PARLIAMENT IN SESSION.

Otago Witness, Issue 1905, 25 May 1888, Page 15

PARLIAMENT IN SESSION.

ijVfiDNESDAY, Mat 16. I HOUSE O'V REPRESENTATIVES. REPL.tBS TO QUESTIONS. Mr VALENTINE asked the Minister of Lands whether it is his intention to introduce in his new land bill provisions for the relief of Government settlers by a revaluation of their holdings, and whether this will be made to apply not only to those at pre sent in arrears with their payment, but also to tho se who have capitalised their arrears and are no t now behind in their Hon. Mr G. F. RICHARDSON said the Government would introduce a bill dealing with the whole question. Mr HOBBS asked the G overnment whether they will in any amendment of the Land Act of 1887 introduce a clause enabling village settlers to change the tenure under which they hold their sections — viz., perpetual lease for deferredpayment or cash terms. The Hon. Mr G. F. RICHARDSON said it was not intended to interfere with the terms on which village homestead settlers hold their land. Mr SEDDON asked the Premier if the Government this session intend to introduce any measures dealing with local government reform, particularly as regards the reduction in the number of local bodies and enlarging the powers of those that remain. The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON replied in the snegative. ' NEW BILLS. The following bills were introduced :— To /Amend the Employment of Females and Others -Act, 1881 ; Californian Thistle Eradication ;to {provide for the Administration of Edowment .Reserves in the Interests of Settlement ; Nelson Foreshore Reserves ; Waimea River Works ; to provide for Triennial Elections of Licensing jCommittees ; to Amend the Counties Act, 1886; £lhop Hours Bill. A NEW LOAN BILL. A i/ull to authorise the borrowing of one million * or immigration, public works, and other purposes was a^ so received by message and read a first timi^« ... „ . Mr STfiW ARD moved the second reading of the Educatio Franchise Bill, to define and regulate the ex ciaeß of fche educational franchise. He expla tuied the provisions of the bill, and said it was no new measure to the House, having been before ifc oa several Previous occaDr FITCHETT set '-o^Sed the motion, and said he considered the bill v. 7aB J o drawn as to meefc with the approval of tin \ Ho ?"®r, Oi The Hon. Mr FISHEL said Mr steward was to be commended for the i amount of attention he had given to this question, . but the ,o, ob 1 J eo £° n to the bill was that it sought fa "» * mend th * Edusation Act of 1876. He ques tiloned whether it was wise to provide that eve. V P«M°n whose name appears on the electoral r ° n »nould be entitled to vote as a householde r for & school committee. He should, however, supp^™ ™? bill with a good deal of pleasure, anJ he ho/ 16 " lb would become law. Mr LANCE supported the bill, and' was sur-* prised it had not become law long since. He supported the abolition of the cumulative vote. Mr W. P. REEVES (St. Albans) also supported the bill if only for one thing, that it dealt a blow to cumulative voting. Mr MARCHANT supported it, but would do his utmost in committee to retain the cumulative vote. The Hon. Sir JOHN HALL said there was one clause in the bill which induced him to vote for it, the clause referring to a better system of nomination. He also thought parents residing outside the school should have a voice in the election of school committees providing they did not reside in another district. He should, however, oppose the clause which proposed to abolish the cumulative vote. Mr ALLEN was in favour of the bill, and thought all would agree that the present system of nominating school committees was most disgraceful, and should be altered. He supported the abolition of the cumulative vote. Mr BARRON was very jealous of any interferenoe with the Education Act, and if any alteration were required it should be made by the Minister of Education. He objected to the proposal to abolish the cumulative vote. As he saw nothing in the bill to meet his approval he should vote against it. Mr STEWARD replied to the arguments brought forward, and the motion for the second reading w»s agreed to on the voices. HOSPITAXS AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS BILL. Mr HUTOHISON moved the second reading •of the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Bill. He saiJ- the object of the bill was to •separate Patea from Wanganui district in the matter of charit. vble aid. Mr TAYLOR . "noved that the bill be read a second time that day six months. If this bill were agreed to sev eral others would be brought in to the same effec t., Mr FULTON secc ttded the amendment. Mr JONES said ht i felt bound to support the amendment, and he toped the House would not allow those inst ifcntions to be interfered Avith. The Hon. Sir H. AQ .'KINSON said there was no doubt the bill requ ired amending, but it had been found impossible to prepare a bill during the recess. It seemc kl hard for the House to step in and say that r \o separation should take place if both parties interested were agreeable to it. The position the Government intended to take up was that tl icy would not support any bill of this nature i mless both parties were agreed as to the sepai ration of districts. Mr SAMUEL thoi ight the House would be wise to refuse its as sent to the bill until they had more informatioi i upon it. Mr BEETHAM su pported the bill, or any bill that would divide dis- jtieU that required division, but he held ib was 4ihe duty of the Government to bring dowi t an amending bill which could be considered f: vi *ly on its merits. Dr NEWMAN tho ng ht town members should, unite and throw out 1 ihii i bill, as if country district? were allowed to » se parate themselves from towns it would throw? a 1 arge share of the maintenance of the poor < on tt >wns. Sir J. HALL wo« aid o ppose any interference with the act, which shoul i be taken in hand by those who alone we jre in a ■ position to deal with the question. Mr BRUCE wo old vote for the bill. Mr ORMOND said tl ie question was one which demanded very grave consideration. Those who had charge c f administration of charitable aid in. different d istricts knew that if districts were 'Allowed to X ie separated in the manner proposed it would m e*m the destruction of the whole system. No doubt the act required amending, but he depx ecated any feeling between town and country i Q with the question. Mr SEYMOUR, in order to , give Ministers an opportunity to consider the question, moved that the debate be adjourned ft ta fortnight. The motion for adjourumean y > was carried by 46 to 30. THE OTAGO CENTKAt HA I&WAT. Mr PYKE moved the secwxS reading of the Otago Central Railway Bill, H» said he would

