N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2010, 1 September 1892, Page 16

N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

la the Legislative Council to-day the Ocean Beach Domain Bill made satisfactory progress in committee. The Arms Act Repeal, Fisheries Encouragement Act, and Aliens Act Amendment Bills were read a second time.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

In the House of Representatives this afternoon the adjournment of the House was twice' moved to permit of discussion on tho position of the New Plymouth Harbour Board and the case of a member of the Torpedo Corp3. The Otago School Commissioners' Empowering Bill was read a second time. In the evening, the motion for the second reading of the Wellington Fruit-growers' Association Bill provoked a long* discussion, which was' eventually adjourned. A bill to amend the North Island Trunk Loan Application Act was under discussion when the telegraph office closed.

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS.

Replying to Mr Palmer, whether, as the Tasmanian Government has now placed a prohibitive duty of 3s per lOOffc on New Zealand timber, will the Government place a heavy duty on ail Tasmanian jams and fruit imported into the^colony, The Hon. Mr BALLANCE said there was no objection to levying such a duty, as the importation of Ta6manian jams had fallen off greatly of late years, and the importation of fruit had also almost ceased. Replying to Mr Shera, The Hon. Mr SEDDON said the Government could not recommend Parliament to guarantee to a company 3£ per cent, interest on ,the cost of- construction of a railway line to complete the connection between Auckland and> Wellington, as that would be indirect .borrowing. jl Replying' to Mr Duthie, The Son!. J. M'KENZIE said provision was .mffde inVthe Stock Bill for the inspection of meat and. the better sanitation of slaughterhouses ;^' but he could not say whether "the House would allow that measure te be passed.

Replying to 'Mr Bruce, - • The Hon # 'Mr SEDDON said the Government did not -'intend to amend the Truck Act this session, t»ut inquiry would be mado as to whether '\b' was. advisable to further exempt nietf Engaged in bush-felling contracts from its operation.. '"''.• OtAGO. SOtiOOL COMMISSIONERS. The Honi J. '.M'KENZIE moved the second reading |of"' the- Otago School Commissioners' Empowering 'Bill, •to empower the School Commissioners, for the Otago district to enter into 'Certain f arrangements desirable in the interests ~ of. settlement, and in order to provide accommodation for tourists at Lake Te Anau,-,"Qfcago.'\,He said he proposed to refer the bill after.. the*fcecond reading to the Waste Lands Committee. ' , Sir- JOBJJ ;HALL did not object to the bill, except that it~appeared to him to be a private bill, as it dealt with the private property of an individual without- any notice to him. The Hdh.'J. M'KENZIE promised to communicate with the tenant, and send a copy of the bill to him 1 . The second reading was agreed to. co-operative fruit-growing.

The Hon.' J. M'KENZIE moved the second reading of the ' Wellington Fruit-growing Association Leasing Bill, to authorise a grant to the Wellington Kruit-growing Association of a perpetual' lease of a block of land of 8729 acres for the purpose of a special settlement for the association. ' He explained that the association was anxious to get this land under special settlement regulations, but they found that by doing this they would not be able to get people •with the necessary capital to embark in the undertaking. • _ Sir G. GREY strongly objected to the bill. It appeared to him that the Government in treating with' a special body of men for land in this manner was not doing justice to others who wished to obtain land. They should give every one'a fair chance. They should insist on a matter of this kind being part of a geneial law, and it should be put into the Land Bill. Leave should be given to this association to apply for this land under special regulations, and he claimed for all New Zealand the privilege that the general landvlaws should be open to all.

• Mr BUCKLAND said the Minister for Lands entirely misled the House in introducing the bill. It provided that a large block of land should be leased to the directors at 4 per cent. Then the unfortunate people had to take the land up, but on such conditions that it would take away their independence. They could not plant a tree or anything else without coming to the directors, who could crush them out of existence, and there was no protection for them under this bill. The fact was the present bill was perpetuating all the evils under the Truck Act that Ministers were so auxious to do away with.

Mr T. MACKENZIE (Clutha) thought the principle of "the bill was a good one, and the Government were perfectly right in encouraging the fruit-growing industry. He did not, however, believe that co-operative farming was tho system of the future, as ho thought individual effort was more to be encouraged.

Mr THOMPSON (Marsden) did not wish to condemn the bill, but he must cay ho thought tho Minister for Lauds had uofc read it. The very name of the bill was wroDg, as it provided

