Friday. May 20. THE REPRESENTATION BILL PASSED.

Otago Witness, Issue 1853, 27 May 1887, Page 15

Friday. May 20. THE REPRESENTATION BILL PASSED.

When the order of the day to approve of the amendments made in the Representation Bill came on to-day, much to the surprise of members, Mr Jas. Mills, the member for Port Chalmers, got on his feet to make his maiden effort in Parliament. He proposed the recommittal of the bill, with the view of reducing the number of members to 71.' Mr Mills was nervous, as might be expected, but he acquitted himself well, his speech bsing short, pithy, sensible, and to the point. He was heartily congratulated for his effort, although of course his proposal was condemned. The discussion which followed was intended evidently for the country, and member after member pronounced in favour of a reduction in numbers, but pocketed his conviction on the subject on the ground that to recommit the bill was to endanger it. Eventually a division was taken, when the proposal to recommit was negatived by a crushing majority, the voting being 50 to 21* With this last instance of inconsistency on the part of the majority, the Representation Bill, which has been a bone of contention for over three weeks, is relegated to the tender mercy of the Upper House, who are not likely to oppose its progress. ANNUAL SHEEP RETURNS.

The annual report of Chief Inspector Bayley, giving the sheep returns to the end of May 1886, was laid on the table to-day. The total number of sheep in the colony on that date was 15,174,263, as against 14,546,801 for the previous year, or an increase of 627,462 — viz. : Auckland, 15,586 ; Napier, 174,662 ; Taranaki, 1274 ; Wanganui, 1127; Rangitikei, 83,285; Wellington, 87,148; Nelson, 10,975; Marlborough. 12,968; Canterbury, 93,867; Otago, 148,998. The classification can be taken approximately as : Merino — Males, 3,083,201 ; females, 3,851,379. Longwools — Males, 574,279; females, 1,010,731. Crossbred— Males, 2,420,590 ; females, 4,234,083. Total males, 6,978,070; females, 9,096,193 — making the grand total of 15,174,263. The returns again this year show a very considerable increase in longwools and crossbreds, whilst merinos have decreased nearly 300,000 ; the total increase in the North Island being 360,654, and in the Middle Island 266,808. " I have to draw your attention (says the inspector) to the large increase that has taken place in the export of frozen meat. During the year ended 31st March last, 706,967 carcasses of mutton have been shipped, or an increase of 132,775 over the year 1885. Of these, Auckland furnished 19,913, Napier 157,810, Wellington 140,302, Canterbury 235,631, and Otago 153,391. The number of sheep boiled down amounted to 325,480, and the number used at preserving works 86,869. The increase on the number of sheep boiled down is very marked, being 256,266 more than last year. The imports consist of 1680 sheep from the Australian colonies, and the exports to 2824 — viz., 19 to Australia, HOto New Caledonia, and 2693 to the South Sea Islands. Generally speaking, throughout the colony a more than ordinary clip was experienced, with ono of the best lambings known for years, and flocks unubually healthy. In Otago an exceptionally good season for autumn feed has prevailed. All flocks within the colony are now clean, and all hold clean certificates." Only four Otago counties show a decrease — namely : Waikouaiti, 171 ; Peninsula, 2166 ; Bruce, 5331 ; Waitaki, 43,563. The increases in the other oounties were — Maniototo, 22,172 ; Vincent, 8845 ; Lake, 3615; Waihemo, 2143; Taicri, 5511; Clutha, 17,214; Tuapeka, 12,586; Southland 1 , 84,840; Wallace, 44,312. The whole of the Otago counties have an area of 14,039,000 acres, with 2123 owners with a total of 3,949,964 sheep. The sheep rate realised £3950, and the services of 13 inspectors were utilised, whose salaries and travelling expenses amounted to £3750.

A COUNTY DISPUTE.

The correspondence which has passed between the Government and the county councils of Waihemo and Waikouaiti with reference to the apportionment of cost of maintaining a portion of the main North road betwttn *-he two counties was laid on the table in accordm .cc with a motion by Mr J. C. B.uckland. The dispute between the two counties arose out of the refusal of Waihemo to contribute to the maintenance of the road on the ground that as it was not in their boundries such expenditure would be illegal, and also because the road was now little used, and furthermore was in better condition than any single road within the boundary of the county. The Waikouaiti Council referred the matter to the Colonial Secretary, who referred from him to Mr Ussher, who adjudged Waihemo entitled to contribute one*half. It was then referred to the Premier, who referred it to Messrs M'Kerrow and Blair. They adjudged Waihemo's contribution at one-fourth of the total, and the Governor signed a warrant to that effeot. The Waikouaiti County Council wished to know on what authority the award was made, and this is now disclosed. NEW ZEALAND TINNED AND FROZEN

MEAT.