be very brief, as he had frequently explained the provisions of the bill, which last session received almost unanimous approval from the House. Since then, however, it had been redrafted by the Attorney-general, who had taken the matter in hand. The syndicate formed for the construction of the railway consisted of men occupying good positions in Otago, and he need only remind the House that if the bill were passed the railway would be in the hands of those who had means, power, and determination to carry it through. He held it was better to grant £275,000 worth of land for the construction of this railway than to go to the London market and borrow a million of money for the purpose. The company only asked for land of the value of 33 per cent, of- the estimated cost of the railway, which was 17 per cent, less than was received by the' Midland Railway Company. He asked the House to pass the bill without division, to show unanimity on the subject. Mr J. M'KENZIE admitted the necessity for the construction of the railway to theTaieri Plains, but he objected to the land concessions asked for by the company since. He had raised his voice against the bill last year. Mr Pyke had made considerable alterations in it, and had now made Middlemarch the starting point. The line was to be constructed to Lake Wanaka. He objected to this land being given in the present state of the colony, and he would take a division on it. He should do so to save the land in the interior of Otago from being handed over te a syndicate. Mr STEWARD supported the bill. Mr FISH moved that the debate be adjourned for a fortnight. He did so because he had not had time to look through the very important schedule attached to the bill. The motion for adjournment was lost on the voices, and the bill was read a second time by 53 to 12. KAMO AND KAWAKAWA BAILWAY, Mr HOBBS moved the second reading of the Kamo and Kawakawa Railway Bill. Its object, he said, was to connect the Kamo and Kawakawa railways, which were 30 miles apart. It would only cost £200,000. Mr MONK seconded the motion. Mr SCOBIE MACKENZIE pointed out that the Otago Central line, was one to which the country was committed, and it had been in course of construction for 10 years, whereas this Kamo line was an entirely new one. He therefore moved — "That as this bill involves the construction of a new line of railway which has never been specifically undertaken by the colony, it is inexpedient that it should be undertaken at present." Messrs Hodgkinson, Bruce, Fitchett, Fish, and Turnbull having spoken, The Hon. Mr FERGUS said the time was inopportune for constructing new lines. Mr Mackenzie's motion was carried on the voices, and the bill thrown out. EDUCATION REPORT. The annual report of the Minister of Education was presented to Parliament this evening. It contains a huge mass of returns, and tables, and figures. The report states that the present annual reduction in educational expenditure effected by substituting '• strict" for " working" average, down allowance for expenses, t x nd withdrawing the training grant, is in all £^19,750. The attendance for the last quarter oft c y ear was 89,589. Only one board (Grey) is wii assets to cover its liabilities,but Auckland l i Niorth Canterbury, and Wellington have debit b dances. The postage stamp savings bank SVSi lem » intended to encourage thrift among children L stated not to be valued so highly as was expectt N "* • THE LOAN BILLS. The two bilk ' relative to loans are just out. The first simply repeals last year's act, and does no more The sev"'Ond (fche New Zealand Loan Act) reacts last ,y ear's act in every particular up to the las? c>«se in which the error occurred, which rendered the act nugatory. Instead, however, of amending that clause by correcting the clerical error, the Government have taken the bolder course of striking it out altogether. This will leave the act without the proviso against further borr wing for three years, as last year's bill originally stood. I have reason to believe the Premier has ever since regretted consenting to the interpolation of that section, and he evidently intends now to make a stout fight against ifo reinsertion. On the other hand there are several members who mean'to battle for its restoration, so there may be a tough struggle on this poinfc. You will understand that the new bill is simply last year's act vwbatim, with section 19 otnifcted.

Thubsday, Mat 17. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. EEPLIES TO QUESTIONS. Mr R. REE YES (Inangahua) asked the Premier if it is the intention of the Government to introduce a measure for the purpose of encouraging distillation in the colony. The Hon. Mr FISHER said there was no intention of doing so this session. Mr FISH asked the Minister for Public Works (1) if it is true that free passes over the Government railways have been granted to the English team of footballers now in the colony ; and (2) if the Minister was aware when granting such free passes that the English footballers were brought out to the colonies as a commercial speculation by Messrs Lilly white and Shrewsbury. The Hon. Mr MITCHELSON said passes had been granted to footballers to have effect for a month after their arrival in the colony, but if the Government had been aware that it was a commercial speculation passes would not have been issued. ' Mr VALENTINE asked the Minister of Defence if the Government are prepared to restore the unattached list for volunteer officers which was in force under the regulations of 1883, but which has been discontinued by subsequent regulations ; and will the Government extend its application to officers of all ranks in the volunteer force. The Hon. Mr FERGUS said the Government had the matter under consideration, and would ! probably restore the list. Mr VALENTINE asked the Government whether in framing the new customs tariff they will take into consideration the question of the re-establishment of distilleries in the colony, and afford 6ome encouragement to the industry. The Hon. Mr FISHER said the Government had no intention of introducing a law to amend the Distillation Act this session. Mr FISH asked the Minister of Lands whether it is correct that a Mr Brown of the Dunedin Survey department, who waß lately retrenched out of the service and received compensation, has since been reappointed at the same salary, and if so, will the Minister explain his reason for such action. The Hon. Mr G. F. RICHARDSON said the officer was taken on again temporarily at 15s per day because his services were required in tlie Property Tax department. Replying to Mr Macarthur, The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON said he could not postpone the Loan Bill. The present bill was identical with thai; of last session with the