that out of 8729 acres proposed to be granted by the bill, only 215 acres were to be laid down in fruit trees. He held that the House Bhould be told who the directors of this company were, and he honed the "bill would be withdrawn. • The Hon. J. M'KENZIE said the objections of several members to this bill were of a- selfish nature, because it did not apply to their own districts. He should agree to the adjournment of the debate in order that members might have more time to understand the bill. After further discussion the debate was adjourned till Thursday. NORTH ISLAND TRUNK RAILWAY. , The Hon. A. J. GAD 51 AN moved the second reading of the North Island Main Trunk Railway Loan Application Acts Amendment Bill to extend the time of purchase of land under the bill for three year?, and also to extend the area. Captain RUSSELL pointed out that this bill vsould give the Government enormous power, and it would shut out large areas of land from ' possible occupation, which he thought was not desirable. j The Hon. Mr RICHARDSON thought the bill deserved a closer scrutiny than the Native Minister by his very few remarks on it would seem to think necessary. The proposed reservation of land in this bill were, in his opinion, preposterous, and it should be reduced to two million or two and a-half millionacres. He should like to know whether the Native Minister would refer this bill to the Native Affairs Committee, and whether he would also consent to a reasonable reduction in the area. Sir G. GREY said that instead of shutting up land this bill would open it up for s,ajeto Europeans. If the bill passed in its < present form it would take away much^of the hapo for the future, and if the Government shut up such an enormous area of land they would encourage a new system of laud speculation which would shut up land from the whole population of the colony. He thought the ! debate should be adjourned till the, real mean- | ing of the bill was ascertained, as it concerned four million acres of laud. He' moved, the adjournment of the debate. After further discussion the motion for adjournment was lost by 34- to 24-. Tho Hon. R. J. SEDDON thought the bill had been explicitly explained. /His opinion was that by enlarging the area speculators were prevented from getting land under tho bill. .It was very necessary in the interests ,of the Natives themselves that this measure 5 should pass. PENSIONED OFFICERS.." The following officers in- the civil , Service have retired on the pension, set against the name of each :— C. de Castro t (Public Trusb Office), L 172; D. Luudon (Customs), L 21 0; 1 7 . Stevens (Lauds-and Survey), 183. Also the following in the Postal department; — E. D. Butts (Dunedin), L 25 8; S. J. Dick, L 25 0; F. Falck (Lawrence), L 12 5; T. Taylor, L 12 1; J. Henn, L 88; G. H. Cheeseman, L 81;8 1; J. Bailie, L 77. THE LAND BILL. The Waste Lands Committee have finally dealt with the Land Bill, and have fixed the rental of leases in perpetuity at 4 per cent, instead of 5 per cent., as at first" altered by the committee. A suggestion by Mr Mackintosh, that a selector should have power to take timber for fencing or fuel from bush land near his place free of charge, was lost by one vote. The member for Wallace will endeavour to have this provision included when the bill is in committee. CUSTOMS DUTIES. According to a return presented to the Legislative Council the amount of customs duty <$>\- lected on "necessaries of life" during the last I financial year was L311,<U6. The largest items' wero: Sugar, L 116.663; tea, L 103.971; dried fruits, L 36,218. During tho past • year L 661,568 was collected in customs duties on wines, beer, spirits, and tobacco, and L 60.632 in excise on the same articles and L 403,285 in ad valorem duties. In the last financial year L 75.017 was collected, by way of customs duty on necessaries of industry. - -The heaviest items are :— Corrugated iron, L 12,56 1; fencing wire, L 10.249; vegetable oil, L 743 5; cement, L 6125. r A SUMMARY OF THE CORRESPONDENCE. The celebrated correspondence' between the Governor and Ministers is summarised in the following dialogue fashion by Mr G. Hutchison :—: — The Premier : " I need not resign."' Tbe Governor : "If not, then you should not interfere." The Premier : "You cannot act alone." The Governor: "All right; bu{( I won't act v/ith you." .' ' The Premier: "Then I , will tell Downing street," and (went on' Mr- Hutchison) he might i have added: "I will telegraph Gladstone." Members received this with, great laughter. ADULTERATING MANURE. The Manure Adulteration Bill, which is under the charge of the Hon. J. M'Kenzie, is designed to prevent frauds in the sale of manures for agricultural purposes. The .vendor of any quantity of manure not less than lewt bliall be required lo give with ifc an invoice certificate stating its origin and composition, the penalty for misrepresentation being not less than L 2 and not exceeding L2O. Every packago of manure mu^t be branded with the name and trade mark of the vendor. Provision is ! made for the analysis of inauurcs, tbo analyst, to report quarterly to thu Colonial Secretary. County councils may appoiud inspectors temporarily to obtain samples for analysis.

CIVIL SERVICE BILL.

At an adjourned meeting of members opposed to the Civil Service Bill, Mr Saunders presiding, it was considered inexpedient to comply with the Premier's request that objections to the Civil Service Bill should be put into writing, as it was thought this would be to furnish the Premier with arguments to be used against them, as he appeared bent on pushing through the bill. The meeting resolved to oppose the bill at every stage and to prevent its becoming law this session. It was agreed to draw up a paper pledging members to resist the bill to the utmost. This was done, and the paper has been signed by 17 members adverse to the bill.

JOTTINGS.

An inquiry int) the manner in which endowments for religious education purposes have been dealt with is asked for by Mr Meredith. Mr Earnshaw also presented a petition from Portobello ratepayers praying that Parliament will granfc a sum of money to improve their main road.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL..

In the Legislative Council to-day the Ocean Beach Domain Bill was reported from committee. The Fisheries 'Encouragement Act Amendment Bill was committed, reported without amendment, and passed. The Aliens Act Amendment Bill was committed. , In clause 4-, "power to reduce naturalisation fee in the case of Chinese," the minimum (10s) to be charged was, on the motion of the Hon. Dr POLLEN, struck out, the suggestionbeing accepted by tho Colonial Secretary. The effect of the amendment is that Chinese are placed on the same footing as other aliens seeking to be naturalised. The bill as amended was reported and read a third time.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

In the House of Representatives to-day a debate took place over the subject of cooperative public works. The Otago Harbour Board Empowering, Kaitangata Relief Fund Transfer, and the Dempsey Trust Bills passed the 6econd-reading stage. Sir George Grey's Law Practitioners Bill was read a second time, as also was a bill providing that moneys placedin the hands of members of the legal profession are to be paid into a trust fund in a bank. The Corrupt Practices Prevention Bill also passed its second reading, and the rest of the evening wtCs spent over the Inebriate Homes Bill. The North Island Main Trunk Railway Loan Application Acts Amendment Bill, to extend the time of purchase of land, was read a second time yesterday morning.

SCHOOL OP AGRICULTURE. . ' • Mr RHODES moved the second reading of the Lincoln School of Agriculture Empowering Bill, which elicited a lengthy discussion. Mr WRIGHT moved that the bill be read that day six months. Sir J. Hall, Messrs Rolleston, Hogg, Meredith, and W. P. Reeves spoke on the bill. The amendment was carried on the voices. LAW PRACTITIONERS BILL.

Sir G. GREY moved the second reading of the Law Practitioners Bill, to regulate the admission to practise in courts of law. Under this measure every person of the age of 21, and of whose reputation and learning any judge of the Supremo Court shall be satisfied, shall be entitled to be admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of the colony, and enrolled without payment of foe. Sir G. Grey pointed out that it was under a law of this kind that all the great Americans had come forth, and he thought if this bill passed it would be of immense benefit to tho community at largo. Tho second reading was agreed to on the voices.

