N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2014, 29 September 1892, Page 16

N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

In the Legislative Council to-day the Electoral Bill was considered in committee. Tho Colonial Secretary announced that he wou'.d stand by the measure as he introduced it, aid as the majority appear inclined to carry the amendments, it is expected the bill will be killed. The Local Bills Committee recommended that tho Mount Ida Water Raco Bill be allowed to proceed as printed.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

In the House of Representatives to-day a good deal of business ;was transacted. It was resolved to sit on Mondays in future. The Friendly Societies Act Amendment, Manure Adulteration, and Selectors' Land Revaluation Act Continuance Bills were read a second time. The Land for Settlement, Oamaru Harbour Board Advancrs, Repayment Native Land Purchases, Otago School Commissioners' Empowering, and Dairy Industry Bills all passed through committee. The Mining Companies Act Amendment Bill was under consideration when tho telegraph office closed.

' PAYMENT OF MEMBERS.

The Hon. J..BALLANCE introduced the Payment of Members Bill.

ADULTERATING MANURE.

The Hon. J. M'KENZIE moved tho second reading of tho Manure Adulteration Bill, for the better prevention of frauds in tho sale of manures for agricultural purposes. He said he proposed,, after the second reading of the bill, to refer it to tho Agricultural Committee. Messrs T. Mackenzie (Clutha), Buckland, Ward, Allen, Valentine, Shera, Buchanan, R. Thompson, Wilson, Richardson, Sir J. Hall, and Dr Newman spoke on the bill. The motion was agreed to. selectors' lands revaluation bill.

The Hon. J. M'KENZIE moved the second reading of the Selectors' Lands Revaluation Act Continuance and Amendment Bill, to continue and amend "The Selectors' Lands Revaluation Act 1889." The bill provided that agricultural lessees- or holders of a perpetual lease or a deferred' payment license may also apply for relief- Under it. S'.lectors may, before January 1894-, apply for further relief on making deposit and paying expenses. He explained that the bill passed the House last session,' but was. thrown out by the Council. It was not of great importance to a largo number of people, 'but it was of considerable importance to a smajl section of the public, and he hoped this bill .would make an cud of this revaluation business^ and that it would become law this session.^, Hb should ask the House to send thcbill to/ the Waste Lands Committee after the second Reading, and he therefore hoped' no flhnecessary delay would take place over ifcj • . i- I' J, The Hon.' Mr RQLLESTON regarded the bill as a large measure, but it was the sequence to other- bills that 'had been before them. He could not' but admfy however, that it was an ugly excrescence* on* our land legislation, and that it 'would nob give the relief asked for by settlers." It would pc well, he thought, if a court were^ properly,' constituted to deal with those cases,; as -it'^would be obviously inconvenient tKat members of Parliament thould in their capacity' o£ members of land boards have to decitje.on suchquestions. It would make flesh and blooddifferentfrom what it was if the acts of some of those 'members in that capacity were not resented'in the next election — that is, presuming they were compelled to g've adverse decisions in the cases of certain selectors. The bill had, therefore, to his mind, too much of a political character about it, and he regretted that the Minister had brought it down in the same shape as last year. What they wanted was an independent board to decide on matters of this kind. ' *

The Hon. Mr FERGUS differed from Mr Rolleston over this bill, and he congratulated the Government on bringing in this measure, which was a child of the late Government. Agricultural leaseholders were a class of settlers to be found only on the goldfields of the South Island, who had obtained their leases on most disadvantageous terms. There were not 200 of them altogether, and they only wanted tho same advantages as were given to deferred payment iettlers. He again thanked the Minister for having fulfilled the promise he made when he first took office by bringing in this bill. Mr VALENTINE also regretted having to differ from his chief over this bill, and he strongly supported it. The Hon. Mr RICHARDSON said that the late Government had in 1889 introduced a bill to give rclief-to those settlers which had worked very well in the majority of cases, although relief was given in other cases where it was not warranted. He thought that the present bill was not required, and that what was necessary had been done in the case of those selectors, as most of those people intc-nded to be relieved had been already relieved by the Act of 1887. • -

Mr SCOBIE MACKENZIE pointed out that this was a'continuatiou bill, and as tho first bill did a great deal of good and very little harm there was no occasion to bo afraid of this bill at all. ' To his knowledge many of the remissions given under the 3a st bill wore such as to enable people to carry on who would otherwise have been unable to do so. Mr M'GUIBB supported the bill, but thought

it should also apply to education and other reserves. .' ■ -

Mr MACKINTOSH also supported the bill as being in the interests of a class of settlers not generally recognised. Ho hoped the Government would next fession introduce a fair rent bill, which was very much required. Mr E. M. SMITH bad great pleasure in supportiug the bill, but ho , hoped the Minister would make it apply to 1888 as well as 1889t < The motion was agreed to. ■ • A LOCAL BILL. . ' - The Hon. Mr SEDDON moved tho secdnd reading of the Westland Church, Hospital, and School Vesting Bill. — Agreed to. LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS. On the motion that tho Land for Settlement Bill be i cad a third time, Mr RHODES said he was of opinion that the money to be spent on land each year should be appropriated, and he regietted that the Minister had not accepted tbatamendmept. He also • rpgretted that; 5 per cent, was to be charged for this money when all other tenants of the Crown were charged 4. A third objection he had to the bill was that the land under it was to be dealt, with as a lease in perpetuity. Sir J. HALL said it was an extremely vicious power to give to the Minister of the day large sums of money to spend without any appropriation of Parliament. That was quite unnecessary, as it would have been easy for the Minister to obtain annual appropriations. He wished to record his most emphatic protest against this course. ~ - Tho Hon. J. M'KENZIE said that unlees the Government had this power the bill would' be a dead letter. If he had to depend on a vote of the House be was afraid it would seriously interfere with transactions -under the bill, as a vote might be reduced in such a case, and he would not be in a position to complete transactions. He defended the lease in perpetuity as a most desirable tenure' under the bill. The bill was read a third time and passed. THE DAIRY INDUSTRY. The Dairy Industry Bill was committed. " Clause 1, interpretation. Mr G. HUTCHISON moved to strike out. the words, " Butter fat means pure fat of cows' milk." The clause elicited considerable discussion, several members inquiring what was meatat by butter fat. The Hon. J. M'KENZIE said he was doing his utmost to encourage the dairy industry, but if" the committee wished 'to turn tile' bill into derision and .wished him to pass- .a colojarlejs measure they had better drop\ the< bill altogether. He was not wedded to any particular portion of the bill, , but- he had taken considerable trouble to get a workable bill prepared, and it was one that had been demanded for a long time by those interested, in dairy pursuits. • ■ ""*■' " '- Sir JOHN HALL hoped thq committee' would not be too critical, but that they should accept the Minister's statement thai '-the trill was demanded by those interested, arid, assist him to pass si workable measure. - ■' -- • .? After further debate, Mr Hutchison' wit)*-' drew his amendment. - „ :y: y Mr T. MACKENZIE (Clutha) moved to amend the interpretation clause, by proVidjug that "full milk cheese" should mean cheese manufactured from pure milk containing not less than 3^ per cent, of butter fat, instead 'of "full cream cheese." — Lost on the voice?.

