MONDAY, JULY 18. A SUSPICIOUS CALM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2056, 20 July 1893, Page 20

MONDAY, JULY 18. A SUSPICIOUS CALM.

There is no political news to chronicle to-day, and an unnatural calm that may forebode the predicted coming storm that is said to be near at hand is in evidence in the places where hon. members and political prophets most do congregate. The great lobby of the House, that seems always alive with the humour of the gossip or authoritative statements of members who are mostly but lay figures on the floor of the Legislature, is to-day a dreary, unpeopled waste of dingy matting and faded leather. Even the Auckland members are scarcely in evidence; and it would seem from this fact that even they consent to permit the I Government a single day of rest from their imperious demand that Auckland and the north shall be recognised and represented in the Cabinet by allotment of the portfolio of Native Affairs. ' Ministers, like cunning knife-grinders, have no story to tell, and the pleasant shades of Bellamy's even are desolate, and the place that knows them so often and so well knows not the legislative opponent of prohibition to-day. Where are they ? I cannot say. Some of the front rank of the Opposition are said to be busy forging the thunderbolts that they will hurl through the coming storm, and others no doubt are preparing, A] ax-like, to defy the lightning. THE NATIVE PORTFOLIO. Following on the lines I have from to time indicated, it is now generally conceded in the best - informed '• . quarters that 'no appointment to the Native portfolio will be made this session, unless Mr Cadman should be returned for Auckland City, in which event he will, in all probability, resume his old position. Even this, however, would give very considerable offence in some quarters, where it is said that such an eventuality would be most injurious to the party, A rumour was current in the lobbies to-night that Mr Kelly had been appointed to the vacant portfolio, but that nothing would be divulged until after the Auckland election, so that there should be no prejudice to the contest between Messrs Cadman and Rees. Ministers, however, will not say a word on the subject;, and I give the rumour for what it is worth. THE EXEMPTION OF IMPROVEMENTS.

During the coming week there will be some very weighty indictments against the policy of the Government in the exemption of improvements, and some of the fallacies of the doctrinof taxation of unimproved land values will be very critically laid bare, and the Government charged with empirical legislation, the effect of which they cannot appreciate and the end of which no man can with assurance fairly predict. It will be argued' that the methods of the Government do not tend to make each man contribute to the Treasury according to 'his ability, and that if it were so the mass of workers could be released by that, remission of duties upon the necessaries of life that the Opposition claim is their desire." There is every sign that the weight of debating power will be on the side of the Opposition unless the Premier and Treasurer exceed the expectations of their friendß. ' -

QUESTIONABLE QUESTIONS.

The question paper will furnish— should the Government continue to resist replies until a. future day, as they possibly will-rthe. first vantage ground for the sword play of ; the Opposition, and there will be cut and thrust hard to parry from the broadsword of Wellington Fisher to the rapier of Waitotara Hutchison. ' If the Premier wants to make quiok progress with the work of the House! he will arrange a truce with Mr Rolleston beforehand, and deprive the fighters of the fray. '

VALIDATION OF NATIVE TITLES.

The bill for the validation of Native titles prepared by Judge Barton, of Gisborhe, as it stands at present, gives the judge full power to settle every kind of difficulty in connection with validating the titles, this .being said to be absolutely necessary. The judge, in the bill as drafted, is to be appointed for three years, within which time Judge Barton declares he could accomplish the work to be done. The bill, it is said, will effect the purpose of settling disputed titles once for all. The bill has not yet reached the hands of the Government. When it does it will be considered by the Cabinet, and, if approved of, will be made a policy bill.

THE GREY VALLEY COAL MINES.

Sir R. Stout and Mr Guinness interviewed the Hon. Mr Seddon this morning with reference to the critical state of matters in connection with the Grey Valley coal mines. Mr Seddon told the deputation it would be impossible to sanction the construction of a railway for the existing companies to new leases. The only way for the railway to be made was for the companies to guarantee 5 per cent, on the coat of construction.

THE SHIPPING BILL.

