Wednesdey, May 11. IN THE HOUSE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1852, 20 May 1887, Page 15

Wednesdey, May 11. IN THE HOUSE.

There were no less than 27 questions on the Order Paper, but few were of much importance.

Replying to some of these, the Hon. Mr LARNACH said it was not intended to introduce a Gold Duty Abolition Bill. He also said it was intended to proceed with the erection of Currier Island lighthouse. It was intended to introduce a bill to amend the Coal Mines Act, and the question of unlicensed persons occupying Crown lands for raising coal would be considered.

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID.

Replying to Mr Reid, the Hon. Sir J. VOGEL said he did not see his way this session to legislate in the direction of amending the Hospital and Charitable Institutions. Act in a manner whereby each county council shall provide for its own poor, and the contribution to hospitals shall be the proportion of the cost of each jpatient.

FIRST READING.

The following bills were introduced and read a first time : — Contractors' Lien Bill (Mr Downie Stewart), bill to amend " The Building Societies Act 1880 " (Hon. Mr Tole;, " The Criminals Act 1886 Amendment Bill " (Hon. Mr Larnach), " The Mining Act 1886 Amendment Bill " (Hon. Mr Larnach), and the Education Vote Bill (Major Steward).

MOTIONS.

Among the motions carried were one by Mr Fitzherbert for a return of the strength of the permanent militia force and the cost per head per annum ; by Mr J. C. Buckland for the correspondence between the Government and the county .councils of Waihemo and Waikouaiti with reference to the apportionment of the cost of maintaining a portion of the Main North road between the said counties, with copies of reports (if any) to the Government on which such apportionment is founded ; by Mr Reid for a return showing the total costs incurred in the destruction of rabbits within the colony for the years 1885-86, the return to show separately the salary, inclusive of travelling expenses, paid to inspectors and others, the amount of costs, charges, and expenses incurred under the said act, bhe total cost of administering the act, within the counties of Clutha and Bruce, and if possible the total cost within the county of Bruce.

COERCION IN IRELAND.

Mr BRACKEN moved— "That in the opinion of this House the adoption of a system of government by coercion in Ireland would prove inimical to the best interests of the empire and would have the effect of marring to a large extent the rejoicings which are about to take place over the celebration of the jubilee of her Majesty's reign, and that it is felt by her Majesty's loyal subjects in New Zealand that the passing of such a measure as the Crimes Bill would be a disgrace to the great free empire to which they are proud to belong." ' He made an eloquent speech in support of his motion, defending the right|of the House to deal with the matter. Mr MOSS supported the motion.

Mr SAMUEL moved the previous question, which Mr MONK seconded.

Colonel Trimble, Mr Joyce, Mr O'Conor, and the Hon. Sir Robert Stoutspoke in favour of the motion.

Sir GEORGE GREY supported it, and asked Mr Samuel to withdraw his amendment.

Captain SUTTER spoke against the motion, and was supported by Mr HATCH, who also opposed it. Colonel TRIMBLE continued to speak till 5.30 p.m., when the House adjourned.

NATIVE LAND ADMINISTRATION AMENDMENT

, Mr TAIPU moved the second reading of the Native Land Administration Act Amendment Bill, which was brought in to extend th« Western Maori electoral district from the act passed last session. He spoke at great length on the bill.

The Hon. Hr BALL ANCE said he was unable to comprehend what was meant by the bill. No petition had come from any large portion of Mr Taipu's constituents against last year's bill, which was brought in in the interests of the colony as well as the Native race, and it could not be expected that the bill should be amended because a small section of Mr Taipu's constituents had desired it. The arguments brought forward were not at all sufficient to ask for the repeal of the act, but they suggested certain amendments which he was willing to refer to the Native Affairs Committee.

Mr BRUCE opposed the bill.

Mr BEETHAM expressed his intention of supporting it, as he had been all along against the Native Land Administration Bill of last session. He denied that the Hawke's Bay Natives were at all favourable to that bill, and said he could speak from his experience that the Wairarapa Natives were against it.

Mr MONK strongly supported the bill, and said he cordially sympathised with the Natives who wished for the amendment of the act of last year. •

Mr HOBBS congratulated the Natives of the Western Maori district on having such a representative as Mr Taipu in the House, and said they now had the latest expression of opinion from that district as to the effect of the Native Land Administration Act, and the necessity of amendment which he (Mr Hobbs) had predicted last session would happen. He should certainly .•ote for the bill brought in by Mr Taipu, as it was a reasonable request.

The Hon. Mr ROLLESTON recommended the member in charge of the bill not to accept the Native Minister's suggestion to refer the matters complained of to the Native Affairs Committee. He sympathised with the stoppage of private transactions in land, and agreed that the Government should deal privately with the land. He should not support the bill, and suggested that Native members should in future take more care to ascertain what was going on when they supported a bill.

Mr WI PERE said with regard to all the transactions he had with the act— at least what little he understood of it— he could speak strongly in its favour.

Mr PRATT also supported the present Administration Act, though he admitted there were features not in accordance with the wishes of Natives.

The second reading of the bill was agreed to ; and on Mr Ballance's motion it was referred to the Native Affairs Committee.

ADVANCE ON LANDS BILL.

Mr IVESS introduced the Public Advance on Lands Bill, which was read a first time.

REPRESENTATION BILL.

The Hon. Sir R. STOUT said he should arrange so that the Representation Bill would be brought on before half -past 4on Friday afternoon. ' ■ - The motion was agreed to.

IN.. COMMITTEE.

The House went .into committee on " The Post office Act 1881 Amendment Bill,"- which was passed without amendment. The Electoral Acts Amendment Bill was further considered in committee. Clause 6, polling at elections to be open until 7 p.m. An amendment confirming the extension to 7 p.m. to boroughs and cities was carried by 36 to 28.

Mr REID moved an amendment to insert the word "six" instead of "seven." He held that all polling booths should close at one hour, and 6 o'clock was quite late enough.

Mr PYKE supported the amendment, and appealed to town members not to raise a spirit of hostility on the part of country members. Mr SEDDON moved—" That progress be reported to enable Sir Robert Stout to frame a fresh clause to meet the difficulty." Mr REID'S amendment, to insert the word " six " instead of "seven," was carried by 42 to 23.

The clause as amended was then struck out by 49 to 15. Mr STEWARD then moved a new clause, substituting the form of clause for enrollment given in the schedule for the form given in the second schedule of the original act. After some discussion, it was withdrawn. Mr BARRON moved a new clause providing that the names of persons who did not claim voting papers at any election be removed from the roll.— Lost on the voices.

Mr HATCH moved a new clause that every candidate for election shall deposit with the returning officer £10, to be returned to him after the election if he shall have polled as many votes as shall equal in number one-fifth of the smallest number of votes on which any candidate has been elected, but otherwise to be forfeited and applied towards defraying the expenses of the election.

The clause was rejected by 38 to 27, and the bill reported with amendments, which were ordered to be considered next Friday.

The Post Office Act Amendment Bill was read a third time and passed, and the House rose at 12.30 a.m.

INSTITUTION FOR DEAF MUTES.