Correspondence was laid on the table of the House of Representatives to-day in reference to the supply of tinned and frozen meat to the Imperial troops in England. Sir Dillon Bell has been in correspondence with the Admiralty and War Office on the subject, and the Admiralty state that, salt beef from New Zealand was tried but the result was not satisfactory, inasmuch as two samples were condemned

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as unfit for human food and sold to soapboilers. New Zealand woods are unfit for being used for salt meat casks, and besides, an attempt to obtain tenders at Dunedin, Christchurch, and Napier failed. It appears the War Office, require only about 600,0001b of canned meat, and at present they receive this at a price under 50s per cwt, the contractors guaranteeing the meat to keep sound for two years. As to the matter of supplying the War Office with frozen mutton, it appears that a strong prejudice exists against its use, although it is certain that large quantities are actually supplied ; but the War Office will probably have this latter matter arranged. The consumption of preserved beef in the navy is only 300,0001b, and of mutton 150,0001b, or less than the 250 th part o£ the annual importation of frozen sheep. The whole tenor of the correspondence shows that the matter is one which must be left to private enterprise. ANOTHER 'PERQUISITE TO MEMBERS.

The Post considers the new privilege granted to members of Parliament in the way"of sending delayed telegrams on public matters at reduced rates an admirable proof of the insincerity of parliamentary professions of a desire for economy, and of the fact that so far from being prepared to make any personal sacrifice of honorarium or privileges, they are only too anxious to obtain additional perquisites. The honorarium and free railway passes are surely enough. The former was intended to cover all the legitimate expenses of the position, amongst which occasional telegrams to constituents may fairly be classed. Why should not constituents be allowed to wire to their /parliamentary representatives at reduced rates ? The rule should work both ways to be fair.

IN HUMOUR FOR WORK.

The Hoase was in humour for work this evening, and after a brief fight over the Wellington University.College and Kermadec Islands Bills, measure after measure went through with no semblance of debate. It is somewhat remarkable that to-night, when real work was transacted, the House was remarkably thin, and this is a commentary on the cry that numbers cannot be reduced with benefit.

THE OTAGO CENTRAL.

The Otago Central Railway Bill was before the Waste Lands Committee to-day, but the matter was adjourned with the view of getting further evidence as to the lands which abut the line. This action may jeopardise the chances of the bill now that the financial debate is coming on. Mr Pyke will, however, work hard to get the matter before the House again.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Mr Hirst to-day presented a petition from a number of farmers and others against the services of Wm. Lyle, agent for the rabbit inspector, being dispensed with.

The public trustee, it appears, holds the sum of £1561, being the amount unclaimed for six years in intestate estates. He holds securities of the nominal value of £268,181.

The Public Petitions Committee report that they cannot recommed the prayer of Samuel Morrison, of Dunedin, to be granted. Morrison was a warder in Dunedin Gaol, and was dismissed in consequence of the escape of Henry Percy Fisher at Otago Heads.

Sir J. Vogel to-day gave notice that he intends to introduce a bill entitled " The Government Life Insurance Act Amendment and Extension Bill,"

The Minister for Public Works to-day said that to reintroduce the return ticket system on all the lines throughout the colony would mean a loss to the revenue of £40,000, and could not therefore be entertained. FRIDAY'S DEBATES IN THE HOUSE. EMPLOYMENT OF FEMALES AMENDMENT BILL.

The Hon. Mr BUCKLEY* moved the second reading of ' The Employment of Females and Others Act 1881 Amendment Bill." After a short discussion On a division, the second reading was negatived by 13 to 12.

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS.

Replying to Mr Taylor,

The lion. E. RICHARDSON said that the fines inflicted upon employes of the Government throughout the colony were paid into the hands of the public trustee with the view of creating a superannuation fund.

Replying to Mr Jones,

The Hon. Sir J. VOGEL said the question of imposing a tax on the totalisator had been under consideration |in another branch of the Legislature. The Government were not desirous of securing colonial revenue from such a source, but they favoured a proposal that a certain percentage of the profits should be handed over to local charities. •

Replying to Mr Thompson,

The Hon. J. BALLANCE said commissioned officers were not entitled to long-service medals. It was not intended to grant a step in rank to all officers who have served 16 years.

THE REPRESENTATION BILL, On the motion to adopt the committee's report on the Representation Bill,

■ Mr J. MILLS said that he was disappointed at the outcome of the whole matter in connection with the number of members, and he felt bound to move that the bill be recommitted to amend the clause as to the number, and give those who were said to have voted in a wrong direction an opportunity of putting themselves right. He felt sure if the country were polled a large majority would be in favour of a reduction. It was nonsence to say that .the business of the House could not be carried on by a smaller number of members. The difficulty about Ministers having a preponderating power could be met in many ways. For instance, the number of Ministers cnuld be reduced, or it could be arranged that ou Government questions they should not vote. He asked the House not to disappoint the country, as he believed the' feeling on this point was strong..- If they started with themselves by reducing their own numbers and then reducing the honorarium, they would be strengthened in dealing with the whole question of economy in other directions.