Mr T. Thompson has to-night arranged for an interview' between the Hon. Mr Reeves and Mr Niccol, who is at present in Wellington as a delegate from and. representative of the Auckland shipowners: In regard to the Government Shipping Bill, Mr Niccol will point out to the Minister for Labour some of the objectionable features of the measure, particularly the clause requiring that additional men should be carried. This would mean, says Mr Niccol, that a large number of vessels would have to be laid up, as it would be impossible to employ them under such circumstances. Another great objection on the part of the men'' themselves, Mr Niccol will point out, will be this: that such a number of A.B'a. are scheduled to be carried, that no others

of lesser grade could be employed. In this way there would be no opportunity in the future for young men and lads to become qualified seamen, as shipmasters would, in their own interests, refuse to take apprentices and ordinary seamen. This, Mr Niccol avers, would be one of the inevitable effects of the bill. The clauses of the bill relating to the payment of wages monthly would render desertion remarkably easy, and would, in Mr Niccol's opinion, stop the custom of sailers' wives drawing half pay in their husband's absence. Mr Niccol will also try and get the reason why double the cubic space per man should be given in New Zealand to what is allowed in the old country, and in regard to which he has never heard any complaint. There are some good things in the bill, Mr Niccol admits, such as keeping lists of men who do not join their ships, and the relief of vessels in distress from payment of light dues, but the general effect of the measure would be that trade would be driven to foreign vessels, which would be free from the restrictions now sought to be imposed. These are some of the views Mr Niccol will place before the Minister for Labour. He has already placed them before many members on both sides of the House, who admit their force, but say there is no prospect of the measure being carried. Mr Niccol would have given evidence before the Labour Committee, to whom the bill has been sent, could he have remained in Wellington, but the committee will not sib till the end of the week, and then probably only for the purpose of electing a chairman, the taking of evidence being postponed to a future date.

THE STOCK BILL.

Some difficulty is being experienced in settling the conditions under which stock may travel under the provisions of tbe Stock Bill. The design of the Minister for Lands was to make travelling during the daytime compulsory, in order, among other things, to make the picking up at night of stray sheep and cattle by travelling flocks more difficult and easier of detection. The provision has, however, been objected to by some stockmen who deliver fat sheep to the freezing companies, it being urged that day travelling during the summer weather makes ib necessary for the stock having a long "spell after arrival before being fib to kill. The Minister for Lands seems to think ho may get over the difficulty without impairing the provision to obstruct the drover who is not particular about increasing his numbers while on the road.

JOTTINGS.

Members are receiving a largo number of telegrams protesting against the Codlin Moth Bill, which there is every probability will be dropped. It is currently reported in tho lobbies that Mr Niccol will contest the Eden seat against Mr Mitchelson. Mr Niccol confirms this.

Several Spanish naval officers visited the House to-day. They will b8 entertained at dinner by leading members shortly. An inquiry has been ordered into the conduct of the caretaker at Government buildings, who ejected Mr Jackson Palmer thence on Friday. Reference to Mr Earnshaw's action in regard to prohibition legislation was made at the openair meeting of the Prohibition League on Saturday. Gratification was expressed that one Liberal had the courage of his convictions and preferred principle to party. The Minister for Labour has again telegraphed advertisements to the Australian papers warning ■ workmen without means against coming to New Zealand, where the labour market is now well supplied witoskilled and unskilled workers, and the Government expenditure on public works is much less than in* former years.

TUESDAY, JULY 18.

The Legislative Council, having no work to do, to-day decided to adjourn till the 26th inst. The Westland and Nelson Native Reserves Bill and the New Zealand Institute of Journalists Bill were read a second time, and a motion carried that the present position of the South Island Native lands claims and the measures taken for their settlement should be explained to the Council.

SOUTH ISLAND NATIVE LAND CLAIMS.

The Hon. Mr TAIAROA resumed the adjourned debate on the question that it is expedient the present position of the Middle Island Native lands claims and measures taken for the settlement of the same should be explained to the Council. The hon. gentleman at some length reviewed the attitude of the late Native Minister with regard to the claims referred to and expressed the opinion that these claims had not been fully recognised. The Hon. Mr STEVENS, who tabled the motion, replied, and in doing so paid a high compliment to the Government and Parliament for their really earnest endeavour to bring about a settlement of these native claims. He regretted, however, to say that the Government for many years past had not evinced that solipitude and care for the natives, who had parted with their lands which they had been promised years ago by the Imperial Government. The motion Was agreed to.

In the House of Representatives to-day tbe Government replied to a number of the questions on the Order Paper, and a committee was set up to consider the labour bills. After some formal business the financial debate was resumed by the Hon. E. Mitchelson, who continued his remarks when the House met in the evening. He was followed by Mr Lawry, after whom came the member for Mount Ida, Mr R. Thompson, and Mr Dawson.

PAYMENT OF MEMBERS.

The Payment of Members Bill was received from the Legislative Council ' with amendments.

The Hon. Mr SEDDON explained that the amendments made by the Council simply amounted to an alteration in the penalty for non-attendance of members of the Council. The amendment made was that the penalty should be 25s a day for non-attendance of Councillors instead of £2 per day as provided by the bill. He moved that the amendment be considered next day.— Agreed to.

