who defeated Mr Ballance in the Wanganui contest. It will be defended as a fair and necessary fulfilment, of a provincial obligation. It is said that Mr Ballance has supplied some “ heads ” for making out a case against this taking over of a provincial obligation s but from my personal knowledge of the ex-member, I should be surprised if he had made any unfair attempt to injure Wanganui, even to damage his successful opponent. Mr Montgomery and Mr Fish are the men who chiefly object to this Bill as a local bribe, and the House has got so demoralised by wholesale charges of corruption, that this chance of making one more charge will be eagerly seized by a bitter few. Among Government Bills which have least chance of passing this session are the Fisheries Bill, Auctioneers Bill, Savings Bank Bill, Fire and Marine Insurance Companies Bill, and Volunteer Act Amendment Bill. It is too early to say which will be absolutely abandoned, though another week will bring the crisis. There are about 35 other Bills brought in by private members, and if five of these pass, it is certain the other thirty will not. I ventured to predict a fortnight ago that those Bills of this class which had not then passed the second reading might be regarded as dead. It will now be seen how moderate that judgment was, though it appeared harsh at the time.. Two matters of importance remain to be brought forward. A motion has to be submitted affirming that the constitution of. the Legislative Chamber ought to be elective ; and probably two days will be. needed to debate this large abstract question . The other important matter is Major Atkinson a promised Bill on Compulsory National Assurance; which measure he may or may not submit to a second reading this session, according to the progress of business.