The report of the Minister of Education on the Institution for Deaf Mutes shows that the number of pupils at the school at Sumner has increased from 37 to 41. The expenditure for the year was £3514 12s 8d ; while the payments made by parerits amounted to £285 15s lOd. The director in his report states that the result for the year may be considered good in nearly all- cases. He appears to have arrived at the conclusion that our changeable climate is somewhat severe on the organ of hearing. Of the pupils attending, oae came from South Australia, 24 from the South Island, and 18 from the North Island. Twelve of the pupils are from Otago, 10 from Canterbury, 1 from Westland aad Nelson, 10 from Auckland, 2 from Hawke's Bay, and 6 from Wellington. The medical officer, Dr Prins, states that wibh the exception of one boy and one girl, all the pupils enjoyed good health. They all show satisfactory signs of progress, especially the older pupils, and he hopes that all parents and guardians who have deaf mutes under their charge will take advantage of this admirable institution.

Thursday, May 12. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS.

The Hon. Sir J. VOGEL, replying to Mr Macarthur, said the reduction of the number of members of the House to 75 was impossible, as that number could not give the due proportion to each island. As to the matter of reducing the salaries of Ministers and limiting the number entitled to salaries to four, he felt it right to say that the Government did not consider the amounts already paid at all excessive. As to travelling expenses, the matter rested entirely with the House.

The Hon. Mr BALLANCE, replying to Mr Pearson, said he did not know how a fixed scale of travelling expenses to members of land boards would work. Members of boards had sometimes to visit lands in remote parts of the country to report as to the best means of cutting them up for settlement.

The Hon. Mr BALLANCE, replying to Mr Hobbs, said no steps had been taken during the past year to put a stop to so-called glove fights. He said that so far as he knew the police had never found it necessary to interfere with these exhibitions, and that qnder these circumstances it did not appear that anything objectionable occurred.

CRITICISMS ON THE STATEMENT.

The New Zealand Times says the Financial Statement makes the best of a bad case, but it is noteworthy that Sir J. Vogel does not provide for the deficit. With his strictures on Major Atkinson fresh in memory, this will hardly escape criticism. It styles the special tax on civil servants as most outrageous, and an indefensible class tax.

The Post says:— "No one could have said nasty things in an easier way, but we do not think the House or the country will be prepared, without much struggling, to swallow the pill, or box of pills, which the Colonial Treasurer has prescribed. • The increases in the tariff are simply enormous, and will press very heavily on the community and increase the cost of living. We find the duty on mau\ articles is doubled."

The Press says thas the position disclosed is much more serious than was generally thought. It calls the talk of the Treasurer about economy "impudent pretence," and hopes the House will not allow the Treasurer to impose the threatened burden of new taxation.

THE BURNS STATUE.

In connection with the unveiling of the Burns statue in Dunedin Sir Maurice O'Rorke, Speaker of the House of Representatives, will accompany Sir George Grey to Dunedin, and it is possible a number of members of the House will aecompany;'them. If business permits, the . House may adjourn for two days to enable this to be done, but at present nothing is definitely arranged as to the latter proposal.

CONTRACTORS' LIEN BILL.

Mr Downie Stewart's Contractors' Lien Bill is not yet printed. It is somewhat on the same lines as the Mechanics' Lien Bill of New York, and is intended to secure contractors against dishonest persons who engage men to build houses only to find that the land is owned by the wife or some other person, and that the money is not forthcoming. By the bill a contractor will have a lien on the house or other work he is engaged on until his contract price is paid, by lodging a caveat warning" persons that a certain amount is ©wing on the work.

NEWSPAPER LIBEL BILL.

Mr Downie Stewart's Newspaper Libel Bill is not yet printed. It is somewhat complicated, but one of its provisions, it may be stated, protects newspaper proprietors against an action for libel when publishing boria fide reports of public meetings of all kinds, and also provides that uo criminal proceedings against a news-

paper shall be (folnmenced without consent of the Attorney-general

RETRENCHMENT.

AUCTIONEERS BILL.

Some 45 officers in the Public Works department have received intimation .that- their services will be dispensed with. Of this number, seven ia Wellington and others . in * various parts of the colony consist mainly of those temporarily employed as overseers, -&b., whose* services are not required now that many public works are approaching completion. Those who have notice in Wellington are Messrs Knorpp, Koch, Rochf ort, and Beatson. Mr Blackett will retire on his pension shortly. ~ '. The vote of £100 for Undersecretary of Defence is omitted ; the prize firingis reduced £200, volunteer encampment £500, and School of Instruction and Musketry £1000. The public libraries vote is reduced by £2000, and the votes for the Hawk and the Eekeno are discontinued. The Auctioneers Bill, introduced by Mr Samuel, is a measure of 29 clauses. Provision s made for hearing applications for license and objections thereto before a magistrate ; and if a license is granted, it will authorise the holder to sell by auction in any part of the colony. The license fees axe to be paid to local bodies, who shall pay the cost of administering the act. A licensed auctioneer may appoint a substitute in case of illness or absence from the district on payment of 10s; bat the licensee shall not resume selling until' he has given three days' notice, when ' the right of his substitute shall cease. The license may be transferred in case of death or * bankruptcy. Account sales are to be rendered within 14 days. A penalty of £100 is proposed in the case of a person selling without a license, and an auctioneer must exhibit his license on demand. These are the most salient,f eatures of the bill, which is scarcely likely to find its way to the Statute Book this session.

THE CHINESE QUESTION.

Mr Seddon asked the Premier whether the Government have any reason to believe there is any foundation for the rumour that the Chinese in New Zealand get naturalised under the Aliens Act, forward the certificates of naturalisation home to their friends and relatives in China, and that these friends and relatives impersonate the Chinese in whose favour the certificates were issued, and on arrival in the colony produce the certificates and evade paying the poll tax. If the answer is in the affirmative, will the Government take steps to have this evasion of the law prevented, and will the Premier put himself in communication with the Chinese Commissioners now in New South Wales on the subject, and also ascertain from the said commissioners whether they intend paying a visit to New Zealand.

In reply, Sir J. Vogel said that extra precautions would be taken to prevent aa evasion [o the Alien Act. The Chinese Commissioners were not coming here.

THE NEW ZEALAND MILITIA.

A return has been laid on the table giving the cost of the New Zealand militia rank. The lieut.-colonel receives £400 ; two majors (one for six months), £600 ; one major, £350 ; eight captains (two with ranks of major), £200 ; two lieutenants, £500 ; one assistant surgeon, £225. It therefore appears that the 15 commissioned officers receive £407-') in salaries, or £271 13s 4d. There are 49 non-commissioned officers at a cost per head of £127 7s 3d; and the number of privates, gunners, &c, is 286, at a cost per head per annum of £106 17s lOd. SEACLIFF ASYLUM, s.

In connection with the report *that further changes were pending in connection with the management of lunatic asylums, and that there was a likelihood of further transfers of medical officers, I am informed that such is not the case, and no further changes are contemplated at present. As showing that the operations carried on to prevent any further damage from subsidence, which caused some alarm a little while ago, have been successful, Mr W. P. Street, local inspector, reported a few days ago that he was convinced that no further extension of the crack Jin the wall could be expected, while the subsidence of the 'foundations had apparently ceased.

ADVANCES ON LAND.