exception of the 19th clause relating to the' prohibition o£ borrowing for three years. ' : NEW BILLS. j The following bills were introduced :— For the Better Security of Mechanics and Others ' Erecting Buildings and Furnishing Materials Therefor, to Regulate the Method of Appointing Members of the Otago University Council, to Amend the Law Relating to Tramways, Limitation of Votes, Law Practitioners, Conj tagious Diseases Act Repeal, Eight Hours. SPECIAL SETTLEMENTS. Mr WILSON moved— "That in the opinion j of this House the thirds due to the various local 1 bodies and special settlements should be paid over at once to them." The Hon. Mr G. F. RICHARDSON said he did not- think the House could pass the motion, as it was at variance with the existing law. After some discussion, The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON said it was through no fault of the Government that this money was not paid. The Government would endeavour in future to see that moneys of this kind were paid when they became due. The motion was agreed to. KEFEALING THE LOAN BILL. The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON moved the second reading of " The New Zealand Loan Act 1887 Repeal Bill." He explained that after considerable discussion last session the Government consented to insert a clause prohibiting borrowing for three years. Ho had inserted that clause at the urgent request of several hon. I members who wished that this proviso should be fixed by act. Whatever blunder was committed over the matter was committed by himself, and he was prepared to take the responsibility of it. He held, however, that it was also the duty of the Opposition to see that a clause of this kind was properly inserted. It was palpable, however, that the clause as passed would affect very seriously the loan proposed to be floated that he was astonished it had escaped his notice at the time. The Government had to consider whether the urgency was of such a nature as to justify them in calling Parliament together to rectify the matter, but after going fully into it they decided to call the House together at the earliest possible date. The Government were advised to get the Loan Bill passed before the Financial Statement was brought down, in order that it might get Home at a favourable time for floating the loan. The Government were in possession of information which rendered it advisable that the bill should be put right as soon as possible. They were asking for nothing new, but only for the amount which was granted by the House last session. The Government were also advised not to insert in the bill the clause prohibiting borrowing for three years, but they were prepared to give a guarantee to that effect. He might state that there was no alteration whatever in the bill now brought down etcept th" omission of the clause he had referred to. Mr DOWNIE STEWART complained that tho Premier had not taken the House altogether into his confidence over this matter. He charged that hon. gentleman with having been guilty of conduct which was moßt reprehensible, having after a large number of members bad left for their homes last session caused to be reinserted in the Loan Bill votes which were previously struck out by the House. He (Mr Stewart) did not regard this as a very honourable transaction, and put those members who had left Wellington in an awkward position. Ho asserted that by the blunder which had been committed in this direction a large amount of money had been lost to the colony through the Colonial Treasurer having raised money in other quarters at a higher rate of interest. He ventured to state that £60,000 or £70,000 would not cover the loss caused by this transaction, and the Premier could not deny it. The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON: I deny it absolutely. Mr STEWART went on to say that Sir H. Atkinson had also broken the pledge that he would call the House together early in April to consider the tariff question. The mere fact of large numbers of people leaving the colony was a matter of indifference to the Premier, who was prepared to ruin the country for the sake of remaining in office. He contended they were entitled to have from the Premier some explanation of the state of the colony before they granted this loan. Mr TURNBULL said the House should insist upon knowing when the bill was in committee how much the colony had lost by the blunder which had occurred in the Loan Act. He would support the bill in its entirety, but they should have the fullest information on it. He might state, in justice bo the Premier, that when the Loun Bill was going through last session he had replied to him (Mr Turnbull) that he was going to bring down the amount for immigration un- | allotted. Though he was opposed to the Government he was not prepared to oppose the bill, as the money was urgently required. It was not the public debt which was killing the country, but the sixty millions of private indebtedness in the colony. Mr FISH congratulated the Premier on the penitence of his tone over this matter, and he was also to be commended for taking the whole of the blame for the blunder which had been committed on himself. The Premier was, however, guilty of a great breach of faith over the bill last session after so many members had loft for their homes ; and he felt 60 strongly on this matter that he was determined in future to remain till all the business of the House was finished. He hoped the Premier would give I some information as to the cost to the colony of I the blunder which had occurred. With respect to the portion of the bill relating to the million i for the North Island line, he thought it would be a wise thing for the colony to reduce the amount for that line, as the present was not the time for constructing works of that description. Mr STEWARD would support the Loan Bill, as it would provide employment for a large number of people who required it. They should also endeavour to apportion some of this money towards the formation of agricultural labourers' settlements. He held there was no better object to which the unallotted sum of £70,000 could be devoted than the establishment of such settlements as those he had referred to, as he felt that it would be beneficial to small settlers. Dr HODGKINSON, as a supporter of the Government, found himself in a very awkward position over this matter, as he had always been opposed to this spendthrift policy of borrowing. He could not see the necessity for borrowing the large sum of £2,400,000. Tho Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON said if time permitted he should like to show the absurdity of the speech delivered by Mr Downie Stewart. He distinctly denied that he had broken his word over the Loan Bill, and appealed to the member for Timaru, who at any rate was no supporter of his, to confirm him in this. But in future he should take care that no member of the Opposition, who refused to take the word of a gentleman and was away looking after his own business instead of that of the country, should receive any promise from him as to the progress of business. He said the members for Timaru, Ohristchurch, and Sydenham had corroborated his statement that he had distinctly stated last session that when the £70,000 was struck out it would be brought down unappropriated. He thought that effectually disposed of the charges made by the member for Dunedin West as to hjg