A lengthy discussion took place as to the proper definition of " dairy." The bill proyidecl that it means a "place privately owned, and where the milk of cows is manufactured into butter and cheese, or both." It was eventually decided, on Mr G. Hutchison's motion, to add the words " not being a factory or creamery." Clause 4, powers of entry to an inspector. *

Mr T. MACKENZIE (Clutha) said the bill would give too much power altogether to inspectors, and would hamper the dairy industry instead of encouraging it. He moved to amend the clause, so as to provide that an inspector could only enter dairies and factories, and not , creameries, farm buildings, carriages, cans, &c., I as provided by the bill. The Hon. J. M'KENZIE pointed out thaf the bill was intended to prevent false branding and false packing, and the clause was necessary for that purpose.

The Hon. Mr ROLLESTON thought the clause should pass as it stood, as he felt sure that if those inspectors abused their powers and made themselves objectionable to dairy farmers, the people would very soon demand the repeal of the bill. The only portion of the bill he approved of was that relating to branding, which he considered a useful clause. Mr- MACKINTOSH hoped the bill would pass, and said the committee had taken great pains with it. Mr T. MACKENZIE thought if the bill passed in its present form a number of dairy factories would not put up with so much interfere nee from inspectors.

The Hon. J. M'KENZIE said if power were taken from the inspectors there was no necessity for the bill at all. How were they to carry out a proper system of branding if there was no inspector ? He was not forcing this bill on the colony, but had introduced it in response to a general demand that was made for it. The Minister in charge of thG department would surely see that inspectors would not deal hastily with dairy fanners.

Mr FISH said there were inspectors and inppeclors, and pointed out that those dairy ianners who were uot of the "righb colour"

would be harassed by an inspector who would feel himself bound to carry out tho fads of the Minister for Lands. After a lengthy discussion, Mr T. MACKENZIE moved to exclude dairies from inspection. — Lost by 26 to 8. Mr MACKENZIE then moved to strike out creameries. — Lost on the voices, and farms and buildings were also retained. Mr ALLEN moved to strike out the word "cans."

The Hon. J. M'KENZIE said it was necessary to give an inspector power to take cans of milk, if necessary to have the milk analysed. The amendment was lost and the clause parsed without alteration. Clause 6, a dairy in certain cases deemed a factory for the purposes of export. This dause was altered so as to provide that if a dairy is not kept, or the produce thereof not manufactured to the satisfaction of the inspector, he shall have power to suspend the owner's certificate for three months, and on a second offence to cancel the certificate.

Clause 7, all cheese and butter for export to be branded with a trade mark.

Mr G. HUTCHISON moved that each pat or print of butter shall be marked with the words "N.Z. Dairy," instead of "New Zealand Dairy." — Agreed to. Clause 14, inspector may require the owner of a can or cans to have tho milk tested or analysed. The first subsection relating to submitting cans to milk test was struck out. Clause 17, penalty for obstructing inspector was altered so as to make tho penalty not to exceed L 5, the words ♦' and not less than L 2" being struck out. The remaining clauses passed without alteration.

MINING BILL.

The Mining Company's Act Amendment Bill was committed.

Clause 4, audit of accounts of companies, caused strong opposition. The Hon. Mr SEDDON agreed to alter the clause to the "effect that the Governor may on the application of a majority in number of shareholders order the accounts of any incorporated mining company to be audited by the Audit Office.

Mr M'LEAN moved to make it a majority in number and value.

The Hon. T. FERGUS suggested it should be a majority in number representing one-third in value.

The Hon. Mr SEDDON accepted that and it was agreed to. The Hon. Mr ROLLESTON protested against the clause even as amended, and said it was unwarrantable interference with private enterprise. The clause was carried by 20 to 9. The proposal to leave out the new clause in the ilining Companies Act Amendment Bill providing that 6harebrokers shall not be eligible as directors on any gold mining company was lost by 22 to 10.

BILLS PASSED.

The Local Bodies' Loans Act Amendment Bill pasEecl through committee with further amendments.

• -The Oamaru Horbour Board Advance Repayment Bill, Otago Sshool Commissioners' Empowering Bill, New Zealand Company's Land Claimants Bill, and Local Bodies' Loans Act Amendment Bill were reported, read a third time^and passed. The other measures considered in committee were reported, and the final readings fixed for to-day-. The House rose at 2.5 a.m.

THE LAND BILL.

The Land Bill was before the Lands Committee of the Legislative Council again to-day, when I understand that the committee got as far as the end of clause 99, several earlier clauses, however, being postponed. I understand, further, that among the amendments made by the, committee the most important were as follow :—(1): — (1) To clause 57 a new pubseciion was added providing that the deposit on application for small grazing runs shall be LI 5s per cent, on tbe cash price of the land. (2) Clause 87, which disqualifies married women from being selectors, was struck out on the motion of Mr Stevens. (3) In clause 89 the penalty of two years' imprisonment for breach of the act was" struck out and a fine of LSOO, or one yeai's imprisonment, substituted.

