POLITICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 858, 10 August 1888, Page 28

POLITICAL NOTES.

A want-of-confidence motion was sprang on the House as a surprise yesterday week by Mr Walker just before the dinner adjourn* ment. It took the form of an amendment to Supply in favour of suspending the operation of the Representation Act until after the next census. A like motion was moved last year by Mr Seddon, and, singularly enough, each met with exactly the same fate o£ rejection by a majority of 21.

Mr McGregor had an unpleasant experience last week. When the voices were taken on the “no-confidence motion "the Opposition did not seem inclined to call for a division, and with a view, no doubt, to forcing them to show their weakness, Mr McGregor called for it. Consequently he was compelled to vote against the Government, and there was much jubilant merriment amongst the Opposition when the Government Whip was actually appointed a toller for tbe noes.

The Select Committee to whom was referred the Gisborne Harbour Bill reported yesterday week that the works already carried out are practically useless; that the evidence taken goes to show that if the breakwater be carried out to a length of 1160 ft the smaller steamers and vessels frequenting the port of Gisborne conld use the wharf in ordinary weather, which will be of some service to the district; that to carry the breakwater out to 1160 ft will cost about an additional £40,000 ; that the present income only jnst meets the present expenditure of the Board ; that the expenditure of £40,000 involves an increased charge on the district, to be met either by increased wharf charges and port dues, or an increase in the present rate, or both, amounting to about £2OOO per annum. The Committee recommend that, subject to certain conditions, the work be allowed to proceed.

Mr Fish gave the House abundant proof last night week that his power of repartee makes him rather a dangerous customer to make fun of. Mr Fish whenever he speaks has to withstand a running fire of. interjections from a certain quarter of the Chamber where sit the playful Mr Richard Reeves,, the wily Mr Hutchison, and other kindred now in Opposition. Last' night Mr Fish w„axed warp§|spon the perfidy of the Opposition, and openly charged some members with having no other object than to get “the loaves and fishes of taxation.” “Oh no,” said Mr Reeves, “we don’t want any fish !’’ The laughter provoked by this smart rejoinder interrupted Mr Fish for a few moments, but when it had died away he pointed out that the Oppoßiton did want fish, for though they had lost the original article, they had got a “ pyke.” A little later Mr Fish alluded to the “ elephantine playfulness ” of Mr Kerr, and hoped that that gentleman would not shatter a glorious constitution and magnificent pbysiqne by overstraining himself in replying to him (Mr Fish).

■ The advisableness of substituting death by electricity for hanging was brought before theJGovernment yesterday week by Mr Taylor in the form of a question. The hon member declared that he spoke in the interests of humanity, and in tho same interest advocated an innovation which was worked with entire satisfaction to all parties in Germany and America. Members considering this somewhat ludicrous laughed immoderately, and Mr Taylor sternly deprecated this jocular levity on a Berious subject; whereupon Mr Seddon was moved to make a pun, which, like the joke of Davie Deans, waa his first and only one, and said the subject was a “jugular one.” The Premier replied that the subject was well worthy of consideration, and he would undertake to consider it during the recess, without, however, making any promises.

Yesterday week Mr Menteath asked the Minister for Public Works if he will take the necessary steps to determine the route for an extension of the Wellington-Masterton Railway toward Newtown ; and if he will make provision for acquiring any land that it may be necessary to acquire for such extension ? The Premier replied that this was one of the very desirable arid important works which it would' be necessary, in the present financial condition of the Colony, to postpone till we got into a better-position. During the recess the line would be surveyed, and the Government would ascertain what would be necessary, though they were not prepared to make an appropriation for it at the present time.

A short discussion on the unemployed question took place yesterday week, with particular reference to agricultural settlers in Canterbury, who are in a very depressed state. The Minister for Publio Works explained the Bteps that are beiDg taken in the direction Qf providing work, and the Minister of Lands stated that the Government intended to offer land in small areas on easy terms, which would to a large extent meet the wants of the unemployed. The discussion took place very early in the afternoon, on a motion to adjourn the House, and Mr Barron, who moved that motion, was accused, by Mr Seddon of “doing it to bluff Pyke.” However that may be, Mr Pyke could nob move the adjournment in connection with his questions referring to the Otago Central Railway.

The advisableness of supplying all public libraries and institutes throughout the Colony with copiei of “ A Manual of the Grasses and Forage Plants useful to New Zealand ” has been brought under the notice of the Government by Mr Bruce.