The Public Advances on Land Bill which Mr Ivess is promoting provides that advances to individuals or co-partnerships may be made on the security of land at the rate of 4§ per cent, per annum. Such advances shall not exceed onehalt! the value of such land, and the amount shall in no case exceed £2000. When the interest is six months in arrear the land shall be sold by public auction. Advances are to be made in Government debentures of not less than £50 each, and these debentures on presentation to the Colonial Treasurer are to be convertible into State promissory notes of £1 to £5 each, which notes shall not bear interest, but shall be legal tender throughout the colony.

NEW ZEALAND FORCES.

The report of the commander of the colonial forces to the Defence Minister was laid on the table to-day. He states that the permanent militia has been thoroughly organised. There are, counting men of all ranks : Garrison artillery, 120,; torpedo corps, 50; engineers, 20; field artillery, 50; rifles, 110. The garrison artillery is divided into four batteries of 30 in each of the larger ports. The naval torpedo officer of the Australian station (Lieut. Ottley, R.N.) and Admiral Tryon carefully inspected the submarine works, and expressed a very high opinion of them. The engineer corps has been exclusively employed on defence works, and has proved itself to be composed of high-class military artificers and artisans. The field artillery is divided into four batteries. The rifles are employed in defence works and in the Native districts. Each of the corps needing a special scientific training is now efficient, and those who would be further needed to complete them in time of war, in order to work their guns, &c, &c, could be easily obtained, not being required to possess nearly so much technical training. Moreover, some of the naval and artillery volunteers are being instructed in each branch at the several ports, and in case of emergency could reinforce the batteries and submarine stations in case of war.- It, therefore, will be optional to the Government to call out the volunteers for active service or to enroll the full numbers of artillery and torpedo corps required in the permanent militia, or to do both to a certain extent. , Meanwhile a reserve of rifles is available to support the law within the colony, or to reinforce the scientific branches if required for defence from without. The artillery as at present constituted only find two men per gun of heavy ordnance, including all ranks. A high compliment is paid to Lieutenant-colonel Boddam, who has done good service. The volunteer force as a whole is reported to have made great progress, and practised and learned most of the 'movements and evolutions of the organisation created last year. Some 3000 Sniders havebeeu ordered, of which 1500 have arrived, .to replace :vorn-out arms, but as soon as the improved repeating arm is definitely adopted it hfcs beendei

<cided if possible to orte 2500. Reference is antde to .the .insufficiency of equipments, and the colony has beoa unable to equip naval brigades <even at our ports with proper machine guns or launches, rendering the duty o£ guarding the mine fields one of danger. Complaint is made of want of material, and of the fa<?fe that the •colony is behind every civilised country in the sapply of arms. It is suggested that £20><>00 should be voted for at least 5000 rifles <ef the repeating type, and a smaller vote to put the port navalsm a position to guard the fields. The cavalry volunteers labour under great disadvantages, as they can seldom meet. The cavalry of the South as well as the North Island have made great efforts t and have obtained their efficiency. The field artillery throughout is good, nnd maintains its high character. Prom a return attached, it appears that there are 3 £ corps of artillery numbering 723, two of mounted infantry numbering 103, 20 navals numbering 12?56, 14 artillery numbering 721, three engineers ■numbering 157, and 23 rifles numbering 5016. There are 46 corps, without cadets, numbering 8029. Reports are attached by Lieutenantcolonel Roberts and Lieutenant-colonel Bailey. GOVERNOR'S SALARY AND MEMBERS' HONORARIUM. Mr Ormond's bill to amend the Governors' foalary and Allowance Act will provide for the limitation of the Governor's salary and allowances to £4000 or £5000 a year. The Hon. Members' Honorarium ajid Members' Privileges Bui proposes to reduce the honorarium of members from £210 to £100 or £150. FEMALE SUFFRAGE. Tto-night's sitting of the House was Occupied "with the debate on the second reading of the hill providing for extending the franchise of the House of Representatives to women,-which was •carried on a division by 40 to 22. Sir Julius Vogel in introducing it made a very good speech, but none of his arguments were very novel. Mr J. O. Buckland caused a diversion by asking if the bill was a Government measure. Mr Moss led -off the opposition to the bill, and was followed by Mr Bracken. Messrs Downie Stewart and Fergus supported the bill, as also did Messrs J. C Buckland and Barron, Sir Robert Stout, and *Mr Gore. Of the Otago members, Messrs Bruce and Scobie Mackenzie made undoubtedly the most original speeches against the bill. The latter scored heavily against the ladies, instancing the Hall case, where the weakness judicially of women was so pronouncedly shown. Hi pointed out that even now very few women could be got to believe in the innocence of Miss Houston, notwithstanding that she had been proved to be as innocent as a lamb. Most oi" the speeches on both sides were of a high order, and those that were not were of a highly amusing character, Wi Pere (Maori) and Mr Kerr carrying off the palm in that respect. The bill has little prospect of getting through this session.

Friday, May 13. LOANS TO LOCAL BODIES.

The Hon. Sir J. VOGEL moved the second reading of the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Act, and explained its provisions.

The motion was carried without discussion.

The Hon. Sir J. VOGEL also moved the Ijocal Bodies' Loans Act Amendment Bill, explaining that the alteration made by the other bill in last year's act for taking a vote of ratepayers had made it ridiculous. To amend this and make other amendments found necessary was the object of the bill.

The second reading was carried without discussion. . FEMALE FRANCHISE. There is no doubt that the vote taken last night on the second reading of the Female Suffrage Bill was insincere, and there is not the slightest idea of allowing the measure to go further. Of the majority who voted for it a few did so out of compliment to the Treasurer, many because they knew the bill would not be heard of again, while others were afraid of the Good Templar vote in their constituencies, which is known to be strongly in favour of the granting of the vote to women with the view of securing prohibition. Some others believe that women, if given a vote, would act a conservative part. The Government whips, it is believed, are now anxious to get the bill out of the road.

PETITIONS.

The Petitions Committee reporting on the petition of Richard Whitky, who was injured at the Kensington railway platform, say that as the injuries were caused by his own fault he has no claim against the colony. To the petitions against the employment of barmaids they say that no evidence having been adduced in favour of the allegations made, the committee have no recommendation to make. The petition of Mary Ann Fandy Thompson, of Waikouaiti, is referred to the Native Affairs Committee.

WASTING TIME.

When the corrected Order Paper was issued to-day it was found that the Representation Bil was the fourth order of the day, the items before it being the two loans to local bodies measures and the report from the committee on the Electoral Acts Amendment Bill. It was at once seen that there was a chance to prevent <be Representation Bill coming on, and so gain more time for a compromise, i£ any such is intended. Mr Bryce — who should lead the Opposition in the absence of Major Atkinson — was evidently anxious, for as soon as the orders were reached he reminded the Treasurer that the Premier had promised to bring on the Representation Bill to-day. Sir Julius Vogel stated that the Premier was absent, but on his arrival, if any discussion arose it could be adjourned to allow of the representation question coming on. Sir George Grey protested against the absence of the Premier on private business, and intimated that he regarded the fact of the Premier also acting as Attorney-general as such a serious blot that he intended to bring down a measure to put an end to it. The two ioans to local bodies bills were read a second time without debate, but on the Electoral Acts Amendment Bill being reached an interminable discussion ensued. The hours of polling were the bone of contention, and the arguments pro' and con. which have been threshed out already twice this session were gone over again. When the Premier did reach the House members had become warm about the matter, and were not disposed to let it drop. The discussion was continued till 4.30, when the House rose. It resumed at 7.30, and the Representation Bill was expected to come on in a few minutes, as the discussion appeared to have been exhausted. It commenced, however, with renewed vigour, and it was not until two hours had elapsed that the bill was gob rid of and the Representation Bill allowed to come on. At one time it looked as if the bill would not be allowed to come on at all.