having broken his word and committing a breach of faith with the House. He denied altogether he had given any pledge to reduce the loan if votes were struck out. The whole burden of his speech on the question last session was that if any substantial reductions ' were made in the loan he should accept it, and on that condition only. The reason why he did not explain how he had financed in consequence of the loan not having been raised was because he considered it beside the question. What had happened was this : Immediately he found * out the mistake that had taken place in the Loan Bill, he realised that he should he short of money to' carry on with. As the House had authorised £400,000 of debentures to meet the deficiency he had obtained an advance of £400,000 upon them at 5 per cent, for three years without commission or any other expense. The money had been placed to their credit at London. This operation, which had been conducted through the Colonial Bank, bore very favourable comparison to similar operations last year when 5 and 6 per cent, interest had to be paid, with 2 per cent, commission for remitting the money to London. He also obtained an ex tension of the half million of the Northern line trunk debentures to July, which would be paid off out of this loan. These were the whole financial transactions which had taken place. The motion for the second reading was agreed to on the voices. THE NEW LOAN BILL. The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON moved the second reading of the New Zealand Loan Bill, without any remarks. Mr SCOBIE MACKENZIE thought before the bill was passed it might be accompanied with a material guarantee as to future borrowing. He felt bound to propose an amendment which he hoped the Government would accept. As to the alleged charge of breach of faith against the Premier of which so much had been said, he (Mr Mackenzie) distinctly heard the Premier say that if £70,000 was struck off the schedule it would be brought down unallotted. In moving his amendment he desired to take no hostile action whatever, and had nothing in view beyond a sense of duty. He also disclaimed any intention of competing with the Opposition in the course he was adopting. His amendment was — "That it is inexpedient to proceed with the Loan Bill until the House is satisfied from information supplied by the Government that the expenditure under it will so far complete the railways as to enable the Public Works railway policy to be laid aside until the increase of the population of the colony, the recovery of its revenues, and the expansion of its trade are such as to warrant its resumption." He referred in detail to the various lines proposed to be pushed on, and contended that a large amount of money would yet require to be borrowed to complete them. He would ask whether it was justifiable for them to go on pursuing a course of railway construction which they knew would be directly unprofitable, and which the colony could not stand. He was not going to put either Freetrade or Protection forward as being likely to save the country ; but the condition of the colony was due to past extravagance and private indebtedness. If they were to progress they must stop the present course of borrowing, and the lead should be taken by Government in this matter. The first thing to do was to restore confidence in the colony by English investors, and they could not do that unless they were able to fall back on their own resources. Until they could do that they should stop the present system of borrowing. He had it on the best authority that there were really only two lines in the colony urgently calling for assistance. They were the Manawatu Gorge line and the Otago Central. He cared little whether the clause limiting borrowing for three years were inserted or not. What was wanted was a guarantee that they should not go on the English money market till they were in a sound position to do so. He wished to remind the House that he had no hostile design whatever in moving his amendment, which he had hoped to see carried. Mr T. MACKENZIE (Clutha) was strongly in sympathy with the amendment of the member for Mount Ida, and' was of opinion that the Government should curtail borrowing as much as possible. It was utterly impossible for them to compete with Victoria and New South Wales when the colony woald not borrow money for 4 per cent, as well as they could for 3£ per cent. It was perfectly absurd for them to go on borrowing money at 4 per cent, and spending money in works which only returned 1 per cent. Mr FISH said the member for Mount Ida seemed to be all things by turns, and nothing long, and he was not going to join one or two members of the Government party in this amendment simply to give a snub to the Government. If he (Mr Fish) wanted to vote against the Government he should do so in a fair and open manner. The member for Mount Ida seemed to him to resemble a boa constrictor more than anything else he could compare him to. He would ask in what respect the Loan Bill differed from that of last year. The only difference was the omission of a clause which nobody cared anything about. The hon. gentleman knew as well as anybody that the Government could not do without the loan. He (Mr Fish) wished to say he had no sympathy with motions of this kind, and they should never meet with his support. Mr BARRON thought they should congratulate themselves on the fact that a mistake was made in the Loan Bill last year, which rendered it necessary to bring in another bill to re-enact it. He thought the fact of the Premier being able to conclude such a profitable transaction as he had done owing to the non-raising of the loan showed they could depend on their own resources. He failed to see that any of the lines in the schedule required borrowed money for their construction. He thought the proviso as to the borrowing limits should be inserted in the bill, but he was not aware till the Premier reminded him that whether inserted in the bill or not it would appear in the prospectus. As for himself .he was always opposed to borrowing, and he was opposed to it now, and he hoped if this bill did not pass the colony would get on without it. Mr W. P. REEVES (St. Albans) congratulated the member for Mount Ida on the step he had taken that night, having actually followed up his words by a definite action. They had all, however, heard that speech before in the previous session, and he congratulated that hon. gentleman and the member for Caversham on having at la6t found a remedy for the de» ' pression whiph existed, He (Mr Reeves) felt strongly tempted to vote for the amendment, but he could not do so as the hon. gentleman had a slap at the Opposition by saying he was not coquettiag.with them, He had no intention of joining a rabid Freetrader like the member for Mount Ida by supporting this amendment, until he saw whether the Premier was likely to j bring down a policy which would assist the interests and industries of the colony. If he failed to do so, then he would be happy to assist the member for Mount Ida in bringing about the Premier's defeat. Messrs Taylor, Reeves (Inangahua), Blake, Fitchett, Seddon, and Hobbs opposed the amendment, which was lost by 65 to 7. The bill was then read, a second time, and the