JOTTINGS.

The Payment of Members Bill introduced to-day by tho Premier is in the same terms as the bill thrown out by the Legislative Council last year. It proposes that members of the Lower House shall receive L 240 per annum and members of the Upper House Ll5O from the Ist January next, payable monthly. The Sum of L 2 shall be deducted from a member's salary for every day on. which he is absent from the Legislature during tbe session over and above five days, except from illness. A vast bundle of petitions against the withdrawal of subsidies was presented to-day.

A sad accident is said to have happened to a member of Parliament during his trip to Westport in the Hinemoa. While engaged in some spasmodic exercises he was so unlucky as to Ore his whole set of teefch over the side, the consequence being that he cannot speak intelligibly in the House until a new set of teeth shall have grown (?).

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

The Logibliitive Council, for the first time this session, met in the evening. The Electoral

Bill in committee was dealt with, and it would appear that through an oversight the members o$ the Council have affirmed the principlo of giving the franchise to women.

ELECTORAL BILL.

The Electoral Bill was further considered in committee.

On clause 62, which provides that shearers and commercial travellers shall enjoy special facilities in recording votes, The Hon. G. M'LEAN moved an amendment including " harvesters." The Hon. Sir G. S. WHITMORE thought all agricultural labourers should be included, but not only should these persous be placed on the same footing, but numberless others. Tho interpretation clause should state distinctly what class of persons were entitled to the privilege in the clause, instead of which it had been clumsily postponed until the bill could be nearly put through committee. The amendments were agreed to by 16 to 7.

On clause 65, providing a penalty of one month's imprisonment in cases of the master of a vessel refusing permission to the crew to vote,

The Hon. Mr STEWART moved to amend the clause by making as au alternative for imprisonment the option of a fine not to exceed LSO. — This was carried by 15 to 6. Tho clause was further amended by making the term of imprisonment not to exceed one month.

On clause 192, Tho Hon. Mr OLIVER moved that it be struck out. — Tho amendment affirmed the principle of one-man-one-vote in the four large cities by splitting up tho amalgamated constituencies into single electorates. The Hon. Sir G. S. WHITMORE spoke in support of the amendment. He thought citiea were an unmixed curse to the country, and he would like to see them totally disfranchised. The Hon. Dr GRACE strongly opposed 6he amendment, contending thatr, if carried, it would have the effect of making city electorates more rapacious and radical even: than they were at present. If city electorates were split ap the cities would be handed over politically tu. the least desirable of the inhabitants.

The clause was struck out by 11 to 7. Clause 150, defining Maori electoral districts, was slightly amended giving power to the Governor to alter and re-define Maori electoral districts as occasion may require. Clause 153, which provided for the free use of public schools for election meetings', was altered in the direction of making primary schools only available for election meetings. The committee then returned to postponed clauses. Some discussion ensued on the interpretation clause, which was agreed to, no objection being offered to the word "person" including " women." On the clause referring to Maori voting, The Hon. Mr TAIAROA thought Maori women should possess the Bame privilege with regard to the exercise of bhe franchise as European or half-caste women. He moved in this direction.

It was pointed out that the principle as to whether a woman should or should not enjoy the privilege of exercising the franchise was admitted on the previous day. The Hon. Sir G. S. WHITMORE said that a surprise had been sprung upon the Council. He, for one, up to the present moment was not aware that the clause giving women the franchise had been agreed to yesterday. He moved that progress be reported, with leave to sit again, in order that members who were opposed to the innovation might have an opportunity to consider the position. The female franchise question was, in his opinion, the crucial portion of the bill.

The Hon. Sir G. S. WHITMORE regretted that a snap division had carried the principle of woman suffrage. It was such an outrage to the country that woman suffrage should be granted that he intended to fight the matter line by lino if he had to stay there for three months, but if women were to exercise the vote he thought every facility should be afforded them for so doing.

The Hon. Dr POLLEN said it was no use blinking the matter. It had been decided that women should vote. If Sir G. S. Whitmore spoke for a week he could not alter the opinion of a single member of the Council.

On reaching clause 147, Maori qualifications) it was agreed to report progress, and the Council rose at 9.15 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

In the House of Representatives to-day a large number of bills were passed, including the Native Lands Purchase Bill, the Dairy Industry Bill, Government Loans to Local Bodies Bill, and Mining Companies Act Amendment Bill. Several other measures of a local character were read a second time or otherwise advanced a stage. .

UNDERSIZED FLOUNDERS.

Mr WRIGHT moved the second reading of the Fisheries Conservation Act 1884- Amendment Bill, providing that a penalty of not less than L 2 nor more than LSO shall be imposed on all persons who take from Lake Ellesmere or sell flounders of less than lOin in length. He strongly impressed on the House the necessity for passing the bill.

Sir JOHN HALL strongly opposed tho bill, and moved an amendment that it be read that day six months, and that the Government should make inquiry into the diminution in 6ize and numbers of flounders in Lake Ellesmere and endeavour to provide a remedy. His opinion was that Lake Ellesmere had been let out 60 frequently that a large number of

flounders were taken out to sea, and that caused a diminution of flounders if any diminution had taken place. Mr SANDFORD seconded the amendment, and held it was the duty of the Government to hold some inquiry so as to prevent the fish being swept out to sea. - .v. v The Hon. Mr BALLAN<3E>aid it seemed to him that Mr Wright had not made out a good case for his bill. • He was' not prepared to go as far as to appoint' a Royal Commission, but he would promiso that the Government would makti ' some • inquiry into the matter before next .session. He thought that should satisfy Mr Wright and that he would bo content to wait till next year before proceeding with tke bill. Sir J. Hall's amendment was lost by 25 to 23, and the second reading carried.

