POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6093, 20 August 1881, Page 2

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

[By Teusorapii.]

(FROM OUR OWN CORRBSPONTJEXT.)

Wkllinuton, August 19th,

_ The House did not riso till i this morning, so no sitting was hold this afternoon. On resuming this ovening, there was a little scene between Mr Pykeand tho Speaker. The latter had taken it on himself to cut down Mr Pyke's notice of motion (which I telegraphed last night) very materially bofore placing it on the order paper, because he said he considered it to bo intended to burlesque tho proceedings of the Houao, which ho refused to permit. Mr Pyko made quite a score of attempts to explain, but oach time was peremptorily ordered to "sit down" He persisted, -however, until at length tho Premier moved a vote of censure on him, when the Speaker said Mr Pyko could bring the matter before tho Houso by notice o/ motion; with which ilr Pyke expressed himself satißflod, and gave way. The general opinion is that the speaker was Bomcwhat needlessly," peppery " and not ovcr-cour-tcous in his manner to Mr Pyko ; but he evidently was annoyed at the tone of Mr Pyko'a motion, and possibly by the previous conversation which confessedly had tftkon place between them. Mr Pyke's notice was palpably intended aa a " skit," ai.d Sir Maurice seta his face sternly against such levity iv regard to public

The New Plymouth Harbour debate commenced this evening, and neema likely to be protracted. Mr Wright, who opened tho debate, spoke overan hour. Mr Kelly, who followed, has already spoken nearly two and ia sti 1 up. I hear that a compromise will be proposed, to the effect that the whole matter shall be teferreu to a c.mmittee, consisting of Messrs Richardson, Macandrew, and another, to report to the Government and the latter to act accordingly. This, however is clearly understood to be suggested in tne interest of the &ow I'lyniouth Harbour Board, in order to enable the quostion to be shelved indefinitely. This will probably Ijc supported by the Government and others as the best way of quietly settling the disputo, but it will be stoutly opposed by & large number of members, and I doubt its being carried, in spite of all the favourable influences The feeling- against the New Plymouth Harbour humbug it very strong, and is increasing- in strength, especially as the other parts of the Colony have had to contribute towards the oust of obtaining the land as an endowment for this utterly useless and impracticable undertaking. The Public Petitions Committee reported to-day on several petitions for and "against Bible-reading ,„ schools, the Law Practitioners liill, Licensing Bill Gaming and' Lotteries Bill. The report in each case ia to the effect that as the subject of tho petition is a matter of pubhu policy, and is now before Parliament, the Committee iccline to make any recommendation.

The Waste Lands Committee reported on various petitions, several being for grants of laud on account of Volunteer jor military services. The Committee however, pronounce against the claims. The same Committee recommended to the favourable consideration of Government the petition of R. M Kinnon and ethers for compensation on account of losses sustained through tho rabbit pest It is rumoured that the Government are considering the advisability of closing the majority of the smaller country telegraph - offices on jSuudays, experience showing that many are hardly everjused on that day. nm si 3 a g,\^\ Jiversity of opinion on the Railway Bill. Some think it an admirable bill, whilst others pronounce it quite unbearable

Since I despatched my last message, Mr Hall has moved an amendment for reference of the Taranaki fj f"""" question to a Commission tp be appointed by Act. This is regarded with favour by a largo section lot tno House as, on tlio whole, a fair and reasonable : middle course under the circumstances. Still, so far jas I can learn at present, it is likely to bo warmly opposed by a powerful section. Sir G. Grey's support may carry that of a considerable proportion ol his party, but it Is thought that tho Committee on the one hand and the New Plymouth reps on tho other, m weil .is several Northern and Southoru members, will oppose it.