Sir G. GREY moved the second reading of the Law Practitioners Bill, to make provision for the better security of moneys deposited with persons j>ractißing the profession of tho law. The bill provides that practitioners shall pay clients' moneys into a trust account, a penalty nob exceeding LIOO being fixed for noncompliance. The motion for the second reading was carried on the voices.

CORRUPT PRACTICES.

Mr SCOBIE MACKENZIE moved the second reading of the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act 1331, Amendment Bill, to amend the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act 1881, and limit the cost of parliamentary elections. He explained that clause 8, which contained the maiu object of the bill, limited the election expenses of a candidate to LIOO. The measure was founded on the English acb, which had been cut down and adapted to suit the colony. Although he had fixed the maximum amount a man may speud at an election at LIOO, he now thought that sum too high, and would have no objection to the amount being reduced if tlie House thought fib. Under the bill a candidate was compelled to produce to tho returning officer vouchers for all disbursements over 20s, and these vouchers were to be open for inspection for a period of two years after tho election. If the measure did not succeed in strangling corruption it would reduce it to a small proportion. As fur as he was personally concerned his election expenses had always been extremely low, as he had been f orbuuate enough to inherit an exceedingly pure district. The last election was a very heated ouc, bub iv spile oE this his expenses for the campaign wtre a long way under LBO. He invited members to do what they

could to successfully pass the measure this session.

The Hon. Mr BALLANCE said the bill was brought in with good intentions, but it seemed to him that all bills intended to prevent corruption failed to carry out that object. He thought the present law put as many restrictions on condidates as the present bill, whioh had evidently been drafted without regard to the comprehensive act we had in force at present. The great defect of tho bill was that it did nob give sufficient safeguard against others than the candidates paying election expenses. It was quite true it made such practices illegal, but Buch illegal practices were carried on at nearly every election. The measure would not operate so much in favour of the poor man as the hon. gentlemen thought. His criticism had not been made in an unfriendly spirit, and he hoped the measure would be made a workable one/

The second reading was carried on the voices.

inebriates' homes. The Inebriates' Homes Bill was further considered in committee.

Clause 8, male and female wards to be separated. - ' The Hon. Mr SEDDON said the only responsibility the Government would take over this bill was that if the House passed it they would have to provide the money for carrying it into effect. The Government would not take any other responsibility."

THE LAND BILL.

The Land Bill was reported to the House to-day by the Waste Lands Committee. The principal amendment, of course, is the concession of the lease in perpetuity, or for 999 years, at 4- per cent, of the cash price. A new paragraph declares that the total amount of land set apart as special settlements in the colony shall not exceed 260,000 acres in any one year. . No person shall be entitled to' hold more than 320 acres in a special settlement. The regulation providing that a miner's right cannot be exercised on a grazing run without the consent of tho owner of the land, has been struck out. Clause 230, empowering the issue of licenses to dig kauri gum on Crown lands, has been removed from tho bill. A new subsection prescribes that a mortgagee having a power of sale in case of default shall not gain possession of the land comprised in his mortgage, but shall exercise his power of sale by public auction. The sum to be deposited at the time of making application for surveyed land, whether with tho right of purchase or on lease in perpetuity, shall be 2£ per cent, on the cash price. Any selector of less than 640 acres shall have the right to apply without competition for an additional area of surveyed or unsurveyed land near by at a price of not less than 20s per acre. There is a regulation in the bill that main streets must be at least 99ft, and cross or side streets 66ft in width. To this the committee have added a proviso that streets of a less width may be approved in towns which have been in existence for loyrs. THE INCOME TAX.

It appears from a return laid on the table today in reference to the laud and income tax that 4-21 persons had returned incomes of over LIOOO, in the aggregate L 876,758 per annum, and 2819 persons had returned incomes of over L3OO and under LIOOO, in the aggregate L 1.386,488.

GOVERNMENT RAILWAYS BILL.

The bill introduced by the Hon. Mr Seddon to amend the Government Railways Act of 1887 is, as was pointed out some days ago, designed practically to take away from tho Railway Commissioners tho power' they now exercise, and to vest it in a Minister. It is provided by the bill that a Minister of the Crown, to be called the Minister for Railways, who shall also hold either of the portfolios of Defence or Education, shall have all the powers in respsct of the Government railways which the Minister for Public Works has hitherto had, * except that of taking lands for railway purposes — a power which is vested in the Governor or the Minister for Public Works. The power now exercised by the commissioners in deciding as to sites for station sheds, piers, wharves,- and buildings is by the bill vested in the Minister, who may, however, obtain the advice of the commissioners upon such matters. TheMinistor may request tbe commissioners at any time to propose apian for increasing the income or decreasing the expenditure, such scheme to be submitted for the approval of the Minister. All tenders in connection with the railways must be approved by tho Minister before they shall be accepted by the commissioners ; while the railway estimates must be submitted to the Government before they are laid before Parliament, and may be sent back to the commissioners for amendment. The provision that any appointment in the railway service must be given to someone already in that department is modified so as to admit of a person being chosen who shall be tran&f erred from another pirt of the civil service. The bill allows the commissioners, or any oue of them, to decide the appeals of workmen against officers. The office of chief commissioner is abolished. Not less than two nor more than three commissioners, exclusive of the Minister (who shall not have salary for his office), shall be required to carry out the act. The Minister to preside at the meetings, and when only two commissioners aro present to settle any question of difference. Tho term of office as commissioner is to be not less than three nor more than five years. The salary of

each commissioner is not to exceed LBOO per annum. The Minister for Railways "at any time may veto any proceedings or resolution of the commissioners."

OUR VOLUNTEERS.