DAIRY INDUSTRY BILL. On the motion that the Dairy Industry Billbe read a third time, Mr DUTHIE protested against the bill, on the ground that Government interference was not at all necessary in tho prosecution of the dairy industry. Ho held that when the act came into force tho interference of those inspectors would be so intolerable that tho country would not submit to it. The present Government wero now passing so many bills with crimes and offoncea of every kind in them that it would be simply impossible for a man to live at all without breaking the law.

Mr BRUCE could not ignore the fact that legislation of this kind was passed by tho United States and Canada, and that the measure was also asked for by some of the people concerned. He agreed, however, with Mr Dafchie, that much of the vexatious legislation of this session was characteristic of a Liberal Government. As for the bill itself, he hoped it would at least get a fair trial, and if the inspectors of dairy factories made themselves as objectionable as was anticipated it would simply be another step in the direction of providing; & rope that would strangle this so-calkd Liberal Government.

Mr BUGHANASt thought if the inspectors were men. of the. right class and realised that they must work with the settlers instead of harassing them, the bill might do some good to the dairy industry. Mr FISH considered the of the

Government in this and in many other measures interfered too much with the liberty of the subject, and he feared that inspectors under instructions from the Minister for Lands might prove themselves engines of oppression to tho farmers of the colony. He said he spoke on this subject with some trepidation, because the Minister for Lands had lately adopted a new roll — namely,, that of threatening with personal violence outside .the House an honourable member who opposed him in the House. Such ari«ve'nthad happened in his (Mr Fish's) case witliin.the last 24- hours, and he asserted that theTUifiister's threats wereof $uoh a violent nature that but for 'the winter vefltion of other gentlemen'preseut ho (Mr Fish) wou^d probably now have been suffering from a fractured skull. Tho Minister had also threatened to make it frotlor him in, the House ; but he now challenged Mr M'Kenzie to do his worst, and he did not think- such 'conduct was' creditable on the part -of a Minister of tho-Crown. But he would,notf be deterred I ' from doing his duty by any such'threatsr • ; •, Messrs' Buckland, Valentine, E. M. Smith, and T. Mackenzie (Clutha) also spoke on the bill. : ' - v /--

The Hon.- J. M'KENZIE would not express an opinion as to Mr.,- Fish's good taste in referring to a matter which took place outside the House altogether. , All he woulfl say was that Mr Fish had greatly exaggerated What had occurred.- He held that the position of Minister of the Crown was one that should be zealously guarded, but he hoped he should never forget he was a man who^would not be slow to resent an insult. When he said that the blood that ran through his veins was referred to in the most insulting language, he thought he was right in resenting that ; but if Mr Fish considered he had a grievance against him there was a tribunal outside the House to which. Mr Fish could have taken the matter, and where he (Mr M'Kenzie) could have proved that Mr Fish himself was the aggressor. He then referred to the several arguments used against the bill, and said he hoped that as long as he was Minister for Lands the inspectors to be appointed under this bill would not harass settlers in any way. The bill was read a third time and passed. BILLS PASSED.

On the motion for the third reading of .the Mining Companies Act Amendment Bill some discussion ensued," after which the bill was read a third time and passed. . The Friendly Societies Act Amendment Bill passed through committee without amendment. ,„ „ . , The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Bill was committed. Clause 3, sums to be lent to boroughs and drainage districts. , . The Hon. Mr BALLANCE moved that a sum not exceeding L3OOO may be lent to a board or trustees of a drainage district.— Carried, The remaining clauses were passed without amendment. , „,.„ The Water Supply Act Amendment Bill was committed and passed with verbal amendment. The Factories Act Amendment Bill was committed with the amendments mado by the Labour Bills Committee, read a third lime, and passed.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

The Legislative Council to-day passed the Electoral Bill through committee with bhe amendments made by the Statutes Revision Committee, giving women the right bo vote .without attending the polling booth and dividing the four amalgamated city electorates. In the evening the Land for Settlement Bill, Otago School Commissioners' Empowering Bill, and two other local measures were read a second time. The" Kaitangaba Relief Fund Transfer Bill passed through committee, and the Mount Ida Water Race Bill passed its final stages.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

In the House of Representatives to-day, after questions had been answered, the adjournment, of the House was moved and another debate took place on the co-operative system of public works. In the evening Mr Mackintosh succeeded in getting his Riverton Harbour Board Empowering Bill placed in a good position on the order paper for nexb Thursday. The Cusboms Laws Consolidation Act Amendment Bill and the Servants' Registry Office Bills were read a second time. The Naval and Military Settlers Bill was postponed. A motion to place a sum on the Estimates to assist in paying the passages of separated families was defeated, and then the Estimates were proceeded with.

HEP LIES TO QUESTIONS.

Replying to Sir J., Hall, , The Hon. J. M'KENZIE said the Agricultural department regarded the losses which had occurred in Canterbury Qwing to the ravages of thebot fly asa serious matter, and he could assure the hon. gentleman that everything possible would be done to find a remedy for the disease.

Replying to Mr Moore, The Hon. Mr SEDDON said that Mr P. F. Jacobsen, who received a share of the L 220 10s as architects' fees for the alterations in the ventilation of .Parliament Buildings, was bhe same Mr Jacobsen who acbed as assessor for Wellington City, and shared a fee of L4OO for bo acting, but his assessment had given satis* faction to the Commissioner of Taxes and to the Wellingbon people. - - Replying bo Mr Buchanan, The Hon: J. M'KENZIE said he, hoped arrangements would be made to secure a^better method for the cool conveyance of dairy produce to the ports of export than is at present in use, but the matter was more for the Railway Commissioners than the Government. THE CIVIL SERVICE.