HOURS OF POLLING.

It may be mentioned that after all a compromise was arrived at on the hours of polfing. A new clause was wUed allowing the polling to go on ia city and suburban electorates until 7

o'clock} while, the country districts, except in the case of Waimate and Stanmore, are unaffected. At futfttre elections 1 the pojls will close at 7 o'clock at Auckland, Wellington, Christt'hurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, and also at Roslyn, South Dunedin, St. Kilda, &c. A new clause was amended providing that a candidate at an election must deposit £10 with the re» turning officer, to be retained by him until after the poll, when if it is found that any candidate has not polled equal to one-fifth of the number of votes polled by the successful candidate; the" £10 shall be forfeited. The bill was then re» potted with amendmentsi

THE TARIFF. Fro&i the expressions of members it seems certain that the tariff proposals of the Treasurer will be rejected. Mr Moss clearly indicated to-day in his speech that even those members who favour a protectionist tariff are not in love with the present Ministry's latest bantling. There is a strong feeling among protectionist members even that the Treasurer has not made out a case sufficiently strong to justify the large increases whiiih are proposed. < Sir Julius Vogel to-day Btated that he had received telegrams approving of the tariff, but, as Mr Buchanan pointed out, the telegram from Dunedin was the only one quoted, and it will take something more than that to convince members that the country as a whole approves of the new tariff. Whether they do or db not approve is a question they ate likely to be soon asked to decidej as fche impression that a dissolution is imminent is getting stronger and stronger. The leader of the Opposition, Major Atkinson, will not return from Nelson until the financial debate is commenced. A3 soon as the date, for that is fixed he will be communicated with, and will return to take his share in it. Meantime the Opposition are led by Mr Bryce. (

THE REPRESENTATION BILL.

In view of the fact that this vexed question was about to come on in the House to-day,' Very little attention was paid to anything else, and there was no gossip current. When the 'bill came out it was thought that perhaps some statement would be made, but this was not the case. The " discussion " commenced on the sub-clause as to the considerations which should guide the commissioners in fixing boundaries, and after some trouble an addition was mado making community of interest one of these considerations. No sooner was this settled than Mr Seddon proposed an amendment to the next sub-section providing that for estimating the population of special districts it should be competent for sub-enumer-ators to take another census where an increase or decrease may- have occurred. This was practically under discussion till 1.30 aim., when the Premier got up and stated that it was evident that unless clause 3 was recommitted and some concession made in the percentage gained by country members, the chances of the bill passing were small. He did not ask for a large concession, he said. As to the reduction of members, he hoped the House would agree to the suggestion he made to reduce the number to 85 or 86, which he thought would be reasonable. If some modified concessions were made to country districts the bill might pass without much further trouble. He was aware, that the amalgamation of city electorates was a question on which many members held very strong views. Mr Bryce, who followed, indicated that there was no intention on the part of the' country members to recede, and the Premier, who had evidently put out a feeler, immediately expressed regret thereat, and said that fi members persisted in hardening their hearts there was nothing for it but to fight the matter out. Mr W. F. Buckland then made an attempt at conciliation. He expressed himself sorry for his recent injudicious speech at a private meeting, and he gave force to the suspicions that some members were inclined to recant their recent vote for reducing the numbers of members. Mr O'Callagban followed in the same vein, and Mr Barron denounced those who were prepared to go back on their vote. Mr G. P. Richardson then asked the Premier what he would concede. The country members offered to give way on two points, but the Premier was not prepared to give way on any. Sir Robert, however, remained silent, and the discussion commenced afresh. Again ■an attempt at conciliation was made by the Premier, but Mr Bryce insisted that the proposal to report progress should be coupled with the condition that the bill should be brought up on Tuesday. Sir Robert Stout refused to give this undertaking unless a compromise was arrived at, and the discussion was going on at 1.45 a.m., anl seemed likely to continue for some time.

Sunday, May 15.

THE REPRESENTATION BILL.

At the time the telegraph office closed on Saturday morning there was just a prospect that there might be a compromise on the Representation Bill. The Premier had suggested reporting progress, and intimated his desire to come to some arrangement. The suggestion thrown out by Mr Pearson that the Premier should give an actual 15 per cent, to country districts on a sliding scale, which increased as the population decreased, the Premier was disposed to agree to provided the number of members was increased. Thisis just the weak point of the country party, and to gain something like a fair percentage and increase the numbers was undoubtedly a strong temptation. Mr Scobie Mackenzie contended that it was not for the Premier to go against the wish of the House in the matter of percentage, which, he said, stood apart from the number of members. On the latter point the majority was small, and some of those who voted for it were inclined to reconsider their decision. On the percentage question, however, the majority was two to one, and the majority had evinced no desire to depart from their decision. That being so, it was not the place of the Premier to hold out against the expressed will of the majority of the House. Then Mr Hislop, of Oamaru, made an attack on the Premier, which virtually put any chance of conciliation at an end. He contended that. the Premier had earned derision and covered himself with shame through the part he had acted on the bill. In agreeing to report progress Messrs Bryce and Rolleston tried hard to induce the Premier to promise that the bill should come on on Tuesday, but the latter would not agree, and owing it is said to many members having left without pairing, he was able to resist this on a division by a majority of one. The fact that Mr Dargaville voted for the Government has excited some talk. It the early part of the lfight he had denounced an alleged attempt to deprive the North of its due right by killing the bill, yet when there was every probability that theGovprument would elect not to bring on the bill on Tuesday he voted against a motion to make it the first order of the day. Opinions are divided as to whether the Government will bring it ou again. Many members believe they will not, but my own impression is that they will do so if they get an opportunity. Of the Otago members Messrs Barron, Buckland,

Fergus, Fulton, Hirst, Hislop, Scobie Mackenzie, and G. F. Richardson voted with the ayes, and Messrs Bracken, Duncan, Hatch, Joyce, Larnach, J.M'Kenzie.'Ross, Stout, and Pyke against. » INDEBTEDNESS OP LOCAL BODIES.

The actual indebtedness of local bodies is, a difficult matter to ascertain. The latest returns shew it to be as follows':— Counties* £188,809 ) boroughs, £2,510,888; road and town boards* £128,711 ;.river boards, £58,088 J harbour boards, £2,589,967; Christdhurch Drainage Board, £191,760; total, £5,616,275\ On 3lst March 1883 the total indebtedness was £4,193,995, and the increase is mostly in to harbour boards, the liabilities of which have^increased from £1,625,620 to £2,539,967. >

NEWSPAPER LIBELS.