The Legislative Council Committee on volun^ teor privileges reported to-day. They state that the present capitation allowance would be sufficient, with economy, for the purchase of uniforms and other necessaries if made certain for three- years, und if the dutyj on uniforms were remitted. The amount ot duty was a trifling matter to the revenue, bub fell heavily on officers of corps who had to undorfcake the responsibility for the cost. ' Their evidence is unanimous as to the superiority of Englishmado uniforms, which .are cheaper, more | durable, and of better fit than colonial-made uniforms. The class from which the bulk of the volunteer forces is supplied is less able to bear exposure than that from which the force was formerly recruited, hence so much more responsibility falls on officers as to tend seriously to diminish- the number of candidates far commissions. It is suggested that if largo orders for uniforms were sent Home the cost would bo materially reduced. The exemption of volunteers from jury service is recommended, and it is thought this would help to reconcile employers to the occasional absence of their employes on drill. The committee do not recommend, as it has been stated they did, that fares on the railways to efficient volunteers shall be reduced to half .rates upon their producing certificates of efficiency. On the contrary, they expressly say that in tho face of Mr M'Kerrow's adverse evidence they oannot recommend the privilege being granted at present. T.hey believe, however, that by mutual arrangement between the Railway and Defence departments this may possibly be found feasible, without involving serious loss of revenue. The committee ' make no • definite recommendation as to statutory half-holidays for daylight drill, but they state that more daylight drills are essential to efficiency. A general opinion was iound to exist in favour of paying volunteers 2s 6d per attendance at daylight drill for certain drills in each year ; to be deducted from the capitation if the Government could not see their way to make it additional. It was also 'suggested to reduce by one-half the attendances required to qualify. The committee do not recommend that the free issue of ammunition " be increased to 150 rounds," or that " ammunition' should be issued at reduced rates." On the contrary, they expressly decline to make either of these recommendations, on the ground that the defence vote would thus be considerably affected ; but they suggest that volunteers should not be required as at present to use a portion of their free issue in firing in the first and second periods of class firing. The committee do not recommend * the kharkee colour for uniform, as it soils readily and causes want of uniformity in appearance, while a bright uniform attracts young men to the force, and there would be no saving of expenses in adopting the dull colour. Encouragement to cadet corps is recommended. The restoration of the battalion system is advised, and the exemption of drillsheds from rating, except where those buildings are used for profit, is recommended. The committee think the. present system of electing officers Bhould be modified' if it cannot be abolished. Three names should

be submitted for selection by the officer commanding the district. All members of volunteer corps should be permitted to submit themselves for test at every examination, and if found qualified for any rank should receive a certificate accordingly.

JOTTINGS.

From a return presented to the Legislative Council by the Colonial Secretary, it appears that during the past year tho exportation or fish from New Zealand has been as follows :— Dried fish of the value of L 314 6; preserved, L 213 9; frozen fish, L2OBB. . . • The appointment of a marine engineer tor the colony is being urged upon the Government by Mr Wright, in view of the large expenditure on harbour works still proceeding at various ports. Larger permanent endowments for primary education are suggested by Mr Meredith. A revocation of the remission of duty on Australian wines, and a retaliatory, tax on Australian fruit, coals, and other products, are proposed by Mr Joyce. Mr M'Guire proposes that all reserves tor secondary and university education should be vested for primary education ouly.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

In the Legislative Council to-day the Ocean Beach Domain Bill was passed. The Oamaru Racecourse Bill was reported from committee.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVF3.

In the House qf Representatives to-day the West Coast Reerrves Settlement Bill was passed. In the evening the Electoral Bill was considered in committee, and the House was left sitting when the telegraph office closed.

WEST COAST RESERVES

The House went into committee on the West Coast Settlement Reserves Bill. The bill passed with the amendments made by the special committee. On the motion for the third reading, Mr FISH fluid he thought the bill would remedy the gross injustice which had been done to Natives on the West Coast in the past. He thought the' efforts of the special committee would prove to the House that it was not wise to leave southern members off committees dealing with Native affairs. Tho Hon. Mr BALLANCE agreed with Mr Fish that southern members - 6hould sit on Native affairs committees as well as northern members. He thought this bill would do a great deal of good both to the Natives and Europeans on the West Coast. He now, on behalf of the Government, wished to thank Mr Fish for the valuable aid he had rendered as chairman of the special committee that had con-, sidered this measure. The. bill was then read a third time aud passed.

ELECTORAL BILL.

The Electoral Bill was further considered in committee.

Clause 104, voter to be alone when making up ballot paper. Mr SAUNDERS moved the amendment, of which he had previously given notice, with respect to election on the Hare system for city constituencies. He spoke strongly in favour of his proposal. The Hon. J. BALLANCE opposed the proposal, and contended that if it were carried the whole of the Electoral Bill would have to be remodelled. He said he had never known a case in which the Hare system had been carried out successfully. The Hon. W. ROLLESTON said the argument that the bill would have to be remodelled was no argument at all. What did it matter whether the bill were remodelled or not ? He should not regret it much if the bill were dropped altogether. As for the amendment proposed by Mr Saunders, he was inclined to think it was an improvement on the bill. Mr FISH thought the proposal had such merit in it that it would be well to give it a fair trial in city electorates. A lengthy discussion ensued, and eventually Mr Saunders' amendment was lost by 35 to 29.

Clause 107, number of votes to be given by each voter. The clause was retained by 35 to 26. Clause ISO, four Maori members to be elected.

Mr SHERA moved that this clause be struck out, as he wished to abolish tho special Maori representation. The Hon. Mr BALLANCE said that under this bill Maoris had only ono vote. If this special representation were to be abolished it should be done by a separate bill, and ho hoped

that as the question had been threshed out at the second reading of the bill, no time would be lost in deciding it. -

Clause retained by 48 to 8.

Clause 152, qualification of Maori electors was altered to provide that every Maori should be entitled to a vote, instead of every male Maori.

Electoral districts, number of members to be returned. , Dr NEWMAN called attention to the great disproportion that existed* between the North and South Island as regards Maori representa--tion, and said there were six and a-half times as many Maoris in the North Island as in the South. He thought electorates should be more equally divided between the two islands. A lengthy, discussion ensued. The clauge was retained.