Mr DUTHIE called abbenbion bo bhe fact that there were large increases in the annual expenditure, notwithstanding that a great many officers had been dismissed. He considered that the dismissal of old and experienced officers I»y the Government, and replacing- them by juniors and men who were not capable of doing the work, was a serious loss to the colony. Besides which no economy at all was effected, but, on the contrary, a considerable increase in the expenditure. Mr FISH also complained of the extravagance of the Government in this direction, and said that nearly every item that was reduced with the assistance of .the Premier when in Opposition was replaced on the present Estimates. ' , / . The House then went into Committee of Supply for consideration of

THE ESTIMATES.

Department of Labour, L26ls.— Mr Fish referred to the vote of LISOO, expenses of the Labour Bureau, which he said was kept up by Government by interfering with the rights and -liberties of the subject— a bhing so common with the present Governmenb.—The Hon. Mr Rolleston asked whab the expenses consisted of.— The Hon. W. P. Reeves said they were incurred in travelling expenses, train fares,- telegrams, &c. Reductions had been granted by-the Manawatu. Railway Company and the Union Sbeam Ship Company, bub so far no reduction had been made by the Railway Commissioners. — After a lengbhy discussion, during which bhe whole working of the Labour Bureau was debated, the vote passed. . RoboruaSaniborium, Ll23l.— Carried. Sbamp Department, L43BB.— Carried. Land and Deeds Registry, Ll4, 4so.— Carried. Mines Department, L4o4s.— Carried. Geological and Meteorological, L4lo.— Carried. Miscellaneous, LS7Bl.— Carried. Mines department, Passed unnlffirpn Customs and Marine departments, L 69.427.— The only reduction made was in the items " hire and working expenses of dredge for New Plymouth harbour, L 3000," which was reduced by LI as an indication to Government that no further expenditure should be incurred in this direction. The total . vote, /minus LI, was Working Railways deparbmenb, L 1,140,000. — Passed unaltered.

FISH AND PICKLES.

Further developments have taken place in connection with the quarrel between Messrs Fish and M'Kenfcie respecting Highland blood and pickle jars. Id has been stated'on behalf of the Minister for Lands that he received extreme provocation from Mr Fish before he threatened the latter with t the jar of pickles. Mr Fish asserts, on the contrary, that. Mr M'Kenzie was the first aggressor and began by complaining of his (Mr Fish) attacks, and threatening to make ib hot for Mr Fish if he persisted. Mr Fish declares thab it was only after • Mr M'Kenzie had thrice assailed him in this way thab he made the allusion bo Mr M'Kenzie'a Highland blood which so nearly broughb upon him a broadside of mixed pickles. Mr Fish brought up a fresh grievance to-day in the House, complaining that he had received notice to quit his lodgings in (he 'hotel, as it was alleged, through the intimation of five Ministers who lodge in the same hotel that if Mr Fish were allowed to, 6tay they would all leave. This is denied in general terms by Ministers, who do seem, however, to have made their intentions in the matter pretty plain, with the result that Mr Fish has had to move to new quarters. The whole affair is much commented on as unseemly and discreditable from beginning to end.

THE LAND BILL.

The Waste Lands Committee of the Legislative Council completed their revision of the Land Bill to-day, "and reported to the Council. A large number of technical and verbal amendments have been made. - The principal amendments in substance are two— (1) adding bo the one-man-one-run clause a proviso that runs may be held up to the carrying capacity of 20,000 sheep and 4000 cattle, and (2) providing that equal areas of land shall be opened for Bale and for lease in perpetuity.

WORKMEN'S LIEN BILL. n The managers of the conference on the Workmen's Lien Bill have agreed upon an amendment to the effect that when land upon which a lien attaches is mortgaged under a mortgage duly registered before the registration of a lien against such_land under the contract in respect of which the lien carries the mortgage, unless the mortgagee is a party to

the contract, will have priority over the lien, otherwise' the lien shall have pridrity.

SHOP ASSISTANTS BILL.

The Labour Bills Committee of the Legislative Council reported to-day on the Shop and Shop Assistants Bill, recommending that sections 3 and 7 be struck out, and modifying the other clauses relative to closing so as to provide simply for every shop assistant having a weekly half -holiday. The came committee, in reporting upon the petition of Nelson employers and shop assistants that the compulsory half-holiday should be fixed by local option in each provincial centre, declined to recommend that the proposal be adopted.

THE ELECTORAL BILL.

As was anticipated, the Legislative Council carried the women's franchise clause of the Electoral Bill with the proviso that women should have the option of voting by electoral right, the object being not so much to protect women from insult at the polling booths (whichis not apprehended), but to enable country residents to record their votes without having to travel some miles, perhaps in bad weather and over bad roads, to polling places. It is distinctly provided in clause 71 "that nothing in this or the four immediately preceding sections shall be deemed to restrict or affect the right to vote at a polling both by a woman to whom an elector'^ right has not been issued." The women's franchise has been extended to Maori women, and .the votes of the two Maori Councillors, Messrs Taiaroa and Wahawaha were secured. Maori women will be able only to vote under a residential qualification for Maori members, but if they possess a freehold qualification, they can at option register on the European eleotoral roll.

JOTTINGS.

, The supporters of the Shops and Shop Assistants Bill in the Lower House consider that the amendments by the Labour Bills Committee of the Council render the measure per* fectly useless. The Government were told to-day by one of their own followers (Mr Guinness) that they were legislating too much in the direction of exercising the Government supervision over everything and everybody. The subject under discussion was the Servants' Registry Offices Bill. Mr Seddon claimed that a state of things prevailed now which quite justified the bill The Petitions A to L Committee have decided to summon Chemis as a witness, and he is to be brought from Auckland to Wellington as soon as possible. "I, being an individualist," declares Mr Bruce, " look upon all Governments, all legislators, and all legislation as necessary evils, and that the less we have of them the better."

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

THE GOVERNMENT AND THE RAIL-

WAY COMMISSIONERS.