Since the short summary of Mr Downie Stewart's Newspaper Libel Bill was circulated the bill has been printed. It provides that any report published in any newspaper of the proceedings of a pnblic meeting lawfully conVerted shall be privileged ' if the report is fair and accurate, published without malice, and if the publication is for the public benefit ; provided that 6uch protection shall not be available as a defence in any proceeding if it can be shown that the defendant has refused to publish a contradiction On behalf of the plaintiff dr prosecutor. Before any prosecution for libel can be commenced against the proprietor, or editor, or publisher of a paper the consent of the Attorney-general is firßt to be obtained, except the prosecution is sactioned by a judge of the Supreme Court. A court of summary jurisdiction may receive evidence as to the publication being for the public benefit, and as to the matters charged in the libel being true, and as to the report being fair and accurate and published without malice, and as to any matter which might be given by way of defence by the person charged on trial or indictment. If the court thinks a jury would acquit the person charged, it may dismiss the case ; if the court is of opinion that though the person charged is shown 1 to be guilty the libel is of a trivial character, it may, with the consent of the defendant, summarily convict him and fine him in any sum not exceeding £100. A newspaper is to be admissible in evidence in the proceedings, without proof of publication, if it is proved to be the paper referred to, although the title is changed since the date of the alleged libel. ' Power is given to the court or judge to stay proceedings till security is given by the plaintiff for the payment of costs up to £50. THE LANDOWNERS OF THE v.OLONY.

From a return attached to the Financial Statement it appears that there are in the colony 17,043 persons and 32 companies owning between five and 100 acres of land each; 15,451 persons and 21 companies owning between 100 and 1000 acres ; 1615 persons and 30 companies owning between 1000 and 10,000 acres; 213 persons and 17 companies owning between 1000 and 5000 acres ; 18 persons and 11 companies owning over 50,000 acres each.

MISCELLANEOUS.

A copy of the " Handbook of New Zealand Mines" has been laid on the table of the House. The cost of the book is to be ss. It gives particulars of gold, silver, and antimony, mining, coal depots, &c, and a copy is. to be forwarded to the schools of mines.

From inquiries made of the Minister of Public Works, I learn that only four officers of the Public Works office in the district of Otago have had their services dispensed with under the most recent scheme of retrenchment.

Monday, May 16.

SOUTH SEA ISLAND MAIL SERVICE.

The contract with the owners of the Janet Nicoll for the steam service with the South Sea Islands expires in June next, and no provision, has been made to continue it beyond that. Since the steamer ceased to run down the coast; to Dunedin it "has excited little interest outside Auckland, but as a large quantity of fruit which cannot be grown in New Zealand is distributed over the colony, it will be satisfactory to learn that the service is likely to be continued. , Mr Dargaville interviewed Sir J. Vogel on the matter to-day, and pointed out that though the service was rapidly becoming self-supporting it had not yet arrived at that stage. He therefore asked that after the expiry of the present contract a subsidy at the rate of £100 per month be granted. Sir Julius said he was favourably disposed towards granting it, and proposed to consult his colleagues on the matter.

NORTH v. SOUTH.

There is always a good deal of talk about North v. South, the representatives of each island stoutly contending the superiority of their own island, and challenges of all kinds are often thrown out. One of these was made on Friday, and admitted of a speedy settlement. A friendly wager as to the best shootist among Northern and Southern members resulted in Major Hamlin being selected as champion for the North, and Captain Reid for the South. The match was fired off on Saturday, the conditions being seven shots at 200 yds, 400 yd s: and 500 yds. Major-general Whitmore and Captain Colemau acted as referees. At 200 yds Major Hamlin scored 23 to Captain Reid's 20. but at 400 yds positions were reversed, Captain Reid scoring 21 to his opponent's 14. Captain Reid improved his lead at the final stage, scoring 17 against 9, and the Southerner thus won the match by 58 points to 46.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The bill to amend the Building Societies Act, which the Hon. Mr Tole has introduced, is merely to provide that cases may be heard in a R.M. Court of competent jurisdiction. This has become necessary owing to the District Courts having been abolished in a great number of places.

The coal industry in Auckland district has been for some time in a languishing condition, and mine owners have for some time complained of the heavy haulage charges. The Minister for Public Works has virtually agreed to reduce the price charged the Kamo and Whangarei Companies by 6d per ton. The distance is some three or four miles, and the haulage has hitherto been at the rate of 2s per ton.

Tuesday, May 17. DEFERRED-PAYMENT SETTLERS, SOUTHLAND.

Mr COWAN asked the Minister of Lands— (l) If a resolution of the Southland Waste Land Board has reached him with regard to deferredpayment settlers in that district who are in arrears with the payments due by them to the Crown. (2) Is the Minister prepared to recommend such a policy of leniency with regard; to such settlers as was granted in 1880 to settlers in similar circumstances in Chatton district, Otago?

The Hon. Mr BALLANCE said that the resolutions of the Land Board had not reached him. As to extending leniency to the settlers referred to, he wished to point out that the conditions under which the settlers had taken up their land was much more liberal than those of 1880. There was no intention to be hard, but it was evident that many could pay their arrears but

would not do' so.' Each case'wouid hatfe* to'fte" dealt with on its own merits, and he had isstied a circular, to land boards to act , in that manlier.

TRADE WITH NEW SOUTH WALES.

Mr BUCHANAN asked the Colonial Treasurer whether-, his attention had been called to the reimposition of the duties on butter, cheese, bacon, and ham imported into New South Wales, and whethe^ he will' communicate with the Government of that colony with a view to phe abolition of such duties by offering concessions in the tariff of this colony. , The Hon. Sir J. VOGEL said that tfce matter had engaged their attention last year. They had- asked the member for Cheviot while in Sydney to make inquiries as to what arrangements could be made for an interchange of produce between ' New South' Wales' arid this colony, but it had been without receiving any satisfaction. 'Since then there had been a change of f Government in New South Wales, and he had opened communication with them, but had received no reply to his letter. There was a great deal of feeling in favour of the amendments in the tariff in New South Wales, 1 and he thought it would ' be better not to interfere in the matter at present. Wnen thetime came he would renew communication with the' Government. Mr BUCHANAN suggested that the proposed duty on fruit would interfere with it. REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. The Hon. Mr BALLANCE, replying to Mr Hirst, stated that some potatoes had been .destroyed at Opawa, because it was believed that they were affected by the wire worm. The area so destroyed was about one-third of an acre, and the sum Daid as compensation £9. The Hon. Mr BALLANCE, replying to 'Mr Joyce, said he was fully alive to tfie desirability of enabling settlers in Seaward Bush to have access to the land already taken up there, and of opening up special settlement and Crown lands in the vicinity of Tidsbury siding. The Hon. Mr BALLANCE, replying to,Dr Newman, said the only way that the, expenses of members of the land boards, could be reduced was by meeting less frequently. , THE DEBATE IN THE HOUSE ON THE REPRESENTATION BILL. . • 'On the House going into committee on the Representation Bill, Mr SEDDON askedif any arrangements had been made between the Premier and the leader of the Opposition, as he understood a conference had taken place between them on the bill. The Hon. Sir R. STOUT said no definite arrangement had been arrived at, but he might say he intended as soon as the remaining clauses were disposed of to immediately recommitthe bill with the view of striking out clause 3, relating to percentage to the country districts, and then bringing down a new clause.

