POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8295, 25 September 1903, Page 1

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE

By Telegraph,

(From our Own Correspondent.)

Wellington, 'September 24. lit tlie House tile. Cook Islands Bill took up tho whole- day. Listening to the speaking, it was difficult to understand, why go many men wanted to speak, and why, when epiakrog they were so long. The affairs of these natives were very well threshed our. from all subs. The. danger of material and moral damage to the natives from our connection, the independence of the Island of Nine, the wants educational, agricultural, -egai, sanitary, political, and agrarian were thoroughly well ventilated, and the- members who went on the Mapotirika trip made a point of saying liow much they had enjoyed themselves, and how greatly their eyes had been opened. Several of them had brought back some information about the methods of other Powers in the Pacific Otaheite, for example., was so starved ami nerjluct-ed by the French that everybody in that beautiful country hankers after British annexation, and many predict it, Mr Mills just before supper got his chance to reply, and went over the ground occupied by the other speakers, putting them right on many points, and urging the difficulties of residents and officials.

The Water Powers Bill, which followed the Cook Islands Bill, met with favor so far as the principle was concerned. There were regrets for existing rights, ami the drafrin,---of the measure mat. with universal reprobation.

Statements have been made publicly that the .Premier is responsible for the closure resolution and the other drastic proposals of the Standing Orders Committee. I have authority for saying that, the closure was Sir W. J. 'Steward's, and the proposal that no further amendments be. made in Committee on the assent' of a certain number of members was Mr Guinness", the Premier having nothing to do with them. The joke is that when these'were, passed most of th». Committee were absent-, hence the opposition to th-am in the House.

Mr Massey has given notice of a freehold clansa for the Land Bill enabling leaseholders to purchase the freehold after fulfilling all conditions of residence arxfc improvement, with power to. pay bv instalments of one-tenth of the- capita! value, the rent beinjr reduced proportionately. This will put.lhe fat in the fire. In the Land Bill Sir W. J. Steward will move clauses altering the constitution of the Land Boards after March ?lst next. He proposes that two members shall be appointed by the Governor, two bv til" loci! <roverning body, and two by the Crown leases.

The Joint Statutes' Revision Cnrrnnit made several reports fo-dav. About Mr M'Nab's three Bills—Absolute Majority, Electoral Amendment. No. 1, and Juriof—they report having received intimation from the member in cha.rrre that he does not intend to proceed -with them this srs.sion. _ About the Marriage Restrictions Bill, permitting marriapes with deceased wif;'V niece 'or deceased husband's nephew, tliev make no recommendation, as the Bill deals with a, question of general policy. Abnui Colonel Pitt's Bill authorisina: the apnointment by the Governor of commissioners to inquire into and renort- on any question arising out of the administration nf lb Governor, and them the status of magistrates and protectinc them ai;ainr>t actions in the bona fide discharge of dut'r«.' the Committee mi's merely verbal amendments about the Imprisonment for DeW Limitation Amendment. Bill. They recommend that debtors should have to show that they have not had sufficient to discharee judgments, and can do so subject to provision for the reasonable maintenance of their families.