House went into committee on the LLoafn f Act Repeal Bill, which passed without alteration. The New Zealand Loan Bill was' committed. Mr SAMUEL moved the insertion of a "new clause limiting borrowing to three years. He said he did so to' give Ministers power to do what they had already done, and trusted* the Government would raise no objection' to 'proper legal authority being given for- thiei* "action. The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON' was sorry he could hot accept that clause. He did: not think any unconstitutional act would be- committed if the clause were not inserted in the, bill.' •»' < Mr MILLS asked what would be the proper time to vote for the North Island Trunk 'line being reduced to £600,000, the amount "already expended. The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON said the proper time would be when the Government proposals came before the House. It might also be necessary to stop work on the Otago Central as well as the North Island railways. ■.-.'- > - Mr W. P. PBEEVES (St. Albans) asked what objection there could be toMnsert this clause if the Government determined not to raise any further loan for three years. The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON said the reason was that people lending money were very conservative. Anything unusual iv a loan bill excited their suspicion. He thought it very undesirable at the present time to put such a clause in the bill. After further discussion Mr Samuel withdrew the clause. He said after the expression of the Premier's opinion on the matter he had no desire to press it. The schedule passed without alteration after some discussion. The New Zealand Loan Bill and the Loan Act Repeal Bill were read a third time. On the title of the Loan Bill being reached, Mr HUTCHISON moved to strike out the word " immigration " from the title. The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON hoped th« amendment would not be pressed as he was very anxious the bill should be passed as if) stood. Mr Hutchison then withdrew his amendment, and the bill passed. THE WORKING RAILWAYS. The General Manager's report on the, working railways was laid on the table to-night. This is a new departure, that report having always previously been appended to the Public Works Statement, except last year, when, owing to the defeat of the Stout- Vogel Government, no Public Works Statement was taken in the first session. The references to the revenue and expenditure have been anticipated by my previous telegrams. Mr Maxwell points out that the gross revenue is £50,000 less than four years ago, owing to the reductions in rates and charges, but these have favoured local producers. There are 200 fewer hands employed than three years ago. The cost of repairing the damage to the Wellington line by the great storm of March 23 has been only £1500. The locomotives built by Messrs Scott Brothers, of Christchurch, are stated to be showing fair results. GENERAL. The improvements asked by the Arthurton Progress Committee at the looal railway station have been authorised by the Minister of Public Works ou tho application of Mr Valentine. < Another meeting of the Opposition is to be held to-morrow. . . •: I am assured by one who professes to have obtained information on excellent authority that the Government will propose in the new tariff to increase ad valorem duties from 15 to 25 per cent, on all articles that can be manufactured in the colony. I hear further that this is not likely to be generally acceptable, the prevalent feeling being that an addition of 5 per cent., making a total of 20 per cent., would be ample for ail purposes of industrial encouragement, and that anything additional would be a burden on consumers. It is thought that Government will be persuaded not to venture on tea and sugar duties, as so many members are afraid to vote for them. Some members are urging Government to lower the property tax exemption. An' increased tax on absentees is likely to be vigorously advocated even by some Ministers.

Friday, May 18. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. A QUESTION. Tho Hon. Mr SHRIMSKI asked what authority the Government have for undertaking the survey of the line of railway to continue the private line belonging to the Mokihinui Coal Company to join the Government railway, Westport ; also the names of any members of the Parliament of New Zealand who are shareholders or otherwise interested in the Mokibiuui Coal Company. The Hon. Sir F. WHITAKER answered that the Government were merely making a survey as to the probable cost. As to the second questiou, he advised Mr Shrimski to pay Is and examine the register, as the Government were not inclined to disclose the names. WORKING BAIIAVAYS. The Hon. Mr WATERHOUSE moved— " That fchere be laid upon the table a return of the amount added iv each year since 31st March 1883 to the capital cost of all opened railways, specifying the amounts so added to each railway — together with the extent of mileage in each case— completed and opened, and of the cost thereof ; aho, showing the net profit earned in each year by each railway." — Agreed to. THE LOAN BILL. The Hon. Sir F. WHITAKER moved the second reading of the Loan Act Repeal Bill. The Hon. Mr WATERHOUSE objected, saying that the council had no information concerning the bill, nor was the council aware of the immediate necessity for passing it. Ho considered members were not doing their duty in allowing bills of such a uature to pass without first knowing all about them. It was time a stop was put to such a procedure. His remarks referred to the Loan Bill and not to the Repeal Bill. ' The motion was then carried. The Hon. Sir P. WHITAKER moved the second reading of the New, Zealand Loan Bill. The Hon. Mr WATERHOUSE moved an amendment to the effect that no authority be given to borrow for public works unless such works could not possibly be maintained without the borrowing of additional money The Hon. Sir F. WHITAKER said if the bill was not passed the finances of the colony would be in complete confusion. He strongly urged members to pass the second reading. The Council divided :— Ayes, 14; noes, 12. The amendment was lost. The Hons. Messrs Pollen, Whitmore, Shepherd, and Johnson, while deprecating further borrowing, thought that the Council should agree to the present bill, as the money waß pledged. The second reading of the bill was then carried, and the Council went into Committee on both bills, which were passed through all stages. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. Mr COWAN asked the Premier what areas of land throughout the colony have been set apart under the provisions of clause 88 of "The Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act 1885. :> T&e Hon. Mr G, F. RICHARDSON eaid hq.

