N. Z. PARLIAMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1970, 22 August 1889, Page 14

N. Z. PARLIAMENT.

Thursday, August 14 ! THE BEPfiESBNTATION BILL. The Representation Act Amendment Bill was ! committed. The Hon. Mr MANTELL asked, referring to clause 2, what principle had guided the other branch of the Legislature in agreeing to the 28 per cent, quota. The Hon. Sir F. WHITAKER replied that, so far as he was aware, principle had nothing to do with it. It was merely a matter of arrangement. The Hon. Dr POLLEN thought country members had quite enough power in the other Chamber. The Hon. Sir G. S. WHITMORE considered the 28 per cent, quota was the most important part of the bill, and he for one would in no way alter the bill to have it sent back to the other House. It was a well-known fact that the conntry could live without towns, but the latter could not subsist without the assistance of the country. The Hon. Mr OLIVER remarked that if the bill was left as suggested by Sir G. S. Whitmore, it would be found to be unworkable, and he would like the Government to give more explicit information. The Hon. Sir G. S. WHITMORE moved, in order that the question be better considered, that progress be reported, with leave to Bit again. The Hon. Sir F. WHITAEER saw no reason for reporting progress, and thought sufficient time had been given to fully become acquainted with the bill. He did not believe any gpo'd results would come of a postponement. If, however, it wai desired by the majority, he would not oppose it. The Hon. Sir G. S. WHITMORE withdrew his amendment. The Hon. Dr POLLEN considered the whole question should be settled by the country, and moved as an amendment that progress be reported, with leave to sit again. The Council divided, and clause 2 waa passed by 17 to 9. Clause 3 was also passed. On clause 4, The Hon. Mr REYNOLDS hoped the Council would reject the clause, so that it could be considered next session. He would not move an amendment, but would vote against it. The Hon. G. M'LEAN considered that the clause had no right in the bill, and advised the Council to reject it. The Hon. Mr ROBINSON looked upon the clause as mischievous, as he considered it interfered with property. He thought the clause had been tacked on to the bill without having any connection with it. It had a very suspicious appearance. The Hon. Mr MILLER spoke strongly against the clause, saying that the present time was most inopportune for its introduction. The Council should refuse to listen to any popular cry. unless justice was done to all. The Council divided. Ayes, 17 ; noes, 11 ; and the clause was retained. The following is the division list : — Ayes.— Messrs Aokland, Barnicoat, Campbell, Cignan, Fraser, Keuny, Lahmann, Martin, Morris, Scotland, Shepherd, Shrimski, Stevens, Wigley, Wilson, Whltmore, Whitaker. Noes.— Messrs Hart, Martin, M'Lean, Miller, Oliver, Pharazyn, Pollen, Beeves, Reynolds, Swaneon, and Walker. The bill was then reported without amendment. The Hon. Mr OLIVER gave notice that he intended moving a new clause, and so hoped the third reading would not be insisted upon. He then moved that the bill ba recommitted again for that purpose. The Council divided, and, and the third ceading was carried by 17 to 12. NO-CONFIDENCB DEBATE. The Hon. G. F. RICHARDSON resumed the debate on the second reading of the. Property Assessment Bill, saying he would confine his remarks principally to a defence of the land administration. He, however, thought that administration would speak for itself, but it was necessary to refer to some statements made by Mr Ballance during the debate to the effect that the Government had no sympathy with the small settlers, and that their policy was a cash policy. He contended that the Land Act of 1887 was generally popular throughout the .country, and what had led to that popularity waa that under the present Land Act settlers were allowed the choice of tenure, whisb, he thought, was a very decided improvement from the previous act. It had been stated that the system of disposing of the land by ballot and reducing the price of it means a kind of lottery in the obtaining of land, but the results had proved that it worked very satisfactorily. As to the perpetual lease system, settlers, although they had a right to acquire the freeholds, he thought there was scarcely any instances in which they had availed themselves of that right. Mr Ballance had stated that there was more settlement for the year ended March 1887 than last year. In the former year there were 514 more persons than last year, but it would be found that no less than 896 more persons were last year aided by the Government to go on the land than in 1887, and 314 more persons took up land under other systems last year than in 1887, the numbers being 1154 for last year, and 806 for 1887. He defended the "accuracy of the Crown lands report, and disputed the statement that it was full of errors as alleged by Mr Ballance. Last year there were 1000 less agricultural holdings than might have been expected, but in 1887 there were 1000 less. In ordinary cash settlers they had last year 1767, against 1232 in 1887. The amount of settlement that took place in 1887 was contrasted by Mr B&llance with that of last year, but it was only fair to point out that the cost of administration last year was £22,000 less than that of 1687. As to the statement that the village settlement scheme had done away with the unemployed difficulty, he was glad to say that matters in this respect were improving, which was no doubt due to the improved condition of the colony. He detailed the arrangements made for the unemployed in several districts, and said that in October last the total employed in the colony was 800, but at the present moment it waa only 225. Mr Ballance had stated that village settlers paid 5 per cent., but the Crown lands report stated that the yearly rent payable and not paid was 5 per cent., and that in many cases considerable sums were owiag by those settlers. The real difference between these settlers and an ordinary settler was that they got cash advances from the Government. A torn of £19,000 had been advanced to village settlers, on which they had paid as interest £365. In Auckland alone a sum of £9232 was paid to these settlers, and the interest paid for two years was only £13— l-14ih per cent, per annum. He wished to remark also that there were originally 1196 village settlers in the colony, but there were now only 878, which had ocst the colony £73,000. He concluded by contending that settlers whowent on to the land tinder the auepices of this system last year we* e quite unfit for it. Mr J. M'KBNZIE (Waihemo) contended that the Minister of Lands had altogether failed to answer Mr Ballance's arguments. When Mr Richardson addressed his constituents he stated