Major ATKINSON said he wished to say that it was not as leader of the Opposition that he met the Premier. It was not the Opposition who were treating in the matter, but the country members.

Mr SEDDON said that as a country member he wished to know why they should abandon what they had carried, and substitute for it they did not know what.

Mr BARRON said he understood the Premier had loyally accepted the number of members as amended.

The Hon. Sir R. STOUT said he did not accept on behalf of the Government.

Mr Seddon's motion providing that' a second census should be taken of a mining district ' before a change in its boundaries were made was then put, and lost on the voices.

Sub-section '6 of clause 3, providing for the amalgamating the electorates of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, was then proceeded with.

Mr PEACOCK opposed the amalgamation, as did Messrs T. Thompson and Fulton and Col. Trimble.

Messrs Whyte, Taylor, Samuel, Russell, and Bracken supported the motion.

Mr PYKE said the country constituencies should also be amalgamated.

Mr Dargaville, Dr Newman, and Mr Fisher also supported the amalgamation. An amendment to strike out the clause was then put, and on a division was carried by 52 to 23.

The following is the division list : —

Ayes (53).— Messrs Atkinson Beetham, Bevan, Bruce, Bryce, Buchanan, J. C. Buckland, W. F. Buckland, Cadman, Conolly, Cowan, Dodaon, Duncan, Fergus, Fisher, Fitzherbert, Fulton, Guiness.Hirst, Hobbs.Hursthouse, Iveas, Jones,Kerr, Lake.Lance,Levestam,Macarthur, Scobie Mackenzie, M'Kenzie, M'Millan, Mitchelson, Moat, Monk, Montgomery, O'Callaghan, O'Oonor, Pearson, Pyke, Reid, G. F. Richardson, Rollesfcoa, Russell, Samuel, Seddon, Smith, W. J. Steward, Sutter, J. W. Thomson, Turnbull, Trimble, Walker, Whyte. Noes (23), — Messrs Allwright, Ballance, Barron, F. H. Fraser, W. Fraser, Gore, Grey, Hatch, Larnach, Mills, Moss, Newman, Ormond, Peacock, Pratt, Reese, E. Richardßon, Downie Stewart, Stout, Taipua, Taylor, T. Thompson, Tole.

Mr FISHER then moved that the amalgamation should apply to Wellington. '

The Hon. Sir R. STOUT intimated that if that were carried he would move to include Dunedin.

The motion that Wellington city electorates be amalgamated was then put and lost on the voices.

Sub-section 6 was then discussed, and was struck out.

The Hon. Sir R. STOUT said that he would now propose that the whole of clause 3 be struck out, with the view of reporting progress. He would then bring down a new clause which would provide for 15 per cent, actual to country districts, making the margin 750, and fixing the number of members at 86.

The clause was struck out after discussion by 58 to 17.

Clauses 4to 11 were formally negatived, and the bill was reported.

„ The Hon. Sir R. STOUT moved— "That leave be given to sit again at 7.30."

Mr SEDDON proposed—" That consideration of the bill should be taken on Friday." He lectured the Premier on the manner in which he had backed and filled, and condemned the proposal to reduce the number of members. The House adjourned at 5.30, and on resuming,

Mr LEVESTAM objected to the number of members being 86.

The Hon. Sir R. STOUT denied that he had said he would make the number 86. What he had said was that he would vote for 86.

Mr G. F. RICHARDSON said he believed that if any alteration was made which Sir k R.' Stout did not agree "with he would drop the bill, and he asked for some assurance from the Premier.

Mr TURNBULL would also like an assurance from the Government on the question. Captain SUTTER spoke in a similar manner. Mr DUNCAN said the Premier was not to be blamed. It was the House itself that was demoralised.

Mr TAYLOR was extremely sorry for those hon. gentlemen who went into the lobby with him on the reduction division thinking that the number would not be made 73L They had tried

to get a little cheap popularity^but it 'was a* their own expense. Mr; SAMUEL said the two questions involved in refection were economy and as to whether the busine"ftTwotild I 'be as "well done with fewer members as it was-, at . presents . .He twitted Major Atkinson with failure to practise economy although he was always advocating it.- He expressed himself against any redaction of members, and hoped the House would go into committee to consider the question of restoring the number of members to 91 as it was originally. Mr BEVAN also hoped no reduction would be allowed by the House.' If any reduction were made it would lead to the disfranchisementj off a large number of voters in the colony. Instead of reducing members be thought an increase should be made. Mr SEDDON withdrew bis amendment, and the motion for the recommittal of the bill was agreed to. . In clause 2, relating to the appointment of & commission for the adjustment of representation, .ii ' . ; i The Hon. Sir R. STOUT said, he found the Controller and Auditor-general was not desirous of being a member of the commission, being unable to perform the duties owing to hisother work. He proposed, therefore, to insert I the name of .the Property Tax Commissioner ; instead of the Auditor-general. ( Mr MOSS strongly protested against any Government officer being selected for work of this kind. No Government should propose a thing of this kind. Mr HURSTHOUSE moved that the name of the Assistant Surveyor-general be inserted instead of the Auditor-general. Mr SEDDON moved that the past or present members of both Houses should be exempt from the commission. He said this was the largest power ;that could be conferred j on men, and he hoped the House would not con- ; sent to put such power into the hands of anyone ! connected with politics.

Mr HURSTHOUSE moved that the word " past " should be struck out of the amendment. Agreed to. Mr SEDDON'S amendment was negatived by 69 to 11. The Hon. Sir R. STOUT'S amendment to insert the property tax commissioner in the clause was then agreed to on the voices, and the clause was passed by 71 to 8. The Hon. Sir R. STOUT proposed a new clause to replace clause $, providing that the number of European members should be 91— " That 18 per cent, nominal be granted in favour of country districts, and that the quota should be 750."

Mr HURSTHOUSE moved that progress be reported to enable the Premier to put the new clause on the Supplemenary Order Paper, so that the House might see what it was votinjr for.

The Hon. Sir R. STOUT said the only alterations were three — viz., the number of members,, the percentage ts country districts, and the quota. Surely that was not too much for hon, members to keep in their heads.

The' Hon. Mr BRYCE denied that, any bargain had been made between Sir R. Stout and Major Atkinson as to the restoration to 91 members. He hoped somebody would propose a reduction to 71, or even a lesser number.

Mr BARRON hoped that Mr Hursthouse would withdraw his amendment for reporting progress, in order that the question of members should be first decided. He intended to propose that 91 be struck out, and that 71 be inserted. He was not sanguine of carrying 71, but that was the number decided by the House on the last occasion. He understood that the member for Motueka did not intend renewing his motion for 71 members, but he (Mr Barron) should do so. ,

Major ATKINSON said the only^rrangement that had been arrived at between the Premier and himself was the recommittal of the bill, leaving the whole question to bo reconsidered by the House. , There was no arrangement as to percentage or quota. Mr SEDDON asked where was Mr Bryce's reputation as a politician. He remembered when that gentleman was a member of the HaU •Ministry, which fought hard for an increase of members to 91, and now that a general election was coming on he cried out for a reduction to 71. He thought it better that the Waitotara district should be wiped out altogether if the hou. gentleman had no more regard for his reputation than he had just shown.