It is suggested that the Minister cf Education should obtain, during the recess, information in detail respecting the system of agricultural education in Ireland, which has recently been introduced into the elementary schools, where children are taught the principles of> agriculture and horticulture on school farms and gardens. Mr Ballance is moving in this matter.

Mr Hutchison endeavoured last Friday

to get the vote of £l5O, subsidy for the publication of New Zealand Law Reports, struck off the Estimates. It was a sheer luxury for the legal profession, he said, and members who were pledged to economy should oppose the vote. The Colonial Secretary contended that the publication was a highly necessary one, though it was easy for Mr Hutchison to get a spurious reputation for virtue by means of a motion like this. Several other members spoke, some arguing that the reports were a necessity, while others contended that they were not, and that the newspapers amply reported important judgments. Eventually, Mr Hutchison’s motion was lost by 26 to 10.

Mr Walker’s amendment to intercept supply yesterday week, which was sprung as a surprise on the House, met with v<jry general disfavour from both sides. Tb.e great majority had voted last session that the number of members be cut down to 70, and therefore they could not support his resolution, and so the resolution ended m a complete fizzle.

The hilarity of honourable members of the House last Friday was doubtless due to the unexpected pleasure of an evenings free and easy discussion on the Estimates ; and tne fact that several delicious “bulls” were perpetrated may perhaps with equal certainty be ascribed to a temporary obfuscation of tne intellect occasioned by a week’s hard work. Early in the afternoon the Chairman of the Native Affairs Committee {Mr Kelly), after addressing the Speaker as “ Your Worship, indignantly protested against Mr Hamlin charging the Native Affairs Committee with “impartiality 1” To Mr Kerr, however, was reserved the honour of making the most outrageous “bull” on record. That honourable member was declaiming against the proposal to sell the Hinemoa, and he wound up a vigorous speech by asserting defiantly that “if you sold her to-morrow you could not get a purchaser for her.’< The Minister of Marine (Mr Fisher) added his contribution bv gravely telling the House that at a certain spot on the West Coast, a long time ago, ho was happy to say a whole boat s crew were drowned.

On the petition of W. J. N. Robinson, who prayed for relief on the ground that he had suffered injustice at the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Wellington, and also at the hands of the Public Petitions Committee, the Committee reports that it has no recommendation to make. .

The Local Bills Committee recommend that the Wellington and College Land Exchange Bill be permitted to proceed, although a mistake was made m depositing plans for inspection at the Town Clerk’s office instead of that of the Resident Magistrate.

Mr Seddon asked the Minister for Public Works: (1) Why the work at the Wellington Post-office is progressing so slowly,°some six men only being now employed ? (2) Who is responsible for the long time given the contractor within which to complete the work? (3) Will the Minister endeavour to arrange with the contractor for the completion of the work at the earliest possible date, with a view of giving employment to a numbor of carpenters who are at present out of employment ? The Minister Baid 28 men were employed on the building, in addition to 10 carpenters who were employed in the workshops on the doors, Bashes, &c.' The architect and the engineer-in-chief had agreed in giving 15 months as the contract time. It was true that the contractor had offered to finish the work three months before contract time, but as the Postal and Telegraph Departments had arranged for the buildings now occupied by them up to the end of May and the beginning of June next, the Government did not think it necessary to have the Post-office fiaished earlier, seeing that rent would still have to be paid for the other buildings.

“The Constitutional Party” is the name decided upon by the Opposition as that under which their forces shall be united for the destruction of the common enemy in the shape of the Government. Mr Pyke, having formally cast off all allegiance to the Government, convened a meeting of members in opposition, which was held last Friday. It is said there were twentyfive members present (another version gives eighteen), and Mr Lance was voted to the chair., The following resolutions were carried:—(l) That the opponents of the present Government resolve themselves into a party to be termed “The Constitutional Party "’ • (2) That a Committee consisting of seven members be appointed to watoh over the proceedings of Parliament, to meet every morning at 11 to consider the Order Paper and any Bills introduced, and to call general meetings of the party whenever it is deemed desirable so to do ; fo} That Mr Lance be appointed convener of such meetings ; (4) That no motion affecting the existence of the Government shall be proposed unless it has been submitted to and approved by a general meeting.

Speaking on the proposal to strike out the vote for expenses of the steamor Stella last Friday, the Premier warmly eulogised Captain Fairchild. There was no man in New Zealand, he said, who knew the coast as Captain Fairchild did. He_ was a man who had never spared himself in the public service, and it would be a very serious mistake to reduce his salary. He (the Premier) was in favour of reducing expenditure as much as possible, but with such a servant sis this, who had carried hiß life iu his hands time after time, it would be a fatal mistake to make reductions. A motion to reduce the vote was, however, subsequently cariied.