Clause 155, existing districts to continue in force.

Dr NEWM AN moved to amend the clause to the effect that the Representation Commissioners shall divide the four Maori districts equally.

Lost by 45 to 10. Clause 153, candidates may have the kec use of public schoolrooms, &c. for election meetings, was strongly opposed. After a lengthy debate, Mr BUCHANAN moved that progress be reported

The Hou. Mr BALLANCE asked the com-

niittee to take a vote on the clause, as it had been very fully discussed. He regarded it as a valuable clause. The Hon. Mr ROLLESTON moved an amendment providing that the use of schoolrooms, &c , should be given subject to the regulations made by the school committees or local bodies. — Lost by 28 to 13, and the clause was retained by 29 The remaining clauses were passed 'without amendment, aud progress reported with leave to sit again for consideration of the postponed clauses.

THE LABOUR BILLS.

The labour bills are undergoing a very careful examination at the hands of the Labour Bills Committee of the Legislative Council. A good deal of evidence has already been taken. Among the witnesses examined have been Mr ' Bain (a Danedin contractor), Mr Warner (the secretary of a Dunedin trades union), and Messrs Russell and Hogan (both Wellington contractors). They were examined chiefly relative to the provisions of the Employers' Liability Bill and the Workmen's. Lien Bill, and. gave their opinions upon various provisions. Mr W. P. Reeves, Mjuister for Labour, was also ex« amined, but I understand that hi? evidence

was rather vague on some points. For instance, clause 3, subsection 4, of the Workmen's Lien Bill runs as follows : — "The total liability of the employer in respect of all such liens together does not, except in the case of fraud, exceed the contract price, and in additiom thereto the full amount of labour and material used upon the wort-, payable under the covr tract or contracts between him and the contractor or workmen with whom he directly contracts." The words italicised were inserted by the Labour Bills Committee of the other House. It was pointed out to the Minister (so I am told) that this would increase almost indefinitely the liability of an employer, who in a L4OOO contract might be held liable for another L4OOO of labour and material or more ; in fact, to a practically unlimited extent. Mr Reeves, I understand, replied that this was intended to meet a case whern the contract price was not a fair one. Rut it was pointed out that the provision applies equally to all contracts, whether the pricea were fair or unfair. I hear that after more carefully studying the clause, Mr Reeves admitted the interpolation had been a mistake, which should have been reviewed in Committee of the Whole, but had been overlooked. It will almost certainly be excised by the Legislative Council % The bills come up for further consideration in the select committee next Tuesday.

THE BANKRUPTCY BILL.

Mr Downie Stewart has been requested by the Attorney- general to take charge of the Bankruptcy Bill iv the Upper House, and has consented to do so. The bill is now boforo the Statutes Revision Committee of the Council, who have made a fow amendments in its details. Tbo principal alteration . made is relative to official assignees Under the bill as it now stands there is tc be an efficial assignee connected with each Bankruptcy Court. The committee, I hear, propose instead that there shall be only one official assignee in each provincial district, with deputies attached to the various Bankruptcy Courts.

THE TRIPLE CITY ELECTORATES.

A resolute attack was made to-nighf. during tlje consideration of the Electoral Bill in committee upon the triple constituencies in cities. , The discussion arose on clause 107, and Mr Moore moved that the clause be struck out. The Premier said that this would have the effect of killing the bill. Sir George Grey, who was in capital form and whose voice sounded stronger than at any previous this session, made a very powerful speech against the triple electorate system. He said he was originally induced to f avonr this plan.by a letter from Mr Bright describing the way the principle worked in the case of Birmingham ; but he had since become convinced it was contrary to the great principle of one-man-one-vote, which had been established in this colony, and which they should strive to mainta'n in its entirety. He held that every opportunity should be taken of insisting upon the maintenance of this great principle, and upon its extension in every direction that votes had to be given, whether in voting for members of that House, for members of an elective Council, or for an elective Governor or in every case. Oue man ought to have ono vote and no more. He urged the House to stand fast by the one-man-one-vote principle, and to adopt ifc in the case of the city electorates, as such a course would be in the interests of true liberty and of mankind. After this speech, which produced an evidently strong impression, matters began to look very gloomy for the Government, and Ministers' faces wore an anxious expression. When the division was called for there were indications of a very close result, which was expected to be not more than one or two either way. But the clause was retained by 35 to 26, or a majority for the Government of 9. Just before the numbers were announ-od Sir George Grey rose to speak, and had to be reminded that he must speak seated with bis hat on. He did so, and proceeded to explain that through a misconception he had voted in the wrong lobby. H's vote was permitted to be rectified in accordance with the way his voice had been given.

LAND FOR SETTLEMENT. The Land for Settlement Bill, authorising the purchase of private lands by the Government, has been considered by the Waste Lands Committee, who have inserted, a clause providing that no person shall bo a lessee of more than 320 acres under the bill. This regulation has been included in the Land Bill, and will apply to special settlements.

THE CO-OPERATIVE SYSTEM".

The Engineer-iu-chief (Mr Hales) has - expressed the following opinion about the cooperative plan of public works:— " Having personally inspected most of the railway construction works now being carried on under the co-operative contract system, and made a careful examination from time to' time of the various schedules of quantities and • prices of works contracted for, as well as of the charges of plant, material, and incidental expenses of management, I find that very satisfactory results are in all cases being obtained from the introduction of this system of contracting for large railway works. The works already completed have been executed in a superior manner, and those in progress have been carried on upon systematic lines so as to ensure their satisfactory completion at a moderate cost, as the prices fixed are estimated at ordinary fair contract rates ; and the engineers, inspectors, and other officers ordinarily employed in the supervision of contract works undertaking all the duties of the contractors and their staffs, the saving in management alone will be a considerable item in the cost of the works."

MINING COMPANIES BILL.