Mr HURSTHOUSE would like to know why this strange reticence existed between the leaders of the House on this matter. He also desired to know whether this 18 per cent. nominal was to be added to the population before the quota was strnck. He did not care anything about the number of members. He was quite willing to support a reduction to 45 on the score of economy, but he did not think a reduction to 71 would cause any economy. The Hon. Sir J. VOGEL said with regard to this clause it was not the first time by several occasions on which an attempt had been made to regulate representation on automatic principles. The difficulty always was to define what country districts meant, and he thought the plan brought down by the Government solved that difficulty. As to the number of members, be should vote for 91 members, because he thought it exceedingly inadvisable to reduce the present number. He felt it was a widely different thing, the giving increased representation and taking it away. How any man could call it a liberal act to take away from the people the representation which they enjoyed was more than he could understand. He thought it was the very last subject on which they should apply questions of economy. He could understand reducing the salaries of civil servants, but when they came to reduce the number of those who had control of the funds of the colony they were not conducing to economy, but rather the reverse. Hedenied that a reduction of members would improve the HouHe; and although there were many members who, he was aware, were opposed to him personally, he could not point to ten amongst them who could be spared from the House. He thought members who voted for the reduction of members undertook a very serious responsibility. Mr SCOBIE MACKENZIE was surprised at the Treasurer's statement that no Liberal would take away representation from those who enjoyed it, and yet his own Government took away representation from the country districts. He hoped members of country districts would not give up the claim they had advanced. The motion for reporting progress was lost. Sir R. STOUT asked members of the House who wished the bill to pass to vote for the clause as he had brought it down. Mr G. F. RICHARDSON said the Premier had not treated the committee fairly, and he had committed a breach of faith, as he distiuctly stated he should propose anew clause and leave it to the House to deal with as it thought proper.

Mr FISHER asked Major Atkinson to say whether he had arranged with the Premier that the number of members should be 91. Major ATKINSON; said be bad m&Oe n°

arrangement whatever. He wished it to be distinctly understood that he, had not represented the Opposition on that .occasion— he had treated it altogether separate from party considerations, — and he pointed out that many of the Government supporter's were. as much divided over the bill as members of the Opposition.

After a further lengthy discussion,

Mr PEACOCK said ho should support 91 members although he had previously voted for the reduction to 71. He remarked that a number of members were determined not to accept any medium number, and if they, could not get 71 they would vote for 91. Sir 6. GREY said he should also support 91 members. The reduction to 86 he considered was unworthy of any'statesman, and would rob a number of his fellow settlers, whilst it would not conduce to any economy whatever.

The motion for the insertion of " 91 members " in the blank was then put and resulted in a tie— ayes, 39 ; noes, 39. The CHAIRMAN said he should give his casting vote with the " ayes," to give another opportunity of considering the matter. The question of inserting 91 was therefore carried. The following is the division list : —

Aybs (39) — Ballance, Bevan, Dargaville, Conolly, Jitzherbert, F. H. Fraser, Guineas, Hirst, Ivess, Jones, Joyce, Lake, Lance, Levestam, Locke, Macjrthur, M. J. S. Maokenzie, M'Millan, Men;eath, Moat, Montgomery, O'Callaghan, Peajook, Pratt, Pyke, Keid, X .Richardson, Eolleaton, 3amuel, Seddon, Smith, Dowuie Stewart, Stout, Taiapua, T. Thompson, Trimble, Vogel, Walker, Wilson.

Nobs (39)— Allwright, Atkinson, Beetharn, Bruce, Bracken, Bryce, Buchanan, J. O. Buckland; W F. Buckland, Oadman, Cowan, Duncan, Fergus, W. Fraaer, Fulton, Garrick, Grey, Hatch, Uislop, Hobbs, Hursthouse, Larnach, Mills, Mitchelson, Monk, Moss, Newman, Ormond, G. F. Richardson, Boss, Russell, W. J. Steward, Sutter, Taylor, J. W. Thomson, Tole, Turnbull. Pairs : For - Gore, Eeese, Grace, Kerr. Against — J.JM'Kenzie, Wakefield, Pearson, Fisher. Mr G. F. RICHARDSON moved to insert 20 per cent, instead of 18 per cent, nominal addition. Mr BARRON asked the Chairman's opinion as to whether he could review the Chairman's ruling in the decision he had just given.

The Hon. Sir R. STOUT rose to a point of order. He submitted tha b the Chairman's ruling could not be reviewed. r

Mr BARRON said he merely wished the Chairman to make his decision more plain to the committee. Sir R. STOUT again rose to order. __ . Mr HAMLIN said he had no explanation to make, but it was quite competent when the bill was reported for anybody to move for its recommittal.

As Mr Richardson's motion was a very important one, Mr GUINESS moved to report progress, which was lost on the voices. Mr SCOBIE MACKENZIE supported the proposal for 20 per cent. He would suggest to the Premier the reasonableness of giving way in this matter, as it was a very small one ; and as for dropping the bill if his proposal was not carried, it was an absurd idea. Sir R. STOUT hoped the committee would accept his proposal without further waste of time. It was distinctly agreed that 18 per cent, should be accepted. Major- ATKINSON said this implied there had been' some understanding with him. There was no agreement whatever between himself and the Premier, but it was decided to leave the matter to the House. < The amendment was negatived by 43 to 33. MrHURSTHOUSE moved to strike out the quota 750 with a view to substitute 1000. Lost by 47 to 29. The clause as amended was then put and carried on the voices. < The remaining clauses were passed without alteration. , Mr SCOBIE MACKENZIE moved a new clause to the effect that when the commissioners have decided to alter an existing electoral district, and boundaries of new districts are provisionally determined, due notice of such proposed boundaries shall be given in any newspaper published in the district, and a day appointed for the commissioners to receive any objections against such boundaries.

The Hon. Sir R. STOUT said personally he should be in favour of the- clause, but he pointed out that it would entail great expense, and would also cause a delay of several months. He suggested that the clause be altered to read "When the commission propose to alter electoral districts due notice of such proposed boundaries shall be given in the newspaper published in the district "

Mr O'CALLAGHAN moved that the word "gazette" be inserted instead of "newspaper," Agreed to. The clause was added to the bill by 41 to 25. The bill was reported, with amendments added to be considered next day.

Major ATKINSON asked when the Premier proposed to take the financial discussion.

The Hon. Sir R. STOUT- said he hoped they would be in a position to do so on Friday.

THE CULTIVATION OF FLAX.

Mr Fisher to-day, in asking a question of the Minister of Lands as to encouraging the production of flax and other commercial fibres, stated that he had a communication from Hotr c stating that the lately-invented machine of Wallace and Co. had effected a revolution in the flax industry, and had made it one of the most profitable in the North of Ireland. A good authority had written tc him stating that the growing of flax was three times as profitable as the growing of any other plant. Some samples which had been at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition were pronounced' by competent authorities to be" some" of the finest ever grown. The Minister of Lands thought the price of labour in the colony would prove an obstacle to its successful cultivation here; but Mr Eisher pointed out that Wallace's new machine ■ could be worked by either man, woman, or even children.

RETURNS.