blocks of land had been set aside for this purpose. Mr STEWARD asked the Colonial Secretary whether it is intended to introduce this session a bill to amend the Chattels Securities Act. The Hon. Mr HISLOP said a bill was in course of preparation, and if sufficiently advanced would be brought in this session. Mr HUTCHISON asked the Minister of Justice whether, in view of the inability of the Government to introduce the Criminal Code Bill this session, they will introduce a bill to allow any person charged with an indictable offence, and his wife or husband, as the case may be, to give evidence if so desired. The Hon. Mr FERGUS Baid the Attorneygeneral had such a measure under consideration, and it was probable it would be introduced into the Conncil. Mr TURNBULL asked fche Colonial Treaeurer if he had, as promised by him on the 2nd November last, caused inquiries to be made as to the sum of £5,000,000 lying to the credit of depositors in various banks doing business in the colony which appears to escape taxation ; if so, would he communicate to the House the result of such inquiry. The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON said the Government had under consideration a scheme for obtaining taxation from those persons. Mr TURNBULL asked the Minister of Education whether in the recommendation contained in his report, " that in future the cost of erection of school buildings should be made from the consolidated fuad," he has taken into consideration the case of absentees from the colony owning real and personal property to the amount of eight and three-quarter millions sterling who escape all taxation imposed by customs duties. The Hon. Mr FISHER said it was open to the hon. gentleman or any other member to bring this matter before the House by resolution. Mr T. MACKENZIE (Clutha) asked the Government whether they are aware that large quantities of inferior foreign goods are imported with false trade marks, and bearing such names as " colonial flannels," " Mosgiel tweeds," &c, and whether the Government will introduce legislation to prevent such frauds. The Hon. Mr HISLOP said the Government would take Borne steps in the matter. Mr PRATT asked the Minister of Marine whether the Government will consider the advisability of opening the seal fisheries this season. The Hon. Mr FISHER said it was not intended to do so this season, but the question was under consideration. Mr MOSS asked the Government if they are aware that there is great dissatisfaction among large numbers of public servants on account of dismissals being made without alleged reason, and if there is any objection to the cause of dismissal being at all times given in writing to the persons so dismissed. The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON said the question was surrounded with considerable difficulty, but he quite agreed that, where possible, good characters should be given to those leaving the service. Mr SAMUEL asked the Premier whether Government will introduce amendments of the Stamp Duties Act, so as to exempt from ad valorem duty conveyances of sale of property not within the Colony of New Zealand, and also so as to exempt from stamp duty all Native lands succession orders granted previously to 31st December 1885, the duty on whioh has not been paid. The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON said he would look into the matter, and, if necessary, propose some legislation. Mr BUCHANAN asked the Government whether they will obtain a travelling dairy plant, to be exhibited at as many of the agricultural shows as possible next season," for the instruction of dairy companies and farmers. The Hon. Mr G. RICHARDSON said the Government would make enquiries as to the cost, and, if practicable, the request would be complied with. NEW BILLS. The following bills were introduced: — "Friendly Societies Act 1882 Amendment," "Maori Relief," "To Repeal the 'Native Land Court Act 1886' and Section 20 of 'Native Land Administration Act 1866,' " "To Amend Counties Act (No. 2)." THE CHINESE QUESTION. On the motion for going into committee on the Chinese Immigrants Act Amendment Bill, Mr HUTCHISON spoke at some length on the bill, contending that this colony should pause uatil some concerted action was taken by Victoria and New South Wales. The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON said it rested entirely with the House whether it wished the bill postponed rill the result of the conference which was about to be held was known. He should not object to the postponement, but he would not recommend that course. Mr SEDDON moved the adjournment of the debate till Tuesday next. Mr FISH supported the adjournment. After further discussion The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON said he would preßS the question of adjournment to a division, so that the country might know who were the men who were postponing te bill and who were to blame if 300 or 400 Chinese came here next week. The amendment was lost by 42 to 27. Mr* WARD said as long as naturalisation papers were issued to the Chinese they could not be prevented from coming to the colony. The House weent into committee on the bill, but consideration was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. IN COMMITTEE. Clause three, limitation in number of Chinamen to be brought to the colony by vessels. Mr Seddon moved — " That the proportion be one to every 500 tons." But on Mr Turnbull urging that if it was carried the bill would never become law, Mr Seddon moved — " That the limit be 200 tons. Sir H. Atkinson strongly objected to the amendment, and after a lengthy discussion it was lost by 45 to 32. Mr SEDDON then moved the following additional clause :— ••• And before any Chinese shall be permitted to land the master shall pay to the Collector of Customs, or other officer in charge at the port at which such vessel arrives, a sum of £30 for every such Chinese landed. Sir H. ATKINSON hoped the House would not agree to this, and stated that if the bill were altered it would probably not be assented to. During the discussion that ensued Sir H. Atkinson said it had been suggested that a member of the Executive should act as a delegate of the colony to the conference to be held shortly. He had telegraphed over that a member of the Executive could not represent New Zealand at ibis time. — A suggestion was made that the Premier should agree to a series of resolutions being passed by the House for the guidance of its delegates, and several members who were opposing the bill agreed to withdraw opposition if that were agreed to. Mr CADMAN said the Premier must remember there were 18 or 20 goldfields members ■whose constituents' interests were at stake in •this matter, and if they were not allowed to dislouss in the House a series of resolutions such as £a$ been suggested, they would have to go on

