PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13959, 19 July 1907, Page 6

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

NOTES FKOM THE PfiESS GAlffl,

JFSov Our Own Corrsspokdbkt.) WELLINGTON, July 18. ' In regard to grain statistics, Mr M'Nab slates that, if possible, a trial will be made next soason in one county of taking tho actual threshing-machine tallies. The matter of estab'ishing an experimental farm in the South Island is noiv under consideration.

WINDLE SETTLEMENT,

Before leaving Dunedin for the session, Mr J. P. Arnold, M.H.R., visited the Windle Settlement, together with the Mayor of Mornington, Tho unfinished state of Rofebery street was brought- under his notice by a number of tho tenants, and.the M ivor claimed that there was a sum of over £70 voted by the Government but still unexpended. Mr Arnold promised to move in the matter on his arrival in Wellington, and in reply to representations made has just received word from the Minister that instructions have been given to the Commissionor of Crown Lands at Dunedin lo havo the. footpath formed, tho channelling laid, and the whole frontage put in order. The work is to be put in hand at once. THE MUSICIANS) BILL. Practically the whole of the afternoon was wasted over Mr Sidcy's Musicians Bill, a somewhat crude mcasuro to which there is great objection throughout tho country. The House, however, did not take Mr Sidey very seriously, and his remarks were for tho most part inaudible, because of the hum of conversation in tho Chamber. This became so pronounced that at last tho Speaker had to intervene in Mr Sidcy's behalf. . His warning, however, did not remain effective for more than two minutes. Mr Sidey explained that he did not propose to carry the bill to the comintitco stage'in the House; but would be content with referring it to a select committee. Messrs Thos. Mackenzie, Fisher, Barber, and others then rose and began to smite tho bill, tho first-named being so ungenerous as to move that it l>e read a second time six months hence. Twenty-two monikers were in favour of promptly tilling the bill, but 33 opposed its premature death, and the member for Caversjjim got his second reading. He then asked leave to move his motion referring the bill to a select committee, but this v/as promptly objected 10, and leave was refused. In (his dilemma Mr Sidey moved that tho bill be referred to the Education Committee, a proposal that caused some laughter, Even this motion, however, was not allowed to go unchallenged. Again the 22 malcontents voted against tho proposal, but thorc was a majority of IS (ominous number) in favour of the motion. The Education Committee will therefore be 'permitted to wrestle with the problem that the member for Caversham so unexpectedly set them. NOXIOUS WKEDS.. Mr R. M'Renzie's Noxious AVecds Bill, which yearly makes its appearance iu the House, entered upon the committee stage last evening, but its approach was riot welcomed by members with open arms, A long discussion took place on tihe short- title of the bill, which was eventually amended by confining its_ operations to tho Nelson district. The Minister of Agriculture then made a irinisterial announcement lo the effect- that the Government intended to bring down a measure dealing with the same subject, and to place a sum on the Supplementary Esfi-'j mates for making a commencement, with the eradication of the many ill weeds that grow apc«o in various [arts of the colony. It

would, lie said, take thousands and almost millions to deal with ihc question from' tho North Cape to t<ho Bluff; but'it was in» tended to arrange for a commencement of the much-needed work. After this assurance, tho member for Motueka agreed to progress being reported 011 his ill-starred measure, which will now, no doubt, bo allowed to pass into peaceful oblivion. "PLAYING WITH THE HOUSE." The discussion 011 Mr R. M'Kenzic's Noxious Weeds Rill was responsible for ,some iliilarity in the House. Mr Wilford, who was out for a night's fun, made an observation to tho effect that the hon. member in cihargo of the bill had "Gone off at half eoclt," Mr Flatnian, acting Chairman of Committees, sternly ordered the member for Hutt to withdraw the expression. " Well, then, I will say that, ho has gone off'at full cock," wid Mr Wilford, amid laughter. He was warned by (ho Chairman not " to play .with the- House" and "to withdraw that expression also." Mr.Wilford 1 : "Very well, sir, I will withdraw both charges." "I ask you, sir, to stick to your guns," ho added a moment later in combating a disposition by Mr M'Kenzio to resist tho ruling of tho Chairman. INSPECTION OF MACHINERY. Tho Chief 'Inspector of Machinery, in his annual report, states that though there was stil! some machinery overdue for inspection, the department, accomplished l more work than in- any previous year, Tho engineering trade lhas been depressed, and very little new work ,has been carried out, but the strides mado by gas and oil engines as a motive power are considerable. Tlw> installation of several suction gas producers has been attended with marked success. During the year 5379 boilers were inspected and passed. Of the 1885 defects .discovered, 74- were dangerous. The number of new boilers added to t3ie department's list was 388, of which 223 were made in the colony. Of 1C65 candidates for the engine drivers' e-wnination, 777 passed; and in the marine engineers' examinations 183 passed out of 234-. The number of surveys mado of steamers and auxiliary powered vessels was 331, besides surprise visits made. THE LAND PROPOSALS. Members appear to have recovered from their first shock of surprise at tho extent of tho Government's concessions on the land question, and there has been no animated discussion on the subjoct in the lobbies to-day. Members, of course, aro anxious for the details of tho Government's proposals, and tho appearance of the- Land Bills, which may be expected to-morrow, is being awaited with keen interest. Tho leasehold fKirty has held two meetings to-day. The situation from its point of view was discussed, but tho members who attended the meetings are not inclined to bo communicative regarding the result of their deliberations. The leaders of the movement claim to ha/ve a following of about 20, and' they express themselves as hopeful of being able to ,nake their influence felt in the final shaping of tho Government's proposals. As one result of the meetings representatives of tho party had aji interview this morning with tho Primo Minisfcor, to whom they made certain representations. No information has' teen officially disclosed as to what transpired, but it is understood that no understanding was arrived at. The Prime Minister, from what I can learn, did not enlighten the deputation as to the exact provisions of the bill, which, however, he said would be brought down to-morrow. It ia ejslsd tfetf-pjiG of put.

forward is that tho inoroaso in the graduated land tax, as proposed in tho bill, £40,000. STATE COAT- MINES. The annual report of tho Slate Coal Mines Department shows that during tho year ended March 31 the total quantity of coal dealt with was 196,509 tons, valued at £158,097. Tho Point Elizabeth colliery supplied 163,478 tons, valued at, £133,525, and the Seddonvillo Colliery 33,030 tons, valued at £24,571. The report states: — " The excellent quality of this coal is now being realised, and it is much sought after, not only for household purposes, for which it has few if any equals, but also as a steam producer. The demand at present far exceeds tho supply but patience has to be exercised, as the development of such a large field has to be gradually and carefully carried out." Tho uet profit for the year is given as £8460.