{hat he had placed 2SOO selectors on the land,' bat when they got the Crown lands report, that number was reduced by no less than 520. He had also stated that he had been able to dispose of land at less cost than the previous Government, but the fact was the cost was greatly reduced through those lands having been surveyed by the lafce Government. There were a large number of selectors who had transferred their selections to perpetual lenses, but they could not be called new selectors. As to Mr Richardson's statement that he had disposed of 151,200 acres to 81 holders, he might point out that a number of these holders had passed from deferred payment blocks, and he advised Ministers to have the next Crown Lands report more accurate. With regard to village settlements, which the Minister evidently did not care about, there was no doubt a -large number of these people had left their selections; but, taking it as a whole, he thought it was very satisfactory that so many of .them remained on their holdings, and if even 50 per , cent, remained, it would be better than having those people staying about the towns of the colony. He charged present Ministers with having initiated an evil which it would be very hard to get rid of — namely, encouraging tenants of Crown to go to Land Boards and the Government for a surrender of their leases— and he challenged the hon. gentleman to give the names to the House of those from whom he had accepted surrenders, and the rents they paid. The hon. gentemen had also used his position as Minister of Lands to punish his opponents and reward his friends, and he had dismissed a . civil servant in Otago for working against him in the late election. The Hon. Mr RICHARDSON ; That is absolutely untrue. Mr M'KENZIE said he was stating what he knew to be the casej as this officer was dismissed on the plea of retrenchment, and another appointed, one of the supporters of the hon. gentleman. He should vote for the amendment of the member for Parnell whether it were made a Ministerial question or not, as he had always been opposed to the property tax, and that vote would be given regardless of the question as to whether or not it would lead to a dissolution. Captain Russell, and Messrs Hutchison, Harkness, Humphreys, Fish, and Fisher followed. PETITIONS. The petition of Sir R. Stout and others praying that lands may be set apart under the special settlement provisions of " The Land Act 1885" for the formation of & Co-operative Land Settlement Company, and to obtain Crown lands either on lease or by purchase for the purpose, has been before the Waste Lands Committee. The committee reported to-day that they cannot recommend that the special terms sought for in the petition be granted, but that the petition be recommended, if they thought proper to apply for some special block of land, forwarding a sketch plan therewith, and applying for it under the provisions of u { The Land Act 1885." T BE. MEMBER FOR CLUTHA. The speech made by the member for Clutha received nothing but praise from all sides. Captain Russell, in the course of his speech this afternoon, referred in the highest terms to the ability displayed by Mr Mackenzie in his deliverance. Pressure on your space last night prevented all but the very briefest reference to the speech and views expressed, which were warmly cheered by the' Government side of the Hduse. Mr Mackenzie approved of the general policy of the Government, especially the retention of the property tax, in preference to accepting in its stead a land and income tax. The cry for the abolition of the property tax had emanated from city men in order that they might escape the portion contributed to the State under that tax. As the revenue will not permit of a reduction, the balance must certainly come from the country people.' He supported the property i&x because it was a direct tax, and because it reached wealth and did not in any way fall upon the industrial or working classes that contributed > quite their full share to the revenue under the customs. The property tax carries out the soundest maxim in politics— namely, equality of sacrifice, making people pay in proportion to their possessions. He opposed . the introduction of an income . tax because 'it shifted ' the tax from the shoulders of the wealthy apd put it upon labour— that it could only be levied upon known income, whilst prof essions, tradesmen, merchants, and companies would' escape. He quoted reliable authorities upon the Home working of the system in support of this contention showing that it was almost impossible to check incomes. By adopting an income and land tax < you practically said that a peison might invest in | any form of undertaking except farming, and ! unless a profit could be declared no tax would be charged, but so soon as a man took an acre of land whether he made a profit or not he was to !be taxed. He opposed the member for Wanganui's' idea of adopting an immigration policy again, holding that the natural increase of population together with the attractions'of the colony were sufficient. He concluded by saying' that it would interfere greatly with the prospects and prosperity of New Zealand were a change of Government to take, place, or an interference in the incidence of taxation now. COST OF COMMISSIONS. A return has been laid on the table showing the cost of the various commissions appointed .during the year ended March 1889. The Chinese Emigration Conference cost £85, the Mokau Jones commission, £539 9s lOd ; Ell commission, £62; Point Resolution inquiry, £159; School of Agriculture commission, £121 ; report of the decisions of the Native Lands Court at Ngarara and other blocks, £366: Rawson inquiry, £303. Friday, August 16. bills dealt with. The Hon, Sir F. WKITAKER.in moving the second reading of The Land Transfer Act Amendment Bill, said it was unnecessary tp say much, because it was a machinery bill, and spoke for itself. The bill was read a second time without discussion. The Mercantile Law Act Amendment Bill was committed and read a third time and passed. NO-CONFIDENCE DEBATE. Mr VALENTINE deplored the waste of time ' that had occurred over this debate. If the amendment were a genuine one they would not require to go far to see how it would result ; but it was not genuine, and was merely designed to catch the votes of Government supporters. Nobody asserted that the property tax was popular; but the Government must have revenue, aud if a land tax were established it would seriously interfere with the settlement of the country. The issue before the House was a false one. The real issue was one of confidence j in the Government, and how anyone in the House, after watching the career of the present | Government, could vote for an amendment of this kind was beyond his comprehension. I He contended that the investment of trust funds was a perfectly legitimate opeiation, the funds being essentially trading funds. As to the argument that no surplus existed, he thought there waa no doubt at ail that there was a surplus over the year's expenditure. He referred at some length to the financial proposals of the