opposing the bill whether they were defeated or not. Mr FRASER also pointed out that the debate in committee was not reported. The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON said he would promise that the matter should be brought before the House before the conference met. Mr Seddon's amendment was then put and lost. Mr IZARD moved an amendment — "That any charterer or master of any vessel arriving before the Ist August should be subject to a penalty not exceeding £10, instead of £50, as provided in the bill, upon proving that at the lime he left for New Zealand he was unaware of the existence of the act." — Lost on the voices, and the clause was agreed to without alteration. Mr WARD was desirous of moving a new clause to the effect that every Chinaman returning to the colony should again pay a poll tax. The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON hoped the House would pass the bill as it was brought down. He was of opinion that the poll tax should be increased, but was content now to take what he could get. The clause was withdrawn. Clause six, providing that Chinese who are British subjects should be exempt from the act, was struck out on the motion of the Premier. Mr BRDCE moved an amendment in the clause, the effect of which was to strikeout that portion of the clause preventing Chinese sailors having any liberty on shore; but eventually withdrew it on understanding from the Premier that the matter would be considered by the conference. The remaining clauses were passed without amendment. The bill was then reported, and The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON moved— " That the amendments be agreed to in order that the bill might be passed through all stages." Mr SEDDON objected to this as being contrary to the Standing Orders. He protested against this repeated violation of the Standing Orders, which were the safeguards of the people. Mr TURNBULL supported the view taken by Mr Seddon of the matter. Mr FISH could not understand the attitude adopted by the two last speakers, who had strongly advocated protection against the Chinese, yet when the Government now tried to pass a bill which was urgently demanded by the country those two hon. gentlemen were putting every obstacle in the way. He must say he liked consistency, and would be compelled to support the Premier on this occasion. The motion for the suspension of the Standing Orders was agreed to by 63 to 5. The bill was then recommitted for consideration. Mr SEDDON moved that the title be altered to the Chinese Immigration Restriction Act. The Hon. Sir H. ATKINSON hoped the amendment would not be pressed as the committee had made no alteration in the bill. Lost on the voices. The bill was again reported. . Mr SEDDON asked the Speaker's ruling on the question of Standing Orders, and contended that they were not properly suspended. The SPEAKER ruled that all standing orders concerning the bill had been suspended. The bill was then read the third time and passed. A FISHERIES BILL. I hear an elaborate bill has been prepared by the Minister of Marine to consolidate the Fisheries Acts of the colony, of which no less than 21 are in existence at the present time. It will contain new provisions intended to set at rest certain disputed points in connection with oyster fisheries, which are regarded as being a colonial asset, likely in time to be an extremely valuable source of wealth. There will also be important clauses bearing upon river fisheries, chiefly, of course, in relation to acclimatised fish. EXEMPTING PRIVATE SCHOOLS FROM RATES. It will be remembered the Minister of Education introduced a bill last session to provide for the exemption of private schools and colleges from local rates, bub in consequence of the great pressure of business the measure had to be abandoned. It is, however, likely that a clause giving effect to the idea will be inserted in a measure which will shortly come before the House. TOBACCONISTS' LICENSE FEES. The principal tobacconists in the large] towns of the colony are again moving Government to impose a license fee upon all vendors of the weed. The matter is now under consideration, but there appears to be some difficulty in the way of applying the proposed system to country districts without inflicting hardship. SERIOUS ILLNESS OF MR PYKE. I am exceedingly sorry to say that Mr Vincent Pyke experienced an apoplectic seizure of a somewhat serious nature this evening, and that his condition causes much anxiety to his many friends. I was chatting with him in the lobby a short time previously, and he then seemed in excellent spirits, and was in high glee athavieg 11 dressed down " Sir Robert Stout in a letter to a local paper to-day. I hear, however, that he had been complaining earlier in the day of feeling unwell, and had taken some medicine. On inquiry to-night I learn that the prompt measures adopted by his medical advisers proved efficacious, and that he is a good deal better, but will need careful nursing for some time to come. THE LOAN BILL Had a very narrow escape in the Legislative Council, only passing by two votes. Sir F. Whitaker depicted in impressive language the grave consequences of its rejection, and threw all the responsibility on the council. This is understood to have turned two votes, otherwise it had been arranged by the opponents of borrowing to ensure its defeat. THE CHINESE BILL. The Chinese Bill got through all stages in spite of much opposition on the part of Mr Seddon, who wanted to keep the matter open until Sir G. Grey could arrive, as the latter intended to make a big oration on the subject, denouncing the Imperial authorities as usual. Things are drifting rapidly towards Sir G. Grey's assumption of the leadership. Sunday, Mat 20. THE DISTRICT RAILWAYS. Strong opposition to the District Railways Purchasing Act Amendment Bill is being worked up. It is thought by many members the bill will inflict great hardship on settlers from whom it is proposed to collect rates, and great objection is taken to the clauses in the bill which provide that rates overdue for more than two years may be recovered. THE ELECTORAL BILL. The Electoral Bill was circulated yesterday. It contains 263 clauses, with appendices illustrating the method of the Hare system. The bill codifies existing laws, and the main alterations are as follows: — The dual franchise of. Maoris is abolished, and they are to be restricted in future to vote under the Maori Representaljion Act 1867. The general franchise is limited to residents, all property qualifications being abolished. A modification of the Hare system is adopted for returning members at a general election,

and for bye-eleotions where, more, than one man is to be elected, based on Sir John Lubbock's plan of a single transferable vote, and the adoption of a similar system is brought into use for determining the election to supply single vacancies. To' admit of this adaptation of voting with as little disturbance as possible to the present arrangement of districts and maintenance of electoral rolls, the existing, electoral districts of the colony are to be amalgamated into groups, existing districts forming a division of the amalgamated district. The commissioners appointed under the Representation Act of 1887 are to amalgamate the electoral districts fixed by them into not more than 15 districts for the whole colony, and city electorates are to be amalgamated. A system of electors' rights is introduced , whereby every person, before his name can be placed on the roll, must appear personally before the registrar, deputy registrar, or postmaster having power to act as deputy registrar, to make a declaration of his qualification and obtain a certificate of his right to vote (called an elector's right), which he must exhibit at the polling booth before he can be given a ballot paper. Every