There was another animated discussion in the House regarding the Railway Commissioners this mornisg. Mr Sandford asked the reason for an increase in this year's railway estimates as compared with those of last year. The Minister for Public Works replied that he knew nothing about it. Mr Tanner advised Mr Sandford that it was utterly useless to ask for information about any vote. Parliament had no control over the estimates. They could just pass the three-quarters of a million of money at once and be done with it. Mr Seddon pointed out that there was an increase on the estimates of L6OOO on the Napier-Taranaki section. So far as the traffic was concerned there was nothing to show why there should be such a large increase.- However, so long as the present position was maintained he would not interfere. The co-nmissioners had told him they had no right to ask questions about their estimates. MrEarnshaw thought that the time had come for the House to have some control in this matber. Mr Richardson explained that the large increase in the vobe for the NapierTaranaki section was due to the frequent slips in the Manawatu Gorge. The Minister for Public Works declared that the members of the Opposition were the apologists for the commissioners. The Minister for Lands said that the people of the colony had no knowledge of the management of the railways. The railway estimates had always been submitted to the late Government. .Why should the estimabes nob be submitted to the present Government in the same way? "Have you asked for them?" demanded several Opposition members. The Minister for Lands replied that if the present Government asked the commissioners for anything nothing was surer than that they would get a direct refusal. Mr M'Kenzie went on bo asserb that but for the great strike two years ago the commissioners would not have been in office at the present time. That strike had saved them. They had endeavoured bo keep up thab quarrel in order to keep themselves in office. This statement, which was received with "Oh's!" by the Opposition, was indignantly objected to by Mr Rolleston. After further discussion of this kind, the railway vote, L 714,000, was passed. Last year's vote was L 704.705, of which L 704,186 was expended.

THE TWO HOUSES.

As the Government will nob accept the amendments made by the Legislative Council in the Electoral Bill, a free conference representing both branches of tho.Legislature will be appointed when the bill comes down again to the Lower House. If no agreement can then be arrived at— the most likely result of the conference—the bill will be dropped. The question whether other steps will-afterwards be taken by the Government has to be considered by the Cabinet. It is improbable," however, that there will be an appeal to tho country.

EXPORTED FISH.

The vote of LIOOO as a bonus for the exportation of canned and cured fish was attacked when the estimates for the Customs and Marine departments were before the Committee of Supply this morning. It was explained by the Minister in charge, Mr Ward, that LIOOO had been voted last year, but that only L 555 had been spent. This money had been distributed amongst various exporters throughout the colony, in Auckland, Wellington, Port Chalmers and Nelson. Mr Bruce considered that a more indefensible vote did not appear on the Estimates. If the industry of curing and canning fish could not exist without "a subsidy from the House, it was time for it to die. Mr Pinkerton said that the bonus was necessary because of the duty imposed in Victoria on imported fish. Mr Duthie replied that in that case the money was a contribution to the revenue of Victoria. It would be far better, he thought, to keep it in the colony. An amendment by Mr Richardson that the proposed bonus should be reduced by LSOO was lost by 20 votes to 14, and the vote for LIOOO was carried.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House of Representatives met to-day and had the Naval and Military Settlers and Volunteers' Bill and the Mining Act Amendment Bill under cpoßideration, after which

Supply was set up after some debate, and the Estimates were then taken.

THE MINING BILL.

The Mining Act Amendment Bill was further considered in committee.

A lengthy discussion arose in consequence of a large number of new clauses introduced intcs the bill by the Goldfields Committee, several members urging that the bill should be referred back to the committee to be recast, as ii was impossible to follow it. The Mining Act Amendment Bill passed with the amendments made by the GoldQelds Committee and several new clauses, after a very lengthy debate. The bill was reported with amendinee.ts, which were agreed to, and the third reading ordered for next day.

THE ADVANTAGES OF INVEKCARGILL.

On the motion that the House go into Committee of Supply, Mr J. KELLY called attention to the superior position of Invercargill over that of other parts of the colony, and said the time had arrived when the session of Parliament should be held at that place. He regretted that there was so little time for the discussion of this important question, and although he had no hope of carrying his motion, he submitted that it was very desirable that it should be carried. He then moved— "That in the opinion of this House it is desirable that next session of Parliament should be held in Invercargill." Mr FISH characterised this motion as a piece of .exquisite fooliug, and said ifc was lamentable to see that the Government should put up one of their supporters to propose suoh a motion at this stage of the sessiou. He hoped the Government would not charge the Opposition any further with obstruction after proceedings of this kind, and said it would be wholly the fault of the Government if three or four hours were wasted in the discussion of such a foolish proposal. Mr Kelly's motion was lost by 42 to 12. THE ESTIMATES.

Colonial Treasurer, departmental, L44.679.— 0n the item, L 23,192 for the Land and Income Tax department, several members drew attention to the unsatisfactory mauner in which valuations under the Land and Income Assessmont Act had been made.— The lion, Mr Ward, who was in charge of the Estimates,' admitted there was room for improvement in this respect, and said the matter was receiving the attention of the Government, who hoped to be able to effect a change for the bettor.— The whole vote was agreed to without alteration. Public Trust Office Expenses Account, L62bl.— Agreed to. Department of Lands and Surveys, L109.1G2.— Passed unaltered. Rates on Crown Lands, LIOOO. —Agreed to. NAMES SUGGESTED AS COUNCILLORS.

The following list of names is circulating in the lobbies as those of the 12 apostles whom the Government intend sending up to the Legislative Council to convert that body to great Liberalism :—: — Auckland : J. A. Tale and J. Lundon. Wellington: T. G. M 'Arthur and J. R. Russell. Nelson : J. Kerr. Canterbury : W. Montgomery, W. C. Walker, and C. J. Rae. Obago: J. A. Miller, Dr Fitchett, and J. M'Gregor. Southland : H. Feldwick.

Other lobby reports mention Messrs H. Brett (of Auckland) and W. C. Smith (of Hawke's Bay) as among the list of coming Councillors.

THE PREMIER.