[ Government, • and said ■ the 1 Government 1 had carried out faithfully, as far as lay in their' power, the" demands of the country at? 'the last I election. . , . • . - Mr DUNCAN said it appeased to him they scarcely knew what they were about to divide on, as there was no direct issue before the. House. He could not see why the Government did not accept the amendment, except that the Government party had been for some time disorganised and scarcely knew where they stdpd. As for a land tax, he should not vote for a motion of that kind pure and simple, as fie held that every other property should be on the same footing as land; He should not vote for the Government, however, on • this occasion, . as they knBW that directly they hoisted' the flag of "No confidence " he ' would be found i voting against them. He referred .at considerable length to the land administration, of the present Government, accusing the Premier, of snowing no, sympathy with small farmers, and condemning the Minister of Lands' for allowing land to be.sold in large areas. As to raili way management; he contended that the railways were worse managed now than before, and the Government had nothing to be proud of in the appointments of commissioners. He intended to support the amendment, although he did ' not like the form the debate had taken, nor did ho like the form of the amendment itself. Sir G. GREY said the bill before the House was brought in to benefit large landowners in the colony, and to regulate their interest. The property tax was, in his opinion, specially devised to prevent fair value being put upon the lands of the ■ country. The Premier told the House that he could nob do without the money raised by this property tax (£360,000"), and that it' was impossible the same amount could be raised by a land and income tax, and that he had gone carefully into the figures, which the House . had not done, as if the Premier was the only person who could understood figures and retarns presented to the House. Alter referring i at some length to the effect of the property tax on people in the colony who drew incomes from England, he pointed out that the property tax had to be paid in many cases by people who had already paid income tax on the same money at Home. He declared j his intention of moving in committee on the bill in the direction of proposiug a tax on absentees who held property in the colony. 1 Speaking on the question of an income tax ho stated that a tax of that description Would yield .£130,000 a year, and a land tax should realise £150,000 a year, which together would be only, £68,000 short of the amount realised by the property tax, and that amount could easily be saved in ■administration. He held that if taxation of this description were in force the colony, would In a very short time be one of the most prosperous places in the world. He hoped member =, casting aside all party feelings, would do their duty in' this matter. He asked them to do away with the property tax, and put a sufficient tax on land I which' belonged to all the people of New Zealand. With the one-vote principle, which was i now law, he felt sure the people would -do their duty. Mr MILLS said as this was made a party | question he felt bound to vote with the Government, who he had hitherto supported, and should continue to support, till he saw good reason for • making a chaoge. Although there were several faults to be found with the' Government, he thought they were entitled to much credit for I the work they had done. The debate collapsed at a quarter-past 1, when I the question went to a division amid considerable excitement. Mr Monk gave his vote to the Opposition with a horribly bad grace. His face looked as if he were as miserable as a man going to his execution. . He waited till all the Opposition had gone to the lobby, then rushed up to > the tellers, gave his vote, and walked hurriedly back to his seat, utterlyr woebegone. Dr Fitchett, who had been reckoning on a victory also looked wretched. The Government were very jubilant, as they knew they; had | a majority. Immediately after the 1 lobbies 'had> ! emptied, members could be heard whispering I " four," " four," and this soon proved to be: the! ! Government majority, ' for at 20 past 1 the. Speaker' announced the figures: — Ay«Bij37; ' noes, 33. The result was ' received with loud cheering and clapping by Government supporters, who .were delighted at their victory. There ! was I counter cheering by the Opposition on account of the small majority. j • The-following is the division list:— Ayes (37). — Messrs Allen, Atkinson, Buchanan, j Carroll, Cowaa, Oodson, Ferguß, Fulton, Graham, Hall, Hamlia, Harkneso, Hislop, Hobbo, Humphreys, Jackson, Maearfcnur, Mackenzie, CC., Merchant) M'Gregor, Menfceath, Mills, Mitohelson, Moat, Rhodes, Rods, Russell, Samuels, Saunders, Seymour, Stewart, W. D., Taipua, Tanner, Thompson, R., O'Oonor, Valentine, Wilson. ' Noes (33).— Messrs Ballance, Barron, Blake, Brown, Baxton, Oadman, Duncau.Feldwick, Fisher, Fitchett, Fraser. Gbldie, Hutohißon, Joyce, Lance, Larnach, Lawry, Loughrey, M'Eenzie, J., Monk.Mosß.Parata, Peieeval, Reeves, R, H. J., Seddon, Smith, Steward, Taiwhanga, Taylor, Thompson, T., VerralJ, Walker, Ward- • . ' Paibs.— For the Government: Messrs Orraond,' Fiah, Bruce, Pyke, Anderson, Hodgkinson, fcobie Mackenzie, G. F. Richardson, J. B. White, Izard, Newman. Against: Messrs Kelly, Withy, Kerr, Fitzherbert, B. Richardson, Grey, Grimmond, Gninneas, Turiibull, Jones, W. P. Beeves. N The motion for the second reading was agreed to on the voices. APPOINTMENTS TO THE COUNCIL. In view of rumours which during the past day or two have been afloat in connection with appointments to what Mr Richmond Hursthouse used to designate the celestial spheres, the following question of which Mr T. Mackenzie has given notice assumes more than ordinary interest : — Whether, in view of . the report that the Government contemplate adding to the membership of the Legislative Council, the Government will, in making such appointments, take into their consideration the necessity of giving due ' representation to the large electoral area situate in the south and west of Otago, which, although embracing an eighth of the population of the colony, is at present unrepresented in the Council ? REPORTS ON PETITIONS. On the petition of Alexander M'Causland Hamilton, of Campbelltown, praying for' additional compensation for the loss of his leg in the railway service, the Public Petitions Committee report that petitioner has been fully compensated, and has no further claim on the colony. The Public Petitions Committee report that they have no recommendation to make on the subjects set. out in the petition of the Rev. A. Beattie, moderator of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, praying for immediate legislation to suppress gambling, pugilistic entertainments, and publication of evidence in certain classes of police cases. THE OTAGO CENTRAL RAILWAY. The Evening Post to-night in coarse of an article says: "Mr Fish, we fear, is not a good parliamentary tactician. Last night he announced his intention of voting with Government in the pending division in order, as he said, to secure the Otago Central railway. We fully appreciate the extent of the sacrifice which Mr Fish must make of general principle if he votes for the Government to secure this particular work. We are no less anxious than Me Fish is to see the work carried through, but we fear that he will find

