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New Zealand Mail, Issue 816, 21 October 1887, Page 28

Why does a contemporary make such a fuss about the number of portfolios held by Major Atkinson, whereas it was quite happy that the same portfolios should previously be held by Sir Julius Vogel? Is not the sauce for the Vogel goose sauce for the Atkinson gander? And if not, why not ? Sir Julius Vogel administered a deserved snub last week to his indiscreet champion by pointing out that he had held the same portfolios as the present Premier, 20 that no fault could consistently be found on this head. If the present is a */ Pooh-hah ” Ministry, what was its predecessor ?

It may he well to correct one erroneous impression which is apt to arise from the reference in the report of the Dead Letter Office (published in our last week’s issue) to the number of hank drafts,' cheques, &c., which have come into the hands of the office. It might be assumed by those unacquainted with the facts that, because these eheques and drafts did not happen to reach their destinations by the particular letters in which they were found, their value was consequently lost to their owners. This, however, would be an entirely unwarrantable assumption. It was shown *>y a recent inquiry before a very important Commission in Melbourne, that a wholly inconsiderable sum is in the hands of the banks in. respect of notes supposed to be lost, or of cheques and drafts which may have miscarried. The result of a careful inquiry into the same matter made in New Zealand was to show that in every case save one (which was very trifling in amount), the remittees of drafts had received their seconds or thirds of exchange, and that the drafts had been paid. There is a veiy absurd impression abroad even among many well-informed' persons that banks make a “pot” of money out of these lost and unclaimed cheques, drafts, &c., but this idea has been conclusively ascertained to be utterly erroneous.

The Wairarapa North County Council Empowering Bill, introduced: by Mr Beetham, authorises that Council to sell a portion of the Opaki-Manawatu-road reserve to owners of adjacent freeholds.

An elected Governor is the aim of a question by Mr Joyce and a Bill by Sir George Grey, of which notice was given yesterday week.

Me. Vincent Pyke takes exception to the report of the Bible-in-schools’ caucus which was communicated to the newspapers yesterday week. He requests us to state that he did not say he desired to introduce Bihle-reading into Roman Catholic schools, but that he claimed, in the event of the Bible being used in the State schools (of which he is in favour) that the Roman Catholics, should share in the 'capitation grant.

Papers' on Silk Culture in New Zealand, on the Dairy Industry, on Native Affairs, ■on State Forests, and various other subjects, have, been laid on the table of tho House.

A meeting of the Bible-Reading-in-Schools Sub-Committee was held yesterday week, when it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Downie Stewart, that Mr Fulton be requested to introduce the Bible-Reading-in-Schools Bill, which he did accordingly.

Me W. C. Buchanan is still mindful of the firewood trade of the Wairarapa, and ■yyill on next pitting day ask the Minister for Public Works whether the Government will reduce the freight on firewood from Wairarapa.

A petition from Lieut.-Colonel Crowe, presented to the House sets forth that the petitioner arrived- in New Zealand in July, 1846, with a detachment of the 65fch Regiment, and served until 30th January, 1866, when he was discharged. That he was in active service against the enemy at the Horokiwi, on the 6th August, 1846, and at Wanganui on the 10th June and 19th July, 1847, and was actively engaged during the whole of the Taranaki and Waikato wars. That when on the 14th July, 1864, after 21 years’ service, he applied for his discharge, he was entitled to a grant of 80 acres of land m the province of Wellington. He did not receive his discharge owing to the Native war in the Waikato, and thus lost his chance of obtaining l&nd in the province of Wellington. It is also set forth that the petitioner served as an Imperial soldier in New Zealand for nineteen years and a. half, and i has completed twenty consecutive years , service as a Volunteer, He did not prefer

a claim to land, because he was one of a commission appointed last year to inquire into claims for military, naval, and volunteer services. The petitioner therefore prays the House to take the facts into consideration and grant relief. The petition is signed by Alexander Crowe, Lieut.Colonel, New Zealand Volunteer Force, late sergeant and orderly room clerk 65th Regiment. A similar petition was presented on behalf of Richard Davis, late drum-major 65th Regiment, whose claim, however, was considered by the Commission and rejected.