There seems to be surprise felt that the House does not very greatly cut down the Estimates, but this is because people are apt to forget that during last session the Ministry largely reduced expenses, and all the recess were engaged in the daily task of further reductions. The consequence is that the Estimates are presented in a considerably diminished form. Taken as a whole the gross expenditure has been much curtailed, and the reforms instituted will cause material Shrinkage during the coming year.

(Those members who construe their oaths to mean a solemn undertaking to oppose and slaughter Harbour Bills of any sort or description whatsoever arc now waiting with ' bated breath and itching tongues for the Premier’s Harbours Act Amendment BUI, on which they purpose to lay violent hands, with a view to its extinction from the region of practical politics. Their objection to the Bill is based upon the assumption that as it allows the Government to fix harbour dues, &o„ it practically- gives the local bodies concerned power to cast all responsibility on the Government, and thus make the harbours concerned' colonial works. Right or wrong, there has always been a strong feeling in the House against expenditurc on Taranaki works, and this feeling will, I believe, bo very manifestly shown now,

The old rumour is revived that the Premier will move an address to tho Governor praying him to call Major Campbell, Clerk of Parliaments, to the Legislative Council. Upon his retirement on pension, in recognition of his long and valuable services, Mr Friend, who has for many years most ably discharged tho duties of olerk assistant, is mentioned as the most likely suocessor to Major Campbell. We are informed, however, that no decision has yet been come to by the Cabinet with reference to the latter gentlemen.

The Government on Saturday received a cable message to the effect that the Midland railway contract had been signed and sealed bv tho Company in London, the Directors having met on Friday, when they deoided to accept the last proposal made by the Go* vernment.

The Freetrade party met on Monday morning, with Mr G. Beetham in the chair. The question discussed was the Harbour Board Amendment Bill introduced by the Government, which proposes to take over the New Plymouth, Waitara, Patea, and Thames Harbour Boards, meaning of course to saddle presently the whole of their debts upon the Colony. As New Plymouth, Waitara, and Thames profess themselves unable to pay interest and two are in arrears, this would imply that such interest will be a charge upon the Consolidated Fund. The feeling of the meeting was almost unanimous that the Bill should be met with most vigorous opposition.

At the meeting o’f the Freetrade Party held on Monday the following resolution was carried after some discussion:—“That in reply to the invitation conveyed through Mr Bruce, the members of the Freetrade Party, while acknowledging the courtesy of the promoters of the proposed banquet, and expressing a warm interest in such local industries as have grown up, are compelled_ to decline the invitation for the following reasons :—(1) Because the banquet cannot be regarded as other than a demonstration expressing satisfaction with the passage of measures to which the Freetraders have, on public grounds, been strenuously opposed ; (2) Because these measures have beencarried by means of a departure from the principles of party Government, which departure the Freetraders strongly disapprove; (3) That the presence o£ the Freetraders would probably act as a damper upon a gathering that they have no desire should be in a social sense unsuccessful.”

The existing debts of New Plymouth, Waitara, Patea, and the Thames amount to something like £250,000. The Premier’s Bill proposes to allow more money to be borrowed for New Plymouth and Patea. These joint sums will be very large, and the taxpayers of New Zealand will assuredly be asked in the end to pay the interest.

The Premier and the Minister for Public Works have been, earnestly requested to visit the different districts north of Auckland during the recess with a view of being prepared next session to recommend to the House some praoticable scheme for the construction of the North Auckland Main Trunk Line of railway.

The suggestions submitted by the softgoods trade to the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce for the better .defining of the Customs Act have been brought under the notice of the Premier, who has been requested to endeavour, as far as praoticable, to embody them in the Customs Duties Act Amendment Bill now before the House.

It is suggested that, with a view to replenishing the Treasury, the Premier should take into his serious consideration the advisableness of taxtng raoing clubs, theatrical companies, skating rink companies, and all promoters of such and kindred amusements, such tax to be imposed by stamp on tickets issued by such companies, or any other mode which, may be deemed most convenient.

Members of the House cracked some rather tasteless jokes on Monday on the subject of lunatics. Dr Newman having suggested a trial of the plan of boarding out some of the more able-bodied and harmless lunatics, a facetious but irreverent member interjected, “ Put them in the Upper House 1” Later on Mr Marchant rose, and remarked,, with an injured air, that there was a large increase in lunatics this year. “ Where do they all come from?” he asked vehemently. The answer came from all the other members, who responded with equal vehemence, “ Taranaki !”