that he has sacrificed his general convictions in vain in voting as he proposes. In fact we venture to think that Mr Fish by givieg his vote to | Ministers will seal the doom of the Otago { Central Railway .' Bill. The Government will not be in the least grateful for his support, but the Opposition will undoubtedly be exceedingly irate regarding it, and may resent his action by opposing his pet measure; If they do so nothing can save the Otago Central Bill. Mr Fish's true policy would' have been to throw in his lot with the Opposition and endeavour to establish a claim on their gratitude and assistance hereafter for the Otago Central Bill. The Government are already pledged to it to Mr Pyke as completely as any Government can ba pledged to, anything.. Mr Fish should sea that even if the Ministry pull through the, present crisis they will be quite .powerless to force the bill against the wish of the Opposition. He might have managed to 1 disarm the latter without making any sacrifice of principle." Mr Fisll left for the South this afternoon, having paired with Mr Withy against the amendment moved by Mr GOLDFIELDS MATTERS. The Goldfields Committee have passed a resolution that the Mining Act Amendment Bill introduced by Mr Seddon, and now before the House, contains many valuable and necessary amendments to the existing mining laws, and is a measure necessary to. be passed. The committee recommend the Minister of Mines to adopt the bill as a Government measure. The same committee have also resolved, on the motion «f Mr J. C. Brown— "That in the opinion of this committee it is desirable that a subsidy of pound for pound be given by the Government in aid of prospecting for gold- upon moneys expended by county councils, prospecting associations, or private parties, provided such prospecting by associations or private parties shall first be approved by the local authorities ; the Minister to be asked to make provision for the same in the Supplementary Estimates." Upon the petition of P. Brennan and 81 others, praying for an extension of time in counection with the examinations for mine managers' certificates, the committee recommend that it be referred to the Government 'with a recommendation to amend the law by extending the period in which a candidate must pass to not less than one year, and confining the examination to underground workings. SIR W. FITZHERBERT. Yesterday was the 79ih' anniversary of the birthday of the Honi Sir W. Fitzherbert, Speaker of the Legislative Council, and he received many congratulations from friends upon the fact. THE! MIDDLE PARTY. A meeting of Freetrade, or as they ara called the middle party, was held to-day, when there were present: — Messrs Allen, Anderson, Barron, Bruce, Buchanan, Cowan, Fulton, Macarthur, Scobie Mackenzie, T. Mackenzie, Mills, Pyke, Rhodes, Ross, Russell, Tanner, Whyte, Wilson. Messrs ' Izard, Moat, and Menteath were ' accounted for. Mr Scobie Mackenzie, who had called. the meeting together, was. in the chair. After a short discussion on the present condition of affaire, the .following motion was moved, seconded, and carried, with only one dissentient V—" That inasmuch as the abolition of the property tax might in the present financial condition of the colony entail a further increase of customs duties, it is not desirable that the Freetrade party should support the amendment of ' the member for Parnell." The general opinion was th^t, however desirable it might be to get rid of the property tax, the revenue could not stand it, and that it was quite inevitable that' the same amount or more would be demanded by any Government succeeding the present one, and, that it^ was just possible it would . revive t the Protectionist cry again. 1 At the same time it was admitted there was no direct Freetrade issue. The dissentient waa Mr Barron, who is. in favour of the gradual reduction 'of the property tax and Relieves that further retrenchment might t*ke the place of the money so remitted. In dissenting, however, Mr Barron, I • understand, was careful to say tha^whenthe 'Freetrade issue was directly involved he would be found heartily acting with them. . . Sunday, August 18. THE MINISTRY. The Hon. Mr Fergus' intended resignation is giving rise to a good deal of gossip in the lobbies, it being stated that the immediate result will be a redistribution of portfolios and a separation of the portfolios of Justice and Defence. There is talk about Sir J. Hall being taken into the Ministry, but this is very doubtful. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE. A Criminal Procedure Bill is about to be introduced by Mr Downie Stewart, with the object of preventing private persons from taking criminal proceedings against any individual, and providing that all proceedings of a criminal character must be initiated with the sanction of .the Crown prosecutor or the resident magistrate of the district. The bill, which is based on the Scotch 'law, is intended to prevent malicious prosecutions being begun simply to injure the character of the accusecj. Monday, August 19. selectors' lands bevaluation bill. The Hon. G. F. RICHARDSON moved the second reading of the Selectors' Lands Revaluation Bill to provide for a revaluation of certain lands held on deferred payment and perpetual lease respectively. The bill had already passed in the other Chamber. The Hon. Mr BALLANCE said the bill was a step in the right direction, bnt he did not think it was comprehensive enough. He suggested that the bill should be sent to the Waste Lands Committee. Mr SAMUEL opposed the bill, and said it was one which should not be allowed to pass. Mr J. M'KENZIE (Waihemo) supported the bill, and said' the Government were to be commended for its introduction. Mr VALENTINE regretted the bill did not go further, but he thought they should be thankful to have such a measure. No doubt in committee there would be some useful amendments. After further discussion, in which several members supported the bill, the motion for the second reading was agreed to on the voices, and the bill was referred to the Waste Lands Committee. IN COMMITTEE. The House went into committee on the Otago Marriages Bill and Marriage Act Amendment Bill, which passed without amendment. The Canterbury Society of Ait 3 Reserve Bill passed through committee with slight amendments. Several small bills passed through committee with slight amendments. The Public Reserves Act Amendment Bill passed with some amendments and additional clauses. The Fire and Marine Insurance Companies Bill was committed. I Sir JOHN HALL moved a new clause to the effect that any local company hereafter incorporated under "The Companies Act 1882" for | the purpose of [insuring only the property of its