The Goldlields and Mines Committee have amended the. Mining Companies Bill so that it provides that the moneys of a company amounting to L 5 and upwards shall be banked within three days, and that sharebrokers shall not be eligible to act as directors of a gold mining company. The last clause was added on the motion, of Colonel Fraser. The provision requiring a balance sheet to be sent half-yearly to every shareholder has been struck out, and all that is now required is a statement of calls in arrcar.

THE MINING BILL.

Besides those amendments which he has already given notice that he will move when the Mining Bill is in committee, Mr R. H. Reeves intends to propose others, the chief of which shall be that if the rent for a lease of ground is not paid within six months a fine of 10 per cent, shall be inflicted, and if it be not paid within two years the lease shall be forfoited. He will also endeavour to make some alterations in the labour clauses of the bill.

It is the intention of Mr Seddon to move, when the Mining Bill is in ooimnibbee, a provision enabling the Minister for Mine, on th? recommendation of the warden, to withdraw any river, oreek, pool, lake, or watercourse from the operation of the act.

JOTTINGS.

Tbo petition of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company for a rotund of the sum paid as property tax on debentures which they issued, and which were, held by the Commis-

sioners of Siukiug Funds, has been referred to the Government for consideration.

I have good authority for stating that the Government have no intention of dropping tho Civil ' Service Bill, notwithstanding the fact Khat sejterai'of their supporters are desirous it houla nob' proceed. K-'A. "large order" is given Mr Parata, who has given notice to ask tho Minister for Lands whether he will place a sum of, say, L 150,000 upon the Supplementary , Estimates for the purpose of making roads through the Native reserves at Waikouaiti. Mr Ballance is again in very bad health, I am sorry to say, and to-night while conducting the Electoral Bill through committee, was far from well. Petitions were to-day presented from different road boards urging that no reduction be made, in subsidies to local bodies as indicated in the Financial Statement.

Mr Ballance to-day gave notice to introduce four bills — viz., Local Bodies Loans Act Amendment Bill, Unclaimed Moneys Bill, Public Revenues Bill, and Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Bill.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27. MR BALLANCE'S ILLNESS.

The Premier is still very unwell, and his illness has, I understand, been aggravated by the late hours kept by the House last week. A suggestion has been made by an ex-Minister, not now in Parliament, whose health broke down whilst in office owing to overwork and late hours. His proposal is that on ouo day of each week, say on Wednesday, the House should rise for the day at 5 30, which would ensure members getting a good night's rest in the middle of the week, and would enable them to discharge their duties more satisfactorily than at present. It would have the further advautage of preventing the slovenly legislation which is now so frequently passed by an exhausted House and wken there is scarcely a quorum of members in the chamber.

THE ANNUAL SLAUGHTER.

I hear that the- usual slaughter of the innocents will shortly be made by the Government, and the House definitely informed as to what bills Ministers intend to proceed with this session. Some members of the Ministerial party are anxious that only really necessary business should be pushed through; but the order paper contains a great quantity of bills ■which other sections of the Government following desire to become law, so that the end of the session is not likely to be seou till early in October at anyrate.

THE GOVERNOR AND MINISTERS.

' Lobby gossip alleges that Ministers were horribly alarmed by the cable message to the effect that the new Secretary of State was likely to side with Ministers in their dispute with the Governor, not only because this would involve the loss of a useful grievance and a valuable part of their political stock-in-trade for the general election, but also because it would compel Ministers to make their choice of 12 new Legislative Councillors from the 90 odd reported applicants, aud from the 40 or so who believe themselves to have received Ministerial promises of seats in the Upper Chamber. It is rumoured that the news made on-? Minister quite ill until he had time to reflect that it was probably a mere guess. It is thought, however, that the Agent-general may have got into conversation with somebody in the Colonial Office, and may have picked up what he had reason to suppose was an inkling of the new Secretary's probable action.

THE FISH INDUSTRY.

Further evidence was heard on Friday by the Manufacturing and Industries Committee, who examined one witness (Mr Innes, Port Chalmers) in regard to the export of fish. He said that the duty of -|d a lb imposed in Australia on New Zealand fish had stopped the export trade. One half-penny was paid in freight, and the price in Australia was Id, bub the remaining was now absorbed by the duty.

JOTTINGS.

The amenities of Parliament. — Mr Fergus : "lama Scotchman, but really, sir, I wish you would g'iS an interpreter, for I certainly cannot understand what my hot friend opposite, who has jusfc spoken (Mr Hogg) has said." Mr Shera sontended that womanhood suffrage in the Electoral Bill should be given to Maori as well as to European women. The Premier explained that the bill did not provide for that.

If school committees in Auckland and Otago give their buildings free of charge for election meetings, says Mr Tanner, that argues an amount of generosity on their parb which does nob accord with the actions of their representatives in this House. " I have seen rooms afc election meetings all plastered over with rotten eggs," say 3Mr Rhodes. "At your own meeting?" eagerly inquired several members. " Well, both can; didates got them," was the reassuring reply. The clause in the Electoral Bill providing that public school buildings should be used by candidates at elections free of charge for their meetings caused a great deal of discussiou. Mr Richardson dryly suggested an amendmeufc enabling only a "Liberal" candidate to take advantage of the clause. "If the members of the school committee happen to be your supporters," declares Mr R. Thompson, "they give you the school free of charge for an election meeting. If they do not happen to be your supporters they charge you a pound." Mr Valentine has presented a pi-tition from Thomas Andrews, the mayor of Roxburgh, and about 130 residents and settlers in the Benger dUtrict, asking for an endowment for the public hall or atheiueum. As run 193 is about to be cut up for settlement, the inhabitants think it a favourable opportunity to make such an application. Mr T. Mackenzie presented a petition from William Watts, of Stirling, for a land grant in reward for services during the Native war. The Shop Assistants Bill, as passed by the Labour Bills Committee, provides a L 5 penalty for an employer who keeps an assistant on the promises more than half an hour' after the statutory hour of closing. Boroughs and county councils are required to (iv- a day for tho weekly half-holiday to shop assistants. Mr Palmer wishes the Minister for Mines tJ place a sum on the Estimates to subsidise the introduction of electric niotors on goldfields. Mr Scobie Mackenzie presented a petition from the Maniototo Jockey Club that the fee simple of a certain piece of laud might be vested iv that club. The Waste Lands Committee have referred to the Government a number of petitions praying — (1) That the Laud Bill be amended to allow four years to elapse before residence is oompulsory; (2) that petitioners may be allowed to purchase their holdings after a term of years. Some members of the Waste Lands Committee wished to have lands acquired under the Lands for Settlement Bill brought under tho operation of the three systems of tenure contained in the Land Bill with the option of purchase, but the Minister offered determined resistance, arguing that only a lease m perpetuity should be recognised, which W^s uUI" mately agreed to,

The opponents of the Civil Service Bill having failed to induce the Premier to withdraw it, have resolved to prevent its passage by the well-known process of " using the forms of the House." Ab this stage of the session the adoption of such tactics will certainly kill the bill.