In the course of the discussion on the Legislative Estimates on Monday night, Mr Buchanan urged the Government to consider the advisableness of lighting the Government Buildings by electrioity. The suggestion was not replied to by the Government.

The latest proposal current in the lobbies as to the appointment of Railway Commissioners is that the three should be Mr E. Mitchelson (now Minister for Publio Works), Mr E. Richardson (ex-Minister for Public Works), and Mr Hannay (the present Assis bant-General Manager Railways), Mr Maxwell being appointed Railway Engmeer-in-Chief. This scheme is being a good deal canvassed.

Mr Hutchison made an ineffectual effort to worry the Government on the question of house allowances. He wished to ascertain tho exact locality of the house allowances paid to Mr Fisher, but all the satisfaction to be obtained from the Premier was that the amount was fixed by the Act. Consequently Mr Hutchison, though apparently anxious to endeavour to reduce the £206 a year house allowance paid to Mr Fisher, was unable to do so.

An amusing cause for the institution of cheap meals iu this city has beemdiscovered by Mr Seddon, who remarked on Wednesday that he was not at all surprised that sixpenny dinners had been started in Wellington, for Government clerks got such a miserable pittance that they hadn’t enough to live on.

At a meeting of the Young New Zealand Party on Tuesday, over which Mr Mills presided, the feeling against the New Plymouth and Waitara Harbour Board Bill was very clearly pronounced. This party, which so effectively resisted a number of Harbour Board Bills and fresh harbour loans last session, is determined to keep together and resist any suoh future extravagancies.

At a meeting of the Opposition cauous on Tuesday it was agreed to oppose any fresh appointments to the Legislative Council.

A general impression pervaded the lobbies Tuesday night that the idea of calling Major Campbell to the Legislative Council would be quietly dropped, a “whip” of the House having proved the majority to be against any new elections of Councillors.

The Opposition party met on Tuesday and elected by ballot the following Committee of Management:—Messrs Walker, Lance, Ballance, 3. McKenzie, Steward, Seddon, Samuel, Moss and Fitchett.

Eight hundred citizens of Invercargill recently petitioned the Government to release the crew of the Annie Bow, now incarcerated for insubordination. The petition was referred to the Deputy Governor, and the Colonial Secretary has now informed Mr Ward (who presented the petition) that his Excellency does not see any reason to justify him in granting its prayer.

A statement with reference to the railway commissionership was made by the Minister for Publio Works on Tuesday. Mr Ward asked the Minister for Publio Works, in the event of a railway expert from Europe or America not being appointed to the position of Chief Commissioner of Railways, will the Government indicate to the House —(1) Should a local man be appointed, what salary it is proposed to pay, under subsection 1, clause 9, of the Government Railways Act, 1887? !(2) Whether it is intended, should such appointment be conferred upon some one in this Colony, that the power of veto provided in subsection 3, clause 11, of the Government Railway Act, 1887, is to be curtailed ? The Minister said the Government had not yet given up hope of being able to obtain a suitable person from Home. The Agent-General was still on the look out, though he had not been able to recommend an appointment. If a suitable person was not obtained the Government would then consider the advisableness of appointing an officer in the Colony, in which case the salary would not exceed £ISOO, and probably would be les3 than that amount. They would also consider whether in such case the power of veto should be taken away, and he himself should be in favour of so doing.

Mr R. Reeves on Tuesday asked the Premier if the fine of £2O imposed on Mr Gisborne in the Houße during the session of ISBI has been refunded to that gentleman; and, if not, will he cause to be placed on the Supplementary Estimates the above-named sum of £2O, with the usual bank rate of interest added, to be paid over to Mr Gisborne ? The Premier said the Government saw no reason for altering the decision of a former Parliament. The money was paid, he had no doubt, to the Library Fund in the ordinary way, and the Government did not propose to refund it.

The Publio Petitions Committee on Tuesday reported on tho petition of Martin Chapman and others, of Wellington, praying for a Commission to examine and report on the condition of the Thorndon cemetery. The report is as follows : —That as this is a local matter, and as there is now before the House a Bill dealing with the subject, the Committee has no recommendation to make.

W. J. W. Robinson, architect, of this city, has now again petitioned Parliament, this time for a reconsideration of his former petition, on the ground that he has farther evidence.

According to lobby gossip, an effort will be made to bring the session to a close about the 22nd or 23rd instant. • Q-