, . .—4. — 4 own shareholders may be registered as a limited liability- company if they possess a paid up capital of £25,000 and also an uncalled capital of £25,000. The clause elicited a lengthy discussion, seve. ral members objecting to it as being unnecea. sary. It was eventually carried by 50 to 11. Mr IZARD moved a proviso to the clause that any such company as shall carry on business after its paid up capital shall be reduced below £25,000 shall be liable to a penalty of £50 for each day that it shall carry on business after such reduction. Dr FITCHETT moved a further proviso that if any such company shall insure the property of any person other than a shareholder it shall be liable .to a penalty not exceeding £50 for every insurance effected ; also that if the capital, 03 shown by the balance sheet, is allowed to fall below £25,000, it must be made up to the re« quired amount,, or directors will bo. personally liable. The clause as amended was agreed to on tho voices and added to the bill. * Mr FELDWICK xnovedito report progress on the bill.— Agreed to.,The four bills passed through committee were read a third time and passed. OTAGO MARRIAGES BILL. The Otago Marriages Bill, which, was introduced in the Legislative Council by Sir Frederick Whitaker, and which provides for the removal of doubts as to the validity of certain marriages solemnised at Oamaru by the Rev. James Macgregor, D.D., in consequence of that minister not being on the list of officiating ministers at 'the time, "was agreed to in committee of the House this evening, and reported without amendments. < A CANARD. The Post gives currency to an absurdly amusing rumour this evening. It couples the names of Mr Valentine with that of Dr Hodgkinson as gentlemen whom the Government intend to provide with seats in the Upper House. CALLS TO THE COUNCIL. Mr Valentine is bearing his prospective honours (ascribed to him by a rumour to tho effect that he is to be elevated to the Legislalative Council) with a complacency that does credit to his modesty. He desires me', at the same time, to state that the first he heard of tho proposed appointment was in the evening papers, THE TELEPHONE. The Government have intimated to Mr Valentine their willingness to establish a telephone between Garoton and Lumsden. The only difficulty at present is the selection of a suitable person at Garston to take charge of the instrument, - DECEASED HUSBAND'S BROTHER. Sir G. M. O'Rorke and Messrs Goldie and Lawry have received a number of letters from a woman, who signs herself a "broken-hearted mother," asking these gentlemen to endeavour to obtaiu legislation for the legalisation of marriage with a deceased husband's brother. It appears there are many case 3in New Zealand where widows are living with , their deceased husband's brother. Mr Lawry has consulted Sir John Hall, Mr Dodson, and other old politicians, and they think it would be a very right thing to place a notice on the order paper asking the Government if they will, , at an early period next session, introduce a bill to enable such persons to become legally married. lam informed Mr Lawry has decided to do so. THE WARD-CHRISTIE CASE. The Committee of the Upper House upon the Ward-Hislop correspondence were engaged today in examining Judge Ward. So far, it is said that he is coming very well out of the examination. A considerable number of members of the Lower House were* present. Mr Filleul, clerk of the court at Oamaru, has been instructed to attend the sittings of the committee to give evidence. SCHOLARSHIPS. Arrangements have been made by the Minister of Education to encourage country pupils to compete for scholarships. There will be in future a distinction between country and city candidates for scholarships to counterbalance the advantages the latter enjoy. 0 PARIS RAILWAY CONGRESS. In reference to the cablegram stating that Mr Maxwell has, accepted an invitation to attend the railway congress to be held at Paris next month, enquiry from" the Railway department shows that there is not the slightest foundation for tho statement. The Government were invited to .send a delegate, and as none of the commissioners could be spared, Mr Blackett, consulting engineer to the colony in London, was authorised to attend the congress. It is similar to the congress held in Milan two years ago, which Mr Maxwell attended. RELIEF OF CROWN TENANTS. On the motion for the second reading of the Selectors' Lands Revaluation Bill this evening several speakers took the opportunity of again urging upon the Government the desirableness of giving the same relief to tenants of the Otago School Commissioners as was proposed under the bill for tenants of the Crown. The bill, as you are aware, provides for revaluations of lands held on deferred payment and perpetual lease. Mr Valentine was particularly vigorous in his demands for the relief of the tenants of the school commissioners, who, he said, were labouring under great injustice and hardship. The bill was, however, a step in the right direction. He would support the motion for the second reading in the hope that when it reached the committee stage an amendment in the direction indicated would be moved and agreed to. Messrs Duncan, Feldwick, and others spoke in a somewhat similar strain. Mr Fulton, who spoke in an undertone, appeared to be defending the school commissioners from an inference of the maladministration of their lands, which might be deducted from the remarks of previous speakers, and the matter dropped. THE PROPERTY TAX. Early in the day it was understood that, contrary to general expectations, the Property Assessment Act Amendment ' Bill would not come on this evening. When this was stated, a rumour flew round to the effect that it was the intention of the Government to drop the bill, but I am assured by a Minister that this is a mere canard, and that they will press the bill to its final stages. The explanation of the postponement of the bill this evening is that there being a good deal of excitement, not to say anger, at the result of the division on Friday night, the Government wisely determined to allow disappointed members time to cool down. The evening was occupied with a number of small bills, which were discussed at considerable length, the object apparently being to stone* wall the Law of Libel BUI. Tuesday, August 20. bills dealt with. The Queenstown Athenaeum Bill was read s second time, and also the Native Equitable Owners Act 1886 Amendment Bill, which wai referred to the Native Lands Committee. The Hon. Sir F. WHITAKER remarked thai the Native Affairs Committee had madecertaiß resolutions, having for their effect making tha bill apply not only to Native meetings, but al&j to European, and therefore with a view of, test*