elector's right must bear the signature of the right holder thereof, as proof of his identity, whereby personation is reduced to a minimum. An elector's right is in force only for three years, and has to be renewed. A fee of Is is charged for every elector's right issued. The new general electoral rolls are to be made up within the prescribed time after the coming into operation of the act. The general electoral rolls expire every third year, in January, and have to be made up afresh in April from the then holders of unexpired electors' rights, so that the rolls purge themselves tri-annually. Supplementary rolls will be issued'every year, and a revision takes place annually. Public nomination of candidates is abolished in favour of a written nomination, signed by ten electors, and a deposit of £10 is no longer required. Precautions are taken for the strictest secresy of the ballot. Public declarations of polls is abolished in favour of a written notice outside the booth and advertisements, as in municipal elections. The hours of polling are to be uniform all over the colony — from 9 to 6. The bill also contains elaborate provision with respect to corrupt practices and petitions against elections. The penalty for illegal employment or hiring is £100. Betting on the result of elections is made unlawful, and the penalty is £20, and the payment of such a bet is an illegal payment under the Act. The debate on the second reading may possibly be fixed for Tuesday, but this is not yet definitely decided. INDISCREET REMARKS. The remarks made by Sir F. Whitaker in his speech on the Loan Bill have been very severely criticised, and his statement that the failure of the bill to pass would virtually drive the colony into the bankruptcy court is regarded as strangely indiscreet, and likely to damage the colony's credit, being sure to be sent Home by the outgoing San Francisco mail. General astonishment is expressed that such an experienced veteran in public life could have made such a statement. He is said to have since expressed much regret that it escaped him inadvertently in the excitement of the moment, but people are now wondering whether matters are really in so very critical a condition as this, as it seems incredible that a misstatement on so grave a matter could have been made by a Minister speaking with the full responsibility of his position. It is expected that a question will be tabled as to the accuracy or inaccuracy of the utterance. MISCELLANEOUS. I hear that there was a falling-off of £20,000 in the railway revenue for April owing to the holding back of grain, but that this is being rnpidly made up during the current month. It is asserted by the Ministerialists that they had a clear majority of 6even votes in support of the Loan Bill, even though a lar^e proportion of the Opposition had not, as it is alleged, voted against Mr Scobie Mackenzie's amendment out of personal feeling against him. The North of Auckland Railway Construction Bill, which is to be introduced by Mr R. Thompson, will provide for the extension of Kaipara railway from Kaukapakapa to Lake Omapere by a syndicate on the land grant principle. It is stated that Ministers have decided to open the Northern kauri forests to gum diggers during six winter months. I hear that Mr Pyke is better to-day, and that his case is looked on more favourably than at first. Monday, May 21. RAILWAY PASSES. New railway passes have just been issued to members of Parliament in the form of gold medals. The design is certainly more pleasing to the eye than that of the passes hitherto in use, and a notable innovation is that the inscription upon them is that of the constituency as distinguished from the representative. The passes which entitle holders to travel on the railways of other colonies as well as in New Zealand will expire when the member to whom it is issued vacates his seat, and must then be returned to the Minister for Public Works. A penalty of £10 is provided for any breach of the bye-laws connected with the pass system. SETTLING AGRICULTURAL LABOURERS ON THE LAND. A deputation consisting of the following members of the House waited on the Minister of Lands this morning : —Major Steward, Messrs Pearson, Perceval, Turnbull, Baxton, Cowan, Walker, Duncan, O'Callaghan, Lawrie, and Taylor. In introducing the deputation, Major Steward stated that, owing to not receiving sufficient notice of the hour appointed by the Minister, Mr Dodson and Dr Hodgkinson were not able to attend, though they entirely sympathised with the object of the deputation, which was to lay before the Government the" expediency of devoting either the whole or part of the unallotted sura of £70,000 under the new Loan Act to the purpose of acquiring in suitable centres in agricultural districts land for the settlement of agricultural labourers. He pointed out that throughout nearly the whole colony, or, at any rate, in many districts of which he could speak, agricultural lands had passed from the hands of the Crown, and there was no good land in the midst of farming districts for labourers. The consequence was these people had only been able to acquire sections in towns and villages, which of course were not capable of producing anything appreciable towards the support of their families. As agricultural labour was only available during the busy season, such as harvesting, these labourers were practically starved out at other times, and farmers had to depend upon the nomadic labour of swaggers, and so on, which was a state of things not advisable. He suggested that if it was possible for labourers to befplaced on blocks of 5, 10, or|ls acres good quality land upon easy terms, they would be able to raise nearly all the food required for their families, and the labour they would obtain during the busy season would provide all other requirements. For the want of such a state of things numbers of respectable men were obliged to leave districts now settled, some of them coming ultimately upon charitable aid,

while such as could left the .country. ■. Mr Steward, explained that , it was not necessary to take compulsory powers with regard to obtaining land, inasmuch as owing to the land boom which | took place some years ago numbers of properties which had been heavily mortgaged were now coming into the market and being sold at very low prices in suitable districts. , t For these reasons the deputation suggested that part, if not the whole, of the £70,000 should be devoted to the purpose, leaving the Government to bring in such measures to regulate matters as they thought fit. Several other members spoke. In reply to questions the deputation said they only contemplated the acquisition of land where owners voluntarily offered it, and that the conditions contemplated were such as those of village settlements, not village homestead settlements. The Minister said that disposed of a great deal of the difficulty in his mind, but the question was a large one which aiust be laid before the whole Cabinet. He would undertake to lay the whole matter before the Government, and let Mr Steward know before Wednesday to what extent the Government would be able to support the proposal. Mr Steward agreed to that. If a reply could not be given by that day, he would postpone for a day or two his motion now on the order paper, that the £70,000 be spent in this way."