Captain SUTTER said he supported the views of the member for Port Chalmers, He believed in the number of members being reduced, and would give his vote for ifc.

Mr DARGAVILLE justified his vote of Saturday morning last for which he had been brought to task. He objected to the motion as putting the bill in jeopardy. The Hon. Sir R. STOUT congratulated Mr Mills on his speech. He said there was an effort to burk the bill, and if it went into committee again he warned them that he would cease to be responsible for ifc. If the number of members were reduoed the voice of the country districts could not be heard. Why, even Port Chalmers, from which Mr Mills came, would be blotted out. Supposing the population inoreased, there would be no increase in the number of members, as the bill fixed that. He again warned the House not to go into committee. He acknowledged the assistance he had received from the Auckland members in passing the' bill.

Mr BARRON said he did not agree with thePremier that the country districts would not bft;

represented by 71 members. They could have a modification of the Hare system. Those who were supporting the recommittal were really taking the opportunity which the Chairman of Committees said they would have in giving his casting vote when the division resulted in a tie. Local considerations should not guide members in this important matter, and he was pleased that many would give their votes independent of locality. Mr TURNBULL said taking into consideration the closeness of the division, under ordinary circumstances he would have voted for its recommittal, but in view of the circumstances of of the country he felt bound to sink personal considerations.

Mr PYKE said he was sorry to find the member for Port Chalmers making his first speech in favour of an illiberal measure. If the members were reduced, only rich men could gain seats. — (" No, no.") He agreed with every word the Premier had said. The member for Caversham knew nothing of the difficulties of representing a country constituency, or he would not move in this direction. Personally, he represented nearly every interest possibles-mining, agricultural, pastoral, &c. — but what did a town member represent ? So far as he could see, they only represented the unemployed. Mr HATCH congratulated the member for Port Chalmers on following in the footsteps of his predecessor. He blamed the Premier for the whole position, and any waste of time was due his action. He was sure constituencies would insist on the number being reduced, and if the bill were passed, the first thing the next House would have to do would be to repeal it.

Mr FULTON said he would support the motion for recommittal, and he hoped members would seriously consider the matter. When the vote was taken the other night, it was well known that at least one member had voted in the wrong lobby. It was absurd of the Premier to say that if the bill were recommitted it would be killed. This was establishing quite a new principle, as it was equivalent to saying that the will of the majority would not be accepted. The Hon. Sir J. VOGEL said it was not correct to say that the Government would not accept the will of the majority. It was not fair to reopen the question of the number of members without reopening the question of percentage. If they reduced the members they at once raised the quota. The basis of the bill was 91, and if that were altered sparsely-settled districts would suffer ; and he would ask members to accept the decision of the other evening. Mr WHYTE said he was convinced there was no chance of carrying 71, and he would oppose the recommittal, because he believed they would not get a substantial reduction. Mr J. 0. BUOKLAND said the question was an important one to constituencies, and it was not right that the vote of the other night, which was a chance one, should not be reconsidered. The chairman had given his vote to give a chance for further consideration, and effect should be given to that. Mr PEACOCK said that, apart from his own views, he was prepared to accept the bill as it stood. Hon. Major ATKINSON said that if the bill were recommitted there was little chance of it getting through. He denied that the vote was a chance one, and he was very sorry that he^ had to come to this] decision, because he was strongly in favour of a reduction. The Government were responsible for the whole position. Even now what did the Premier say : that if the bill were recommitted he would notberesponsible for it — or in other words, that he would abandon it. If the question had been a party one, he would have been inclined to take up that challenge and carry the bill through. In fact he had to put a strong restraint on himself, as an election could not be far off. He felt bound to oppose the recommittal. Major STEWARD said the question was whether or not they would have a representation bill. Although he favoured a reduction, he was opposed to the recommittal of the bill. Mr FITZHERBERT said he did not see why they should recommit the bill to give another chance of a catch vote. Hon. J. BRYCE said he was sorry that there was an evident desire not to recommit the bill, as he was clearly of opinion that a majority of the House favoured a decrease in numbers. Mr COWAN said that though he favoured a reduction to 70 or 71, he would vote against the recommittal of the bill. Mr T. THOMPSON opposed the recommittal of the bill. Mr O'CALLAGHAN said he would like to see the whole clause recommitted, as if the members were reduced it would be necessary to make other alterations. Mr LEVESTAM objected to the chairman of committee's vote. Mr HAMLIN said a tie took place the other evening. He pointed out that the committee had passedjthe second reading of the clause, and it was not for him to arrogate to himself the duty of altering what was to be the number of the House. That his decision was right was ' shown by the fact that the House had now the i opportunity of considering the matter again. Mr IVESS, though favouring the reduction of members, would vote against the recommittal and give his constituents an opportunity of i speaking on it. Captain RUSSELL warned members not to lose the substance in trying to grasp the shadow.