og the feeling of the Council, he moved— ■ * That the, word Native be struck out?'. ' , ' The Council divided— Ayes, 23 ; noes, ?. The 'amendment was lost • ■ The bill was then committed and reported with amendments. REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. Mr FULTON asked the Government whether they will undertake to introduce early next session a bill to give effect to the resolution 1 carried in the House directing the Government i to introduce a bill giving power to the people ! by direct vote at the ballot box to prohibit the ' sale of intoxicating liquors within their district. The Hon. T. FERGUS said the Government would consider the matter, and probablj a bill v would be brought down next session. Replying to Mr Brown, The Hon. G. F. RICHARDSON said that as a v matter of fact cash deposits made by unsuccessful! applicants for land were generally returned in less than seven days, but delay sometimes I • arose through applicants themselves not making - proper arrangements for the deposits being returned. Mr BROWN asked the Minister of Mines if ; ha, will give effect if possible to the proposals by « which tha serious burdens now existing on those • engaged on gold mining may be relieved by the 1 Government taking charge of their gold and 1 paying its true value after smelting and assay ? The Hon. G. P. RICHARDSON said the : matter would receive consideration, as the Go- ' vernment were anxious to d^p all in their power ". to benefit mining interests. Mr STEWARD (Waimate) asked the Minis- ' ter of Justice whether he has received a letter t from Dr Buckingham, of Waituna, near Wai- > mate, complaining of improper treatment by the v bench and police ; if so, whether he has directed ■■ any inquiry to be made into the matter, and what is the result of that inquiry ? The Hon. T FERGUS said the case had 1 been inquired into, and there was no reason to ; suppose there had been any miscarriage of ; justice. Mr FELDWICK asked the Minister of Lands whether he proposes to introduce legislation t that shall have the effect of transferring the •- administration of educational reserves from 1 bodies known as School Commissioners to the \ Waste Lands Boards of the colony ? The Hon. G. F. RICHARDSON said the bill 1 now before the House dealt with those lands so ' far aa they had been entrusted to Waste Lands I Boards. Mr COWAN asked the Minister of Education : if he will, in computing capitation allowance to \\veak country schools, revert to the working ; average instead of strict average as at present ? The Hon. T. W. HISLOP said the matter • would receive consideration during the recess, •- as the Government recognised that the present -.system of average did not work out quite i fairly. Mr MOAT asked the Postmaster-general 'whether he will confer on settlers residing at a - distance from money- order offices the benefit of " the postal note system so far as causing postal < notes to be sold at all post offices in the Bame -.-way as postage stamps. The Hon. Sir H. A. ATKINSON said the ( Government being now authorised by the bill ; passed lasb session to extend the postal note . system, they would take steps to extend it as far - as possible. Dr HODGKINSON asked the Premier will • the Government instruct the Agent-general ' to make inquiries, through British Consuls in " .Norway, with a view to provide for emigration ■ from that country to New Zealand of a. few ' women skilled in spinning and weaving wool and < flax, and will they give free passages to a few of . - such experts. The Hon. Sir H. A. ATKINSON said the ■ Government would communicate with the - Agent-general, and if necessary, a sum would be •■ put on the Estimates next session. Mr FELDWICK asked the Minister of ■\ Justice if the Government ' will next session i ""introduce a bill providing for the establishment • of a Criminal Court of Appeal. The Hon. T. FERGUS said the subject; 'would receive serious attention during the - recess. Mr M'KENZIE (Waihemo) asked the ? Minister of Lands whether he will set up a <■ committee to inquire into all the circumstances ■• attending the lease of runs Nos. 28 and 28a, ' Otekaike, to .Robert Campbell and Sons i (Limited). i The Hon. G. F. RICHARDSON said if a i committee had been asked for early in the » session it would haye r been agreed to, bu*, he 5 thought it would be out oi.place at the present < stage. " , , ■ Replying to Mr Moat, The Hon. T. W. HISLOP satd the matter - 'of granting subsidies to public libraries would 1 be considered next year, and t a gajn would ;■ probably be put on the Estimates'. ■ Mr COWAN asked the Minister .of JEdijca- ' tion if he will cause teachers under the Education • tion Act to be brought under the provisions of-, ' "The Civil Service Reform Act 1886 "with; ) regard especially to clause 11 and 12 *of the !acs i .relating to retiring allowances. ' The Hon. T. W. HISLOP said the Governn.menfc would work out a scheme during the recess ' to deal with this matter. , ' • Mr WARD asked the Postmaster-general if, i in view of the large profits being earned by ithe ' the telephone exchanges in the colony, the Go- •• vernment will favourably consider the desira- '»" bility of reducing the rates , to subscribers ; and > will the Government give instructions to have • all important public offices in towns, where ez.- • changes exist put iv connexion with the <• exchange. »■' The Hon. Sir H. A. ATKINSON said he had made inquiries into this matter, and he was sorry to say he could not consent to any reduction, as telephone charges were now as reasonable as ia other colonies, and there was no reason to suppose that such reduction would result in largely increased numbers of subscribers. . The second part of the question was rea-onable, and he would give instructions to have it done. Mr BROWN asked the Minister of Lands and Agriculture if he will use his bust endeavouos to bring about a reciprocal tariff between New .Zealand and the neighbouring colonies on all colonial products from the soil with a view of ; such being admitted free of duty. The Hon. G. F. RICHARDSON said the ■ Government sympathised with the question, and ■ would do their best in the matter. ' Replying to Mr Thompson, Tha Hon. Sir H. A ATKINSON said he had t a bill prepared which he thought would get over • the difficulty in connection with auditing the : accounts of public bodies, and which he hoped i. to pass this session. . ; Mr JOYCE asked the Premier if the Go- - "vernment would communicate with the authori- - ties of the colony of Victoria suggesting as.one - of the means to bring about a federated Austral- •- asia that a reciprocal tariff treat3 T as to certain r natural products should be passed during, the •present sessions of the Parliament of this land -> the sister colony. ' ; The Hon. Sir H. A. ATKINSON said ithe "■Government would move in the matter when- . ever they saw any possibility of doing' any good i by it. ''."'■. Mr VALENTINE asked the Colonial Sacrettary whether he has considered the advisability