The Premier suffered another serious relapse this morning, and became worse towards evening. He had to keep to his bed, and it .is very unlikely that he will be able to attend the House to-morrow. In his absence the Government have not considered their action in regard to Lord Ripon's message. It was stated that they intended to prorogue as soon as possible, appoint the new Councillors, and call Parliament together again immediately afterwards. This, I am informed, is not correct. The Cabinet will, however, probably consider the matter to-morrow. On good authority I hear that when the Government.recommended to Lord Onslow the appointment of 12 Councillors they submitted the names of the proposed appointees, but when they made a similar recommendation to Lord Glasgow they did not submit any names.

TCJESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

The Legislative Council got bhrough a large amounb of work bo-day. The Electoral Bill was passed and the Industrial Conciliation Bill read a second' time. The Land Bill was amended in committee, and progress reported when clause 175 was reached. Among other measures passed were the Kaitangata Relief Fund Transfer" Bill and the Obago School Commissioners' Empowering Bill.

THE LAND BILL. The Land Bill was committed. Among the amendments made was the striking out of the clause disqualifying married women from selecting land, and inserting a proviso enabling a man to>take up 2000 acres for himself and 1000 acres each for three children under 17 years of age. Tho yearly limit of cash sales was fixed at 250,000 acres. On clause 172 being reached, progress was reported

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

In the House of Representatives to-day the Acting-Premier announced the measures it was proposed to drop. The Mining Act Amendment Bill was postponed after some consideration. The Public Revenues Bill was passed, and the Estimates were then proceeded with, and were under consideration when the telegraph office closed.

MASSACKR OF THE INNOCENTS.

The Hon. Mr SKDDON said, before proceeding to the orders of the duy, he desired to make a statement with reference to the bills the Government intended to drop this session. They had decided not to proceed with the Land Transfer Act Amendment Bill, Public Works Act Amendment Bill, Land Drainage Bill, Stock Bill, Unclaimed Moneys Bill, Wellington Fruit-grow-inK Association Bill, Education Reserves Bill, Inspection of Building Appliances Bill, Boarding and Lodging House Bill, Compares Register Bill, Labour Department Bill, Civil Service Bill, Native Land Court Bill, Manual and Technical Elementary Instruction Bill, Codlin Moth Bill, Shipping Act Amendment Bill, Municipal Corporations Bill, Adulteration Prevention Act Amendment Bill, Civil Service Officers' Guarantee Bill, Hawkers and Pedlars Bill, ar.d Noxious Weeds Bill. Ho moved that these bills be discharged from the order paper. With respect to the Criminal Code Bill, the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors Bill, and Libel Bill, he thought some progress might be made with those measures if timo permitted. A| to the Governments Railways Bill, ib would depend on the course of business whether the Government would proceed with it or not. After some discussion, during which the Government were strongly urged^by some members to proceed with the Codlin Moth Bill and by others not to go on with it, the Hon. Mr Seddon's motion was agreed to, and the bills he specified were discharged from the paper. The Hon. Sir SEDDON then stated that with respect to the local bills on the order paper. Government might find it necessary to afford facilities for their passing. As to private bills, tho Government had already given an assurance that they wpul4 take, up as a Government measure the

Friendly Societies Act Amendment Bill introduced by Mr Rees. They would also take up the Law Practitioners Bills (Nos. 2 and 3) introduced by Sir G. Grey, and with that hon. gentleman's consent they would endeavour to pass them into law The passage of those three bills would of course depend on the progress of public business for the rest of the session.

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS.

Replying to Mr Buchanan whether the Governnifnt will take steps to have a more careful valuation made of the imports, and exports of the colony, The Hon. Mr SEDDON said greatei accuracy on the partof exporters would ensure greater accuracy in this direction ; but every .care was taken by the department to secure proper returns being prepared. - Replying to Mr M'Guire, The 'Hon. J. - M'KENZIE said it was the intention of the Government to introduce a bill next session dealing with educational endowments 'all over the colony. PUBLIC REVENUES DILI,.

- The House went into committee on the Public Revenues Bill.

Clause' 2, limit of Treasury bills increased, elicited a long discussion, several members contending that it really amounted to surreptitious borrowing to the extent of L 550,000. The Hon. Mr WARD denied that the clause meant borrowing at all, and explained, as the Premier had done on the second reading, that with respect to L 450.000 that was proposed to be issued in Treasury bills it was thought advisable the Agent-general should have this amount in reserve in order to provide against any emergency that might arise. Dr NEWMAN moved to add to the clause— " And shall be used ns deposit in the Bank of England, in anticipation of interest." The Hon. Mr WARD opposed the amendment, which was lost by" 1 34 to 21, and the clause passed. Clause 3, commutation of travelling allowances not exceeding 20s a day to Royal Commissioners, including travelling fares. Mr T. MACKENZIE (Clutha)' strongly opposed this clause, and said it distinctly held out a bait to Ministerial supporters in the House who might desire to serve on these commissions.

Dr NEWMAN asked who* the members of Parliament were to whom the proviso in this clause referred. *

The Hon. Mr WARD regretted he could not say who was meant. Mr G. HUTCHISON suggested that in that case the clause should be struck out, and the amount could be brought down in the Supplementary Estimates. Mr T. MACKENZIE pointed out that one member of Parliament who was not yet disqualified had received three guineas a day from the present Government, which was decidedly improper. Mr DUTfIIE also strongly protested against the clause He said that the present Government now consisted of eight Ministers, although the law only authorised six. Then there was the Speaker of the House, Chairman of Committees, and two Government whips, which made in all 12 persoas pledged to support the Government, which was altogether out of proportion in a House of 74 members.