In 1880 this colony exported 16cwt of dried and pickled fish and 1121b potted and preserved, but no fresh or frozen fish. In 1885 the quantity of dried and pickled fish exported was 1328cwt, potted and preserved 26,1801b, fresh and frozen 19cwb. Five years laber the export of dried and pickled fish had increased to 4857cwt, potted and preserved to 98,1191b, and frozen and fresh to 1241cwt. Last year there was exported potted and preserved 93,3151b, fresh and frozen 1661cwb.

Mr R. Reeves wishes tho Government to remit the duty on imported machinery, when it can be shown that the said machinery cannot be manufactured in the colony, and that it is imported for the purposes of developing local industries and maiiuf actures. Mr Guinness asks if the Government will repeal the police regulations under which the police authorities will not bring levauters back to the colony unless L2O is paid by the party laying a criminal information. On Friday Major Lusk, of Auckland, waited on the Minister for Lands, accompanied by Messrs Wilson, Bruce, Lawry, Frascr, aud M'Guire, M.H.R's., to urge an alteration of the special settlement conditions. Mr Lusk, representing 600 intending settlers, asked that they be given the option of acquiring the freehold of sections, and that provision be made for, each settler having a maximum area of 320 acres, which was necessary where "the laud was of inferior quality. The Minister declined to make any alteration in the direction of freehold option to special settlers. As for the desire to have 320 acres, full provision for that was made in the bill, and if the land was of poor quality the rent would be only 10s per acre instead of 20s.

• MONDAY, AUGUST 29. LABOUR BILLS.

The Hon. W. P. Reeves will endeavour to have the Industrial Conciliation Bill, the Shop and Shop Assistants Bill, and the Factories Bill passed into law this session. The Shop and Shop Assistants Bill does not give much, in fact nothing, more than a weekly half-holiday, besides making a very necessary provision for sitting accommodation for women aud girls employed in shops, and .therefore, as the Minister says, cannot provoke any great resistance in the Council. Mr Reeves does nob know how the Industrial Conciliation Bill will fare there.

THE GOVERNOR AND MINISTERS.

I understand that if the decision of the Secretary of State is in favour of Ministers they will immediately apply to the Governor to appoint t the new Legislative Councillors. The reply of Lord Ripon-is expected to arrive in the colony by cablegram shortly after the memoranda reach London.

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY,

The Public Accounts Committee are still actively engaged in taking evidence on the •Midland Railway Company's petition. Mr Wilson has been examined at great length, Mr Gordon was examined to-day, and Mr Alan Scott is up here in readiness to give evidence.

THE GOVERNOR.

" There is a rumour afloat that his Excellency Lord Glasgow will resign the Governorship if the Secretary of State for the Colonies decides that he was in the wrong in the dispute with his Advisers. The report, however, is not generally credited, as it is considered that the atfci'tude taken up by his Excellency leavesib perfectly open to him to recede from it with dignity if the fresh interpretation of his "instructions " which he has now sought from the Colonial Office should prove to be different from that which he had arrived at by his own judgment. WOMANHOOD SUFFRAGE.

The Electoral Bill will probably be passed by the Lower House early this week. It will go ab once to the Legislative Council, who will then have the opportunity ot considering the first of the important measures of this session. The Premier is of opinion that women's franchise, which is one of the principles of this bill, will be carried this session in the Council. Last year it was defeated there by two votes.

THE CIVIL SERVICE BILL.

Notwithstanding the wishes of several of their supporters, the Government insist that they must proceed with the Civil Service Bill. Iv regard to tho argument that a pension scheme will be established under tho bill, the Premier says that that will not be so, because at the present time a deduction to the extent of 5 per cent, is made from the salaries of civil servants aud paid into the Public Trust funds, to be afterwards returned as annuities, with iutercst at the rate of 4 percent. The only difference which' the bill proposes is that this money shall go into the Government Insurance funds.

THE PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY.

Some of the members are very anxious to have a better building erected for the Parliamentary library: 1 The cost is estimated at LIO.OOO, and of course it is an immediate and obvious answer that the money is nob available, but the advocates have a rejoinder ready. They say that the extra works on the Te Aro railway (Wellington) which Mr Seddon is urging, and which the commissioners deprecate, will cost about LIO.OOO, and that this sum might be more usefully devoted to the erection of a new library building, in which case the monpy would still be expended in Wellington. Some action will probably be taken in this matter shortly with a view bo a full discussion of the subject.

JOTTINGS. Mr Ballauce was considerably improved in health to-day. It is not intended to drop the Stock Bill,, bub the provision for the cattle tax will probably be modified so that the 2d shall bo the charge for above 20 head instead of one head.

The Government Loans to Local Bodies Bill to be introduced by the Hon. Mr Ballance provides for a sinking fund for local bodies' loaus, as foreshadowed iv the Financial Statement.

The Premier say's that the Government are anxious to avoid Monday sittings, but that they do not want any more time wasted in the afternoon as it was wasted last week. 15 is provided by the Unclaimed Moneys Bill, to be brought down by the Premier, that moneys which have been in the banks for a certain time shall be vested in the Public Trustee, and if not claimed shall become part of the consolidated fund.