of altering the, law with a view of cheapening the -cosfe "procedure, 1 'in' cqajiebtion' <>wiijih v pro- 1 bate of wills where the amount of personal estate does not exceed £300, if co, will he inform the House what relief the Government propose to afford. The Hon. T. ,W. HIBfcOP said the matter would be considered during the recess. Mr JOYCE asked the Premier .to give the House an assurance that the Government will take no action against District Judge Ward in his official relations with the Government between now and until the House has had an opportunity of considering the same either this or next session. The Hon. Sir H. A. ATKINSON said he could give no pledge in the matter at all. Whatever action the Government thought necessary to take with respect to any person would bo taken. Mr FELDWICK asked the Premier whether the statement in the press of the colony is true | that a member of the Ministry wrote & letter to England to the effect that the land to be handed to the Midland Railway Company is worthless, and so delayed the raising of the company's capital in London. The Hon. Sir H. A. ATKINSON said as far I as he could learn no such letter had been writ- j ten by any member of the Ministry. | Mr PAR ATA asked the Premier whether the Government will take steps to amend the Staipp Duties Act this session in fulfilment of his promise made on a former occasion. < , The Hon. Sir H. A. ATKINSON had looked into the matter and did not see his way : to accede to the request. Mr FULTON asked the Government whether they will, under the Licensing Act, take immediate steps to appoint one or more inspectors outside the local police force. ' The Hon. T. FERGUS said the matter would be looked into, and if more suitable persons could be appointed without expense it would be done. Replying to Mr Bruce, The Hon. T. FERGUS said there was no truth in the report that young ladies of the' Salvation Army who were recently incarcerated iv a Napier prison were placed in, the same cell as women charged with drunkenness, as they were put in separate cells. ! PROTECTION OS 1 ANIMAM. The Hon. T. W. HISLOP moved the second reading of the Animals Protection Act Amendment Bill, which had already passed in the Legislative Council, and was brought in to protect our native and imported game. '■ Mr BRUCE congratulated the Government on the bill, which he considered highly necessary to prevent the wholesale destruction of imported and native game. ' Mr FULTON also supported the bill. Mr TAYLOR trusted the bill would not Jesuit in the introduction of the game laws which they heard so much about at Home, and be feared it had a tendency in. that direction. j Mr MONK supported the bill, and regretted it had not been introduced 20 years ago. Mr SEYMOUR thought the bill a good one, but said it was • not shooting that destroyed birds, but the millions of acres that were being covered by poison, as well as ferrets, rats, and other vicious animals that abounded in the country. Sir G. GREY considered, it a hypocritical measure, and said every effort should be made it o prevent the introduction of noxious animals such as stoats and weasels, which not only destroyed birds but infants. { Colonel FRASER approved of the bill, atid hoped it would become law. Mr BUCHANAN also supported ifc s& a necessary measure. ■ , , .(, , Mr M'KENZIE (Waihemo) opposed the bill, and moved that it be read this day three months. ' ' Messrs MARCHANT and BUXTON supported the amendment. Mr T. MACKENZIE (Clutha) thought the bill a very important one, and said native gatne should be protected in the same manner as game in the old country. He hoped the bill would get into committee. . • ,' I Messrs STEWARD and TANNER supported | the hill as being one of a most useful character. ' Mr THOMSON (Marsden) thought the only way to get out of the difficulty was to stop the sale of game altogether. • : Mr SEDDON would vote for the amendment, and deprecated passing laws of this kind. ; Mr DUNCAN strongly opposed the bill, and said there was no occasion at all for it. The Hon. T. W. HISLOP did not understand the objections to the bill, and said it certainly did not go in the direction of game laws. jHe asked the House to pass the second reading, and if in committee there were any objectionable clauses the Government would not object to have them amended. j The motion for the second reading was then put and carried by 42 to 27, and the amendment lest. : '' THE DUNEDIN EXHIBITION. A message was received from the Government recommending an additional clause in the Dunedin Exhibition Bill enabling local bodies tb the defray expenses of sending their own exhibits to the exhibition. The new clause forwarded by his Excellency was agreed to, and sent to the Legislative Council for its concurrence. IN COMMITTEE. . _ ' The Houbg went into committee on the Shipping and Mariners Act Amendment Bill , The bill was reported with amendments^ Eead a third time, and passed. A PRESBYTERIAN DEPUTATION. rf Mr v .Downie Stewart thfe afternoon introduced to.ittie ..Premier a deputation from the New Zealand Presbyterian" Church, consisting of the Rev.- Mv Pat'tersoh, v , Messrs. JJ lameß1 ameB' I ftl'Kerrow, Jack, and Smityi, m rofeieficS to execoFptisg^he aged and infirm and" the widows- and- og^fians funds from the property tax. The premier promises to consider the, question. FfRB INSURANCE. Just before the Fire and Marine Insurance Companies Bill was reported last night, ■ Mr Feldwick proposed to add the following new clause to the bill, which is of importance, inasmuch as if carried it will, compel insurance companies to pay the full amount insured, except, of course, in- cases where fraud is proved: — "Notwithstanding anything to 'the contrary expressed in any contract of insurance in any suit for the. recovery of the sum representing an indemnity in respect of the amount insured, no defence shall be gooH, unless such defence shall involve fraud ou the part of, the insured." When Mr Feldwick moved this new clause the House was very thin, the only members taking any part in the proceedings being lawyers and others who are probably interested in insurance business. The p: oposed clause is not likely to be acceptable to insurance companies, and the member for Invercargili (was not slow to perceive that it was not likely to be carried at this particular time. The only chance of saving the clause .was to get the bill reported in order that his clause might come under consideration of & larger and more sympathetic House. Hn therefore moved- that progress be reported, and before his, opponents saw his object they had agreed to this. . It ia probably within the knowledge of most business people .that insurance companies need not pay the Amount, of