The Hon. Mr SEDDON hoped the committee would pass the clause, and stated that the member referred to in this clause had for years served on royal commissions without receiving any emolument. The clause in question had slipped out of a former bill by aocident. Mr THOMPSON (Marsden) thought too much was being made of this matter, although he considered the less members of Parliament were employed on commissions the better. The clause was carried by $kpo 20. A new clause denning the powers of the Audit Office with respect to local authorities was strongly opposed. The clause provided that if the Audib Office find that moneys belonging to any local authority have been expended without the sanction of law, and without legaladvice,. the Audit Office shall surcharge the amount thereof jointly and severally on the members of the local authority who were present at the meeting when such expenditure was sanctioned and did not object to .it, and shall take legal steps to enforce the same. The clause was carried by 36 to 17. The bill was reported read a third time and passed. The House went into Committee of Supply for consideration of

T.HE ESTIMATES. Justice department, L 1195. Carried.— Mr Fish called attention to the vole of L7OO, salary of inspector of prisons, which he declared excessive. — The Hon Mr Seddon said there would be another opportunity of discussing the matter on the Defence estimates.— Carried.

Native Land Court, L16.933.— Mr W. Kelly said this department was too expensive.— The Hon. Mr Carroll admitted the sum was large, but the work done warranted it.'

Live Stock department, L 30,580, caused considerable discussion, but was eventually carried. Defence department, Llo7C— Replying to Mr Fish, the Hon. Mr Seddon said the new commandant had not been supplanted by him in any respect. It was the commandant's own wish that he should visit the forts of tho colony and make himself fully acquainted with them. When his report was received the Government would be prepared to act. He denied that the Defence staff had -been unduly reduced, and when the commandant had finished his work of in-, spection he would find a ' position in Government buildings. — Captain Russell objected that the defence staff had been reduced to nothing, and if it was to be worth anything at all there should surely be some olerical staff attached to the department. He thought it was altogether a mistake to keep men doiDg clerical work who should be doing their duty as soldiers.— Mr Jackson Palmer wished to know if -the Minister would give effect to the recommendations made by a special committee of the Upper House in the way of encouraging volunteers.— The Hon. Mr Sgddon promised to give the report full consideration. — Mr Carncross pointed out that, as bhere were all kinds of rumours currenb anenb stringent regulations bo be introduced by the new commandant, men were very unwilling to enrol as volunteers until they know what those 'regulations were to be, consequently officers of volunteers had great difficulty in keeping their corps up ■to tho minimum strength this year. Under the circumstances would the Minister show some leniency in not strictly enforcing the regulations regarding the payment of capitation I— The Hon. Mr Seddon promised to give tlio matter consideration. — Mr ALLENtook an opposite view from the member for Taieri, and thought volunteer corps who wore not up to the full strength should not receive capitation.— Captain Russell said that corps not of the proper strength were not entitled to capitation. He thought volunteers were being taught to consider that because a man wore a red coat it was all that was necessary, without any .regard to efficiency.— The vote passed.— Permanent Militia and Volunteers, L 53,1 S .O.— Mr Meredith moved to reduce this by L 50.000. He said he was desirous of seeing our standing army reduced.— Lost by 31 to 6, and tho vote passed.— Stores and magazines, L 3341, carried.

THE PUBLIC WORKS ESTIMATES.

The proposed Otago votes for actual expenditure this year are : — Railways : Otago Cenbral, L 30.00 0; Cablin's river, L 7500 ; Seaward Bush, L 12.00 0; additions to open lines, HurunuiBluff, L 1950. Bridges: Taieri bridge, LSOO. Roads: Waitati, L 30 0; Tomahawk, L 200; Martin's Bay-Wakatipu, L 220; Blackstone, L 300; Maniototo, L 400; Gimmerburn, L 300; Turnburn. L 20 0; Glenkleburn, L 60 0; Catlins, L 6250 ; Waikawa, LI6OO ; Woodlands, LISOO ; Run 220; L 150; Loudon, L 100; Kawarau, L 40 0; Naseby, L 30 0; Run 109, LIOO. Roads purchase, L 100; Run 17, L4oo ; ' Glenomaru, L 50 0; Hunts, L 70 0; Arrowtown,. L 44 0; Garston, L96uWaiau, L 150 0; Western Sounds, L 750; Stewart Island, L 200; Miller's Flat, L 300; Victoria Bridge, L 250. Mines; Artesian well, Maniototo, LSOO. Buildings : Carruthers' plan (payment by Mahoney), L 137; Dunedin prison, L 300 0; police utation, Naseby, L 550; do Waikaia, L 250. Postal and telegraph : Obago and Southland, L 5500. Seacliff Asylum, L 600 0; Dunedin Hospital, LBOOO. The following are the general Estimates :-— Public wDrfcs fund for annual expenditure this

year: Part I— lmmigration, L 500; departmental, L 5700; railways, L 37.755; 1 roads, L 168.55 2; waterworks on goldfields, L 500 0; telegraph extension, L 18,227; buildings, L 53,78 7 ; harbour defences, L 500 0; rates ou Native lands, L 110 0; expenses raising loans, L6OOO. Part ll— Departmental, L 10 0; railways, L 57.00 0; roads, L 46.30 0; purchase of Native lands, L 55.044 ;— total, L 661,765.

THE PREMIER'S ILLNESS.

The Premier is much worse to-day. His condition indeed is so serious that his medical advisers, who held a consultation to-night, will not allow his colleagues or any callers to see him.' Mrßallance's relapse is considered to be due to the fact that he resumed work after his recent severe illness before he was quite restored to health. Though he is very anxious to come back to the House, it is feared that he will nob bs abe tp take his place there again this session. " Qwjng~~to the JJlness of the Premier, Mil) istors have not .yet considered what action they will take in regard to the appointments to the Council. '

SIR J. VOGEL'S PETITION.

The Public Petitions Committee reported today on the petition of Sir Julius Vogel, which stated that he was appointed agent under the Inscribed Stock Act, that he was to receive commission on the five million loan, that ho received no commission, that his appointment was cancelled and no compensation allowed him, and that he instituted proceedings ■at law bub his claim was barred by the length of time which had elapsed. The committee reported that Sir J. Vogel had no claim on the colony.

OTAGO HEAD,S.

The Public Petitions Committee refer to the Government for favourable consideration tho petition of 59 residents of Portobello for the amalgamation of the Otago Heads Road. Board with the Portobello Boad Board.