A return was presented to-day of all persons who have been appointed to situations in the Government service during the financial year. None of the appointments are of recent date. Mr Seddon, speaking to-day, blurted out the real facts in connection with the Female Franchise Bill. He said that many members had voted for the second reading as a compliment to the Treasurer and to the, fair sex, but there was no intention of allowing it to go further, and if anyone thought otherwise they would be mistaken. '

THE RABBIT PEST.

The return to the order of Mr Lance was laid on the table, showing the area of country surrendered in Otago and Southland since it became infested with rabbits, and the loss of revenue to the Crown arising' therefrom, also the, increase of land under cultivation in|the districts of Otago and Marlborough from 1879 to 1886. The first return consists of communications from Mr J. P. Maitland and Mr J. Spence, commissioners respectively for Otago and Southland. Mr Maitland writes that the area surrendered inOtago since it became infested with rabbits amounts to 1,346,554 acres, and the loss to the revenue to March 14 las v to £32,803. Of

this area the greater portion has been relet at considerably reducedrentals, only 20 runs, containing about 414,000 acres, lying unoccupied at the present time, exclusive of the West Coast runs, which are un'ocenpied on account of their elevation and inaccessibility. Mr Spence, of Southland, writes : "No runs in Southland have actually been thrown up on account of the rabbit pest. Prior to the incoming* of the rabbits; the runs were held at 2d per acre all round, the period of lease being generally from 1866 to about 1883 ; during the period from the incoming of the rabbits to the expiry of most of the leases' the losses to the runholders must have been enormous, but as the original rent paid to the Government was moderate, this rent still continued to be paid in 1883^ Most of the runs were relet, generally at the old figure (which was the upset of 2dper acre). No doubt had the country not been infested with rabbits the runs would have realised I should say an average of 4d per acre at. least, thus making the loss to the Government since 1883 not less than £15,000." From correspondence laid on the table to-day it appears that ' the Chief Commissioner of Lands in Canterbury reported on 23rd April that rabbits from Otago were invading South Canterbury. The Rabbii department have appointed Mr Thompson j one of the most , energetic officers of the department, and have given him ample authority to take such steps as he may consider necessary to check the invasion.

A meeting of the Joint Rabbit Committee was held this morning, the Hori. Randall Johnston being elected chairman. It was resolved, to ask" the Government for a return showing the'present extent of the rabbit pest and the number of skins exported. During the discussion the Government were adversely criticised f6r their remissness in not carrying out the wishes of private owners as regards private lands, and in not, themselves complying with the regulations forced upon the private owners.

CULTIVATION IN OTAGO. From a return laid on the table to-day it appears that since April 1879 the total area in cultivation in Otago has increased as follows : — 1880, 77,395 acres; 1881, 140,010 do; 1882, 113,763 do ; 1883, 215,881 do ; 1884, 75,085 do ; 1885,138,010 do; 1886, 54,102;— t0tal increase from 1879 to 1886, 814,246 acres. In Marlborough the total increase for the same period was 71,891 acres. ' ';

A NOVEL PETITION. , - . A curious petition was brought before the House to-day. The petitioner is George Elmes Nias, printer, who states that land for building is limited, and as a consequence rents are high, causing great hardship and crowding together of buildings, which is injurious to health. This renders Wellington one of the dearest cities to live in in the Southern Hemisphere. That in event of war a large portion of the most valuable portion of the city could be destroyed without hostile vessels entering the harbour. For these and other reasons Nias prays that the. seat of Government be removed to some inland plain, where it would have room to grow, and where walks and pleasant drives could be con? structed and wealthy and independent persons encouraged to settle, who would constitute society for the Governor suitable to his rank. ! • Mr Fulton to-day presented another petition against the employment of barmaids, signed by 145 persons. [

NOTICE OF NEW BILLS.

The following new bills were given notice of to-day : — Sir G. Grey, to amend " The Disqualification Act 1878," and to enact that the Attorney-general of New Zealand, whilst practising the profession of the law within New Zealand, shall not be capable of holding the office or position of Premier of the colony or of performing the duties of such office; [the Hon. Mr Tole, to amend " The Coroners Act 1867"; the Hon. Mr Larnach, the Gold Duty Application Bill; Mr Pearson, to repeal "The Crown and Native Lands Rating Act 1882 "; Mr Hatch, to appropriate a portion of the town belt of Invercargill for the purposes of waterworks , Mr Hatch, to grant, further borrowing powers to the new Harbour Board ; Sir R. Stout, the Westland and Grey Education Districts Continuance Bill.

EDUCATION RESERVES.

Major Steward's bill to provide for the adr ministration of education reserves enables the utilisation of any such reserve for the purposes of a village settlement. Leases shall be in the name of the body or person in whom the reserve is vested, and rents shall be paid over to such body or person. ELECTION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

Major Steward is again to the front with a bill to regulate the election of school^committees. His measure this year is a short one of two clauses, and provides that every householder may exercise as many votes are there are persons required to be elected, or any less number of votes, but no householder shall be entitled to record more than one vote for any candidate.

THE REPRESENTATION BILL.

The conference between Major Atkinson and ' the Premier on the Representation Bill was continued this morning, but nothing definite was arrived tt. It became evident, however, that the Government had gained the support of some of the country members on the understanding that the. number of members was fixed at not .ess than 96. ■ The bill was the first order of the day, and the West Coast members were evidently inclined to put up a stonewall. The Premier received some hard knocks as to the manner in which he had acted in connection with the bill, and some wrangling having taken place as to whether a definite arrangement had been arrived at between the Premier and Major Atkinson, the latter explained in most emphatic terms that the only agreement come to was that clause 3 should be recommitted, leaving the House unfettered and free to alter the clause as regards the number of members, thepercentageto country districts, and the margin. After a long discussion the Premier gained the object he had in view, and had clause 3 struck out with the view of bringing down a new clause. On the House resuming at 7.30 it took some time to get the bill recommitted, the West Coasters still seeming inclined to stonewall. At last it got into committee, and the fight on the number of members was commenced. It lasted until 10.45, but as the chairman of committee was evidently inclined to take a division on it before taking the supper adjournment, it was put, and, amidst some excitement, the numbers were found to be even, 39 voting on each side. Mr Hamlin gave his vote in favour of the number being 91, stating that this would give an opportunity of having the clause recommitted if it was so desired. This difficulty out of the way, it was at once evident that the opposition to the bill was practically at an end. The West Coast and ' Nelson members cared little for the percentage, while those who had found that they had made a mistake in reducing the number were sorelievedthatthey were not at all particular on other points. After further animated debate the percentage was fixed at 18 nominal or 15 actual, by 44 to 33, and the margin at 750. Thus tfie Premier at last succeeded in scoring a viotory. The rest of the clauses provoked no opposition,

but' some discussion took' place on a new'] one by Mr Scobie Mackenzie, which was several times amended and finally carried in the form of providing that when" boundaries were to be altered, the approximate boundaries should be J gazetted, and written objections to them received and considered .by the' commissioners. * At. 1 o'clock, much to the relief of all parties, the bill as amended was] reported, and the long and complicated struggle was at an end.. As predicted from the first, the number of members remains unaltered, and. the first vote taken on this was intended for j the, country only, and did not represent the real feelings of members.