Ttiak they hojd on premises destroyed by fire for ■60 days after a fire, and then' polioyholders are, bffcdn satisfied if they can get ft portion* of the' sum insured instead of the whole 'amount of policy. Mr Feld wick's new clause is intended to alter' all this, and compel insurance companies to pay over the amount on which they have perhaps for years been receiving premiums. THE PROPERTY TAX, There are still rumours afloat to the effect that the Government will not proceed further with the Property Tax Assessment Act Amend* ment Bill this session. It is said this decision has been come to in response to a generally expressed desire on the part of many members that all business likely to lead to protracted debate should be postponed, and the work of the session brought to a close. Whether this is so or not I can only repeat that Ministers have informed me that is their intention to press the bill to its final stages. In: connection with the bill ;Mr Ballance intends to move the following amendment on the motion to go into committee on the bill :—" That the committee be instructed to insert a clause as follows : All agricultural improvements on the property of one person or company to the value not exceeding £2000 shall be exempt trom taxation under the said act. . ' Agricultural improvements ' for the purpose of this act shall be deemed to mean and include the erection of one or more dwelling houses and farm buildings, the fencing of land, drainage, the felling of bush and clearing of land — all respectively for farming or pastoral purposes exclusively — to any amount not exceeding collectively a total amount of. £2000, of which not more than £500 shall in any case be estimated as the value of any single dwellinghouse." VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS. The Minister for Lands to-day laid on the table an instructive return in reference to ■ the expenditure on village settlements in the north of Auckland. The return shows that a sum of £6051 has been expended upon Heretaino settlement, where 125 sections were originally take a up. Of these only 79 were occupied on 31st March 'last. The Motutaraka settlement cost £2125, and out of 63 settlers originally there were only 43 still occupying their sections pn March 31. Seventy-two settlers took up their land at Pnnakitera, at a cost to the colony x>f £12,398, and there were only 40 still on the land on March 31. '• THE WARD-CHRISTIE COMMITTEE. Mr District Judge Ward has submitted to the committee, now sitting to inquire into, the circumstances in connection with the Ward-Hislop correspondence over the Christie case, a lengthy memorandum in reply to the memorandum seht by Mr Hislop to his colleague the Minister for Justice. It is said Judge Ward never caw this memorandum until ' the correspondence was published. Tho committee therefore thought he had a right of reply in this' way, It iis further stated that Mr Hislop .thinks he should be allowed toreply to the judge's memorandum, but the committee are of opinion that if they allowed the Minister to reply there would \>e no finality to the correspondence. However, so ' far as I can learn they have not come to any definite decision on the point. The judge's memorandum is stated to be a complete facer to Mr Hislop, add a categorical denial of the charges contained in the Minister's, memorandum, and that moreover it reflects, very strongly ou Mr Hislop's action in the. matter.! This was of course to be expected. The' committee were desirous of examining Mr Hislop, bub it is 'said the latter 'refuses to appear before the committee, and of course he need not do .spanless he chooses, and in any case must first obtain the consent of the House.' It is understood that the clerk of the ooust at Oamaruj who is to give evidence' before the committee, has 1 been summoned in order to contradict the ' statement made in the House by Mr Hislop, and there is some comment at the ' adoption of such a course, inasmuch as it is thought hardly .in good taste to ask an' infe'ridr officer of the-jSer-vice to put his word against that of a Minister of the Crown. The gaoler at Oamam is also' likely to give evidence, and his examinational! probably have reference, to the' treatment Christie Reived in gaol. It is sVaied that jail the prison regulations were relaxed in Christie's case, and that he was allowed to smoke, see nis friends, and wear ordinary clothes. 1 If this jis true the committee will probably want to know by whose authority the regulations were not put into operation. The inquiry is likely to last several days yet, and as soon as an opportunity offers a motion will be made 'in the Lower House for the product}6n and printing of all the , evidence, with a view to putting ' Judge Ward's case fairly before the House. When this mptipn comes forward we. shall probably have a repetition of the scenes which have now become familiar in the House in connection with this case. ' Since Writing the above I find that in the council this afternoon Ihe time for bringing up the report of the committee was extended for a fortnight. LOCAL GOVERNMENT. At a meeting ot the committee appointed to inquire into and report as to the best system of local- government for the colony this morniug a report ' was received from the sub-committee ■ entrusted with the work of drafting proposals for the consideration of the full committee. The report was not so full as could have ,been wished, and was generally in the direction of decentralisation and the creation of a smaller number of local bodies than now exist With largely extended functions,. Owing to the heavy debating on representation -and taxation questions, which haa- engaged the attention of the House for the p3st fsw weeks, the sub-commit-tee found that they had not time to go' so fully into the matter &a was desirable, and it ia probable that the Bub-comniitt;ee will elaborate their proposals, and, until this is done the exact j nature of the interim report presented to-day will not be .made known. 1 understand there, was some general dipcucsiou on the subject to- j dayi and that the committee tfcen adjourned to | a day to be fixed by the chairman. THE BEE INDUSTRY. There was a murmur of dissent at the proposal to introduce the'Foul'Brood in Bees Bill, j the reputed author of which is Mr Richard Reeves. Emanating from such a source the bill is regarded as a joke, and Mr Turnbull and others raised their voices against the proposal to put the country to the expense of printing the bill. It was, however, pointed out that bee farming was really a local industry, and that a similar bill was before the House last year, and eventually the House agreed to allow the bill to proceed. Of. course, at this stage of the session, the bill will be numbered with the slain. THE MINING INDUSTRY. Several reports presented to-day by the Minister of Mines, and compiled by Mr Gordon, the inspecting engineer, show that during the year 1888 the total value of minerals produced, including kauri gum, amounted to £1,531,614, as agaiQßfc £1,487,888 for the previous year. This amount is made up as follows : — . Gold and silver ... '...£801,137 Coal consumed In the colony ... 274,d5l Coal exported „ 61,367' , Kauri gum ... ... ... 350.933 There is a decrease in the yield of gold of £13,416 for the year 1888, but as against ; the previous financial year there is an increase of £16,941. The return shows an increase in* all districts, but the Thames, where there has been a falling off amounting to' £1303. The average

number of men- engaged in gold mining is set down at ,12,600, being an increase of 858,' as againfet returns, di the previous year. "The average earnings of each man i 3 put, down at the small sum of '£6o.- There is also au increase of 1552 in the number employed in coal mining, the number now being 15,940. The earnings of these men are 'put down at £109 per annum. ■ The report states that there are 128 coal mines in the' colony. Mr , Gordon speaks hopefully of the mining industry, and thinks there are signs which have not been apparent for some years that the industry is slowly but surely making i progress. .