A number of members interested in legislation affecting Native lands was held last Friday morning. There were present -Messrs J. Carroll (who was voted to thechair), Tanner, Marchant, Moat, Russell, Bruce, Wilson, Beetham, and Monk. The matter .of introducing legislation hearing upon the disposition of Native lands was discussed, and although nomotion was passed there was a unanimity of feeling against the system embodied in the Native Lands Disposition Bill. Mir Carroll’s motion for equalising the two races was also discussed,, and generally approved. The meeting was adjourned sine die, to enable other members to he present.

A large number of questions bearing upoli electoral reforms were given notice of in the House last Friday, possibly as a natural result of the experience of the recent elections. Mr T. Mackenzie gave notice to ask whether the Government will consider the propriety of appointing postmasters registrars where practicable ; Mr W. P. Reeves to ask whether arrangements will be made by which the electoral rolls may be put in proper order and condition within the next six months ; and Mr Ward to ask whether the Colonial. Secretary is aware of the unsatisfactory manner in which the electoral rolls of the Colony' have been compiled, and if lie will take whatever steps he may deem necessary to improve the system ? Mr R. Reeves, however, introduced an element of humour into the matter by giving notice to ask whether provision will be made for.: electors voting by telegraph 1

The erection of the post-office still affords material for questions by honorable mem-! hers of the House. The latest is from Mr Taylor, who purposes asking the Government whether they will, before accepting any tender for the erection of the General Post Office in Wellington, consider whether it would not he more economical and more convenient for the Colony that the business of the General Postoffice should he carried on at Christchurch ? Mr Taylor's announcement of this question in the House last Friday caused & good deal of merriment.

The Ministerial residences, expenditure on which used to cause the late Mr W. J. Hurst much anxiety of mind, are to he brought before Parliament when the House meets again, Mr Hutchison having given notice of his intention to move for a return showing (1) The titles, under which the properties known as “the Ministerial residences ” are held, and, in the case of leaseholds, the unexpired term in each case ; (2) the amount of the last valuation, of each property ; (3) an estimate of the present value of the- furnishings of each Ministerial residence.

Me Wares (Awarua) luts. given notice to ask the Postmaster-General, If, in the interests of the Colony, in order to, admit of mails being delivered within the shortest time, he will, in future mail contracts by Direct steamers from Britain, make it compulsory that the mails are landed at the first New Zealand port en route ? This is evidently a suggestion to have the mails delivered at the Bluff. However, as the steamers, come from Hobart to Wellington direct, Wellington is the first port of call.

It is rumoured that among the coming retrenchment measures of the present Government will be the abolition of Education Boards and Land Boards.

The grievances of railway employes are engaging the attention of a great many members of the House, and notice is given every day of a number of questions dealing with them. Three are to he asked on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Ist and 2nd November. Major Steward will ask the Minister for Public Works, Whether, in cases in which men are still fit for their work, he will relax the arbitrary rule which requires the dismissal of all railway employes on their reaching a certain age ? and whether railway employes temporarily incapacitated by sickness are entitled to half-pay or to any compassionate allowance during the time of such sickness ; and, if not, whether he will take such steps as may be necessary to enable such half-pay or allowance to be given out of the amount accumulated to the credit of the railway service fines fund ? Mr Duncan is to a3k the Minister for Public Works, If there have been instructions issued to the gangers on the railway to cause the platelayers to work more than eight hours ; and, if so, if he will cause such overtime to he discontinued except on cases of emergency ? Mr Hutchison Jias a motion, which reads as follows :—That in the opinion of this House it is desirable that the forty-eight hours’ weekly task of the linesmen on the Government railways be so arranged as to terminate at noon qp. Saturdays, subject

to such conditions as may be - necessary for the public safety.

The business of last Friday's sitting of the House was transacted with' all possible expedition, and at eight o’clock an adjournment was made 1 till half-past seven on the evening of the 28bh inst. There wa3 a short and* rather animated debate on the- fortnight adjournment motion'of the Premier,, but Supply was granted without any discussion whatever.