Sir George Grey appeared to-day to be particularly well, brisk', and active, more so than at any previous time this session. It is the intentionof Sir George Grey to ask the Government if they will introduce a plan by which the Natives shall be allowed t j deal, under some simple municipal or corporate system, with matters affecting themselves, subject to the. approyal of Parliament.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

In the JLegislative Council to-day "the West Coast Settlement Reserves Bill was read a second time and the Oamaru Racecour.se Trustees' Empowering Bill was passed. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

In the House of Representatives to-day the reporb on Mr Bryce's petition was discussed ab some length, and a motion to print the evidence was rejected. Mr Fisher challenged the Speaker's ruling with reference to a question he had sought to put on the order paper, but the Premier talked the matter oat. In the evening Mr G. Hutchison endeavoured to ascertain from the Premier if a cablegram had been sent to England with reference to the discussion on the correspondence between Ministers and the Governor on the question of appointments to the Council, but wast unsuccessful, Returning to the subject later in the evening, the Premier at length promised to givo a full and unreserved reply on the House meeting next day. An Imprest Supply Bill was passed through all its stages. Tho Electoral Bill was considered in committee aud reported with amendments.

PERSONAL. Leave of absence for a week was granted to Mr Duncan on account of illness.

NEW BILLS.

The following bills were introduced by tho Hon. Mr Ballance: — Local Bodies' Loam Act Amendment, Unclaimed Moneys Bill, Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amend l meal Bill, The Public Reserves Bill.

BANKRUPTCY BILL.

The Statutes Revision Committee of tho Legislative Council reported to-day on tho Bankruptcy Bill. Among the principal alterations recommended by the committee are tho following :— (1) The one of which I advised you last week, appointing an official assignee for each Supreme Court district, with a deputy at each office of the court instead of an assignee at each office of the court. (2) A provision that if a husband, within two years of bankruptcy, places improvements upon land belonging to his wife, or purchases land in her name, or finds money for such purchase, the court may require the wife to refund the money so employed to such an extent as will (with other assets in the estate) enable 20s in the pound to be paid to creditors. (3) Two months are allowed instead of one for proofs of debt to be lodged. (4) A new subsection is added to clause 125, requiring a bankrupt to apply for discharge within four months of his adjudication. If after being -notified by tho assignee to do so he fails to take steps, he may be committed for contempt of court. If the bankrupt be unable to pay court fees, these may be. remitted or paid out of the estate. (5) An assignee may appeal to the court against any deoision of the Auditor-general as to the audit of accounts, and the judge may decide the dispute. (6) A supervisor's remuneration is increased from l-jr to 2£ per cent, in the first LIOOO, and from 1 to 1J on the nexb LIOOO. . The other amendments are verbal or consequential. DAIRY INDUSTRIAL BILL.

The Agricultural and Pastoral* Industries Committee went through the Dairy Bill clause by clause, and made several important alterations and amendments. In clause 4-, which gave great powers to inspectors to enter factories, creameries, farm buildings, &c, the committee struck out the words "farm buildings." Clause 6, by which a dairy in a certain case may be deemed a factory for the purpose of export, and permitted a person manufacturing 15001b of pure milk per day io mark hia product "factory made," the committee reduced the quantity to 10001b. The brand '•• factory " secures a better sale in England than the brand "dairy." Clause 8 provided that all cheese and butter has" to bo branded on both sides, also that' every case or package is to be branded in two" places with a trade mark. The committee provided that there should be only one mark en the cheese and one on the package. Clause 10, providing that tainted or sour milk should not be Bupplied to a dairy factory or creamer/, was struck out. The committee also struck oub that portion of clause 21 providing* that any informer of an offence should receive half the fine imposed.

PETITIONS.

The Petitions Committee hive referred to the Government for consideration the petition of Collins Toussanb Marie and others, of Dunsfcau, for inquiry touching tho closing of petitioner's coal pit by the construction of a road through their coal mining lease. Mr Hutchisou presented a petition from residents iv Dunedin and suburb's in favour of Bible reading in State schools. Mr Parata presented to-day a petition from settlers ab Otago Heads against the amalgamation of the Otago Heads and Portobello road districts, and iv favour of Ofcago Heads district being declared a riding' of Peninsula county. The petition of Mr G. S. Cooper, late' Undersecretary for the Colony, for further consideration on account of his long and faithful services, has been referred by the Petitions Committee to the Government. THE CHEMIS CASE.

I understand the Hon. Mr Richardson, asexMinisber for Justice, gave evidence .before the Petitions Committee to-day touching the Chemis ease, and that he expressed very freely his conviction that Chemis had been wrongfully convicted of the Kaiwarra murder.' Mr Richardson, as I am informed, contended that the stabs found on the body could not possibly have been inflicted with the weapons produced, and that the shot wound could, not have been caused iv the way alleged, as was proved by the angle at which they must havo been fired. Iv fact, Mr Richardson's evidence has, I am told, goue most strongly against the convictioa of Chemis.

JOTTING?.

The Waste Lands Committee reported today on tho Laud for Settlement Bill, recommending that tho bill proceed with amendments, one being to make debentures issued under tho act a charge on the , consolidated revenue, and tha other limiting the area, to be held under the act by any one porson to 320 acres. Louring the discussion to-night on the proposed clause in the Electoral Bill closing publichousss on polling day, Mr Saunders made a very strong speech in favour of the closing. He declared that his opponents ab the last election had supplied li.mor freely to voters.' This brought up Mr Wright, who indignantly denied the truth- of the allegation. Mr Saunders then denied that he made the statement, and said that it was the other party, " of which you are one," he added, "that supplied liquor to voters." This, also, was stoutly contradicted by Mr Wright, whereupon Mr Sauuders virtually abandoned that position also, amid general derision.

Major Keddell, R.M. and warden, who has been ordered to Oamaru, was given a farewell banquet by his friends at Greymoiwh QuMOty 4ay,