Mr ROSS said he. voted against 71 as he thought the reduction of 20 too large. Mr MONK opposed the recommittal of the bill, as did Messrs JOYCE, CADMAN, and BEETHAM.

Mr BRUCE supported the recommittal of the Jbill.

jhe motion to recommit the bill was then put, and en a divison was lost by 50 to 21. The" following is the division list : —

Ayes. '21.— Messrs Allwright, Barroii, Bracken, Bruce, Bryce, Buchanan, J. O. Buckland, Duncan, Fulton, Garrick, Grey, Hamlin, Hatch, Hursthouse, JM'Kenzie, Moss, Pearson, Boss, Sutter, Taylor, Thomson. Noes. 50.— Messrs Atkinson.BaUance.Beefcham.W. F. Buckland, Cadman, Conolly, Cowan. Dargaville, Dodson, Fitzherbert, F. H. Fraser, W. Fraser, Grace, Guiness, Hobbs, Ivess, Joyce, Jones, Lake, Lance, Larnach, Levestam, Arthur, M. J. S. Mackenzie, M'Millan, Mifcchelson, Moat, Monk, Montgomery, Newman, O'Callaghan, Ormond, Peacock, Pere, Pyke, Reese, E. Bichardson, Eolleston, Eusßell, Seddon, Smith, W. J. Steward. Stout, T. Thompson, Tole, Trimble, Tumbull, Walker, Whyte. Wilson. Pairs.— Ayes : Mills, Eeid, Hislop, Fisher, G. F. Bichardson. Noes: Samuel, Kerr, Vogel, Bevan, and Holmes.

The bill was then read a third time and passed.

OTHER BILLS.

The Electoral Act Amendment Bill was read a third time and passed.

LOANS TO LOCAL BODIES ACTS.

The House went into Committee on the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Bill, which passed with the addition of a to the effect that where a local authority vhas adopted " Loans to LooaJ Bpdies Act 1836,"

power to borrow money under the original act, and raise special rate and security in respect thereof shall be deemed to have been* exercised under the original act and "Loans to Local Bodies Act 1886," without complying with the provisions of any other act relating to such power. The House went into committee on the Local Bodies' Loan Act Amendment Bill, which passed with slight amendment. WELLINGTON COLLEGE BILL. The Wellington University College Bill was further considered in committee. Clause 26— the Colonial Treasurer to pay £1500 for seven years for maintaining the college — elicited considerable discussion. Mr HATCH moved that the clause be struck out. The Hon. Sir R. STOUT defended the clause. He said he had only put in seven years in order that the House may hereafter have a chance of renewing it. He hoped the clause would pass, as it was necessary Wellington should have a college. Mr TURNBULL opposed the clause, and moved that £1500 be appropriated for the present year only. Mr TAYLOR thought it was absurd to economise at one end and spend money at the other. He totally disagreed with this kind of retrenchment, and said the City of Wellington should be able to carry on this college without a grant of this kind. The Hon. Sir R. STOUT said he believed this expenditure would be a saving to the colony, because the museum would be worked to better advantage after the first year. Mr HURSTHOUSB strongly protested against the clause, as he considered it would be against the interest of taxpayers. Mr DODSON also opposed it. He said they should not be asked for increased taxation for anything that could be done without, and this college could be well dispensed with. Mr Turnbull's amendment was lost on the voices. Mr Hatch's amendment was lost by 29 to 18, and The clause was added to the bill. Clause 29 — museum site and adjacent lands in Sydney street, Wellington, vested in the college — was opposed by Mr Hursthouse. The clause was passed by 33 to 15. The remaining clauses were passed without amendment. On the motion for the third reading, Mr TURNBULL hoped the Premier would postpone the third reading for a week, until they saw what the condition of the country really was, and whether it was in a position to grant the money asked for by the bill. The Hon. Sir R. STOUT said the opponents of the bill had fought hard against it, and he hoped the House would agree to the third reading. Mr HURSTHOUSE said the supporters of the bill had made it a matter of almost personal favour to vote for it, which he thought was" not a proper thing. It was unfair for the Premier to push the bill through in a thin house like the present one. Mr HATCH considered it was a lasting disgrace to fritter away the funds of the colony in the manner proposed, especially for a rich place like Wellington, where the wealthiest families in the colony resided. The motion for reading the bill a third time was carried by 31 to 18.— -The bill then passed.