The Wellington College : Governors Bill, introduced by Mr Fisher, provides that the four members of the House of Representatives for Wellington City shall he Governors of the College ex officio, and that any vacancy that may occur shall he filled by the Governor.

Three of the Maori members being well able to address the House in English, Mr O'Callaghan intends to ask whether one of the interpreters cannot, inconsequence, be dispensed with:

Mb Fitzherbert has given notice of the following question, to he put to the Minister of Defence, in fulfilment of an election pledge:—lf lie intends, with a view to retrenchment, to reduce the present number of the Permanent Militia Force-of this C6l6ny, so as to retain tho services of the necessary portion of the Force-only ?

Memcbers of the-House are variously occupying themselves before Parliament meets •• again: A great many have returned' home/ while others are visiting the special settlements in this district, and some are making a tour in HawkesBay, accompanied by Mr Carroll.

Mr W. Nealy, member for Tauranga,. was elected Chairman of the Native' Affairs Committee of the House at a meeting of that body on Saturday morning. Mir Ballance and Mr Hobbs were also proposed hut declined the office.

A meeting of* Auckland members of the House-of-Representatives was held on Saturday, morning at which certain purchases by the • late Government of land for defence purposes were considered. The matter principally discussed was the acquisition of some three-quarters of an acre at Point Resolution. It was stated that the: owner of this, land had a long lease of- five acres, and that, in order- to obtain the area required, the Government obtained ifor him the freehold of the other four acres and a quarter, in addition to paying a large sum of money for that actually acquired. It is believed that the purchase in this way was illegal, and. we- understand that it is quite poasiblfe.' that the Supreme Court will be applied to for a ruling. As the matter stands at present, however, it has been left in the hands of Sir George Grey to take such action as he may think best. It is almost certain that an inquiry will be asked, in which case there may be some remarkable* revelations. At the same meeting ■ the route of the Norths Island Main-Trunk line was considered,, and it was*, decided' to take concerted action with . tho-Taranaki members to endeavour to get the Stratford route adopted, it being believed' that L 200,000 can be saved by the? adoption of that route.

The Caledonian Society may be deservedly complimented on. the valuable educational work it is doing and attempting in Wellington through the medium of; its. special classes. We regret to learn from, the President’s speech that these do not seem to be so much appreciated' as they should he, hut possibly he is right in his view that the comparatively disappointing attendance may be merely due to the fact that the great advantages thus offered by the Society are not; as yet thoroughly understood. We feel sare,.however, that as the public grow familiar with the valuable facilities for self-improvement placed within their reach through the wise liberality of the Caledonian Society they will no longer allow it to be said that such advantages failed to command the appreciation of those for whom they were so generously provided.. We hope and expect that Mr Duthie will have- a more favourable- report to make- on. this, subject next year.

Mr Carroll has given notice of the following important and interesting moticaa • : —“ That in the. opinion, of-this. House (J j It is desirable that as speedily as presets cable all unnecessary distinctions hefcwe en the inhabitants of this. Colony should he abolished so, far as it can he effected , by the mode of our legislation and our system of administration; (2) Tha' 0 our statutes, State records, and public , documents should he so framed as to tend to obliterate rather than to maint a in distinctions between the two races : (3) That it is expedient to effect complet , e equality wherever possible in the position of the inhabitants of the Colony, -g 0 that the same laws as to property ar M the rights and privileges of citizenshi p B hall apply to all alike ; (4) That it -*8 desirable to appoint a Select Comnr fittee of members of this House f with power to confer with anr y similar Committee appointed b T y the Legislative Council to consider ar.id suggest means by which equalisation nr ,ay be expedited, and whatever tends needlessly to show and perpetuate distinctions may be abolished till every reference to one race or another may he rendere'i unnecessary, all being treated and referred to alike as the people of New Zealand.” Mr Carroll was not

only greeted' with l hearty' cheers l on giving riotice of- this-remarkable motion, but also received- some cordial- compliments in the subsequent debate. An eloquent and iiotabfe speech may be expected from him when he moves the motion, and it is sure to elicit an- exceptionally interesting discussion. It is -very' gratifying. to> find a Native member coming,: to-the front on such ground as • this.

The Maori members oS'Farliamenfc,Messrs Taiaroa; Paratay Carroll,' and Taiprna, waited on the Minister, for- Native Affair® on Tuesday, and • urged -the- necessity for 1 simplifying, those clauses in the- Native Lands Administration-Act. which refer torenewals of leases to Europeans,. Mr •Mitchelson said it was the; intention* of thes Government to bring in a-Bill this-session to do what was- asked. 1 . He also- stated,, in reply to a question,- that the Government intended to bring a Bill to-repeal; the Crown and Native Lands Rating, Act.. MrParata drew the Minister’s afctenfciontothe Stamp Act as far as. referring; to -Native ■ leases, and ' suggested that the fees payable under this A6t should eifcher. be; abolished or collected yearly. The-Minis-tes- said lie thought the request a reasonable one,'and promised to * consider;-itC.

In another column * we--publish, a? very interesting letter on some-new possibilities! in the flax industry. The-writer,. MrC. J- Pownall,-. is - weMi known, as-; an; enthusiast in the cause, and if lie be nob over-eanguine as to the--capacities- of his. new machine—which .* can. only he- tested, by practical experience-:—there really does seem, to he great future -promise-in fcliis quarter, so long .under-.a cloudL Tile,- establishment of such an industry, on.profitable terms would be a boon-to- idie-Colony of incalculable value. . 1

It is to be hoped that the-experiment about to he tried as to the oJeetric:-.light-ing of this city will pr.ove.in everyway, successful. The lighting of Wellington haslongr been a public inconvenience -and- a. public discredit. . Apart from this*, however, the* Gas Company’s monopoly has, lasted quite long enough* , and 3; is. high time there was competition, of., some. sort. If once an efficient mode ■ of: lighting by electricity-can only he established here, there is no.doubt, that many paivate customers would be cnly, toon glad: to share its advantages, . Widespread: dissatisfaction prevails as to the quality ofthe-gua supply, the excessive charges imposed! k>y the Gas Company, and the media in* which they are levied —notably the systeaa of measurement and the practice? of <cl larging rent for the metern. As. ih is- vaar y justly and forcibly pointed in; ar pataffon to Parliament (now. being* uuniewjusly signed), there? is no provision: foe any official inspection by a., public; arid independent officer .of, the meters, for- which rent is demanded by the Company. Official application has "been* mtel e within the last twG months to the; Han pector of Weights and Measures for andiM .pection of meters, but that officer- hast declined to undertake. the..-duty:. "In consequence of this. absence - of, prow ision in the Act, the Company's., customer s are debarred from obtaining such. a» o/g rtainty as to the corj rectness.-, of: meter® as they are justly en- ' titled to ■ obtain:. It is very reasonably thah gas ought to be placed in the same position; j in this respect as milk, or bc@r, or gneoear i es> or any other articles .supplied tp the.: j public by weight or measure.. Again:,, ti? lG re is also no provision :for any offioia J inquiry at reasonable intervals by/ a . public and independent j officer into 1 the quality of the light supplied; Ity- it? ie Company and of its probable. ’teas/ enable cost. Consequently ! customers, hr ave no guarantee, as they are justly entail led to have, that they are paying, a prop* 3r price to the Company for an article, o£ proper and sufficient quality. We hep© this petition will be a “monI ster ’* our . e , and that it will have the effect ,of h-riay ing the whole question under the revisit)’ a of Parliament.

%Ve comment strongly elsewhere upon the discreditable scene in the Opera Hr juse on Monday night. We sincf ,-rely trust that that gory and reP .ulsive spectacle, with it 3 surroundings of 7 Drutality, will have at least served one good turn—that of bringing about the stoppage of such disgusting exhibitions. It is to he hoped, at any rate, that the proprietors of the Opera House, and of every respectable building in the city, will henceforward refuse to let their property be disgraced and depreciated in value by becoming the scenes of these objectionable performances.