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS.

Replying to the Hon. Mr Rolleston, The Hon. Mr SEDDON said he hoped to be able in a day or two before the debate on the Financial Statement was concluded, to make a statement as to the intentions of the Government with respect to the appointment of a Native Minister. In the. meantime the Nativo Bills were being interpreted, and the whole of those bills would shortly be before the House.

Replying to Mr Hogg, The Hon. Mr CARROLL said the Native Legislation proposed by the Government would, he believed, prohibit private dealings in Native lands. -

Replying to Mr Wilson, The Hon. Mr SEDDON said the Government did nob sea its way at present to subsidise the Manawatu railway or any other private lino.

Replyiog to Sir J. Hall, The Hon. Mr WARD said that tho statement referring to the purchase of the Cheviot estate in the Financial Statement waß correct-

namely, that £200,000 of the purchase money was raised by Treasury bills. The reports of the Premier's speech on this subject in several newspapers were very contradictory. Replying to Mr Palmer, The Hon. Mr SEDDON said the Government thought it-undesirable to introduce session after session legislation relating to old soldiers' claims. It was understood that the bill of last session should be final.

Replying to Mr M'Guire, . The Hon. J. M'KENZIE said a,' bill would be introduced this session providing for educational reserves being vested in" the waste land boards of the colony. The Government did not propose to introduce a fair rent bill this session. Replying to' Mr W. Hutchison, The Hon. W. P. REEVES said the Government could not introduce a measure for making more adequate provision for the payment of jurors, as it would cost at least £2000 a year, and the House bad already more work than it could do this session.

Replying to Mr O'Conor, The Hon. W. P. REEVES said he could do nothing to- aid the establishment and maintenance of night schools, as he thought it was not the duty of the central department to step in between education boards and their own day schools.

THE FINANCIAL DEBAT3.

The Hon. E. MITCHELSON resumed the debate on the Financial Statement. He said he did not intend to follow Mr Reeves in the brilliant speech he had made on Friday night— not because that speech could not be replied to, but because it would not afford him time to deal with the questions which he proposed dealing with. He congratulated Mr Ward in having attained the position of Colonial Treasurer, and it must be a pleasing duty for Mr Ward to have to announce the possession of a surplus. Before the debate closed he believed Mr Ward would probably conclude that a Treasurer's lot was nob a happy one. He (Mr' Mitchelson) did not agree with Mr Ward as to the brightness of the future. He thought, on the contrary, that the future had-a very gloomy outlook. ' The surplus should have been stated by the Treasurer at £283, 000 instea dof £512, 283. As to the public works fund, he thought the public was entirely ignorant of the position of this fund, owing chiefly to the statement of Ministers all over the colony that the ' public works of the colony were being constructed out of revenue instead of loan. He should endeavour to show that the Government were carrying on public works cut of loan .and not out of revenue. The whole of the expenditure on public works since the Government had taken office had been taken out of loan, with the exception of £200,000, transferred from the consolidated fund last year, and of that amount there'was very little left now. He quoted from figures extensively to show the position of the public works fund, and said the Government during their two years of office had control of £864,563 of loan money. He went on to show that the expenditure on publio works had decreased during the term of office of the late Ministry, and said that although the country had expected the expenditure to decrease under the present Ministry, they had during 1891-92 spent £391,612 on public works, .or £56,856 more than the previous year. During 1892-93 they had spent £472,951 or £100,000 more than the previous year. It seemed to him the whole question of Government finance was based on an anticipated surplus, and if anything happened to that the whole scheme would break down. They had seen the trouble that had come on the Australian colonies, and it behoved them to be careful as to the pace at which they travelled in future, and he thought before the Estimates were passed the House should insist on the public works estimates being brought down in order that they might see what the Government proposed to do. Coming to the Native land question, the late Government had been twitted frequently with not doing their duty respecting the acquisition of Native lands. The facts, however, were that when the late Government took office the colony was not in a sound financial condition, and for that cause the Government could not spend large sums of money on Native lands, the object of the Government being to establish a sound finance. Another reason why the late Government did not obtain large tracts of Native land was because they did not desire to secure land which could not be advantageously settled. They found out that a large portion of the Native land acquired by the present Government was inaccessible, and could not be satisfactorily settled for the next 20 years. The present Government seem to be unaware of the position in which a large number of Native blocks were left when the late Government lefb office, and had it not been for the efforts :of the late Government, who, when they went out of office, had 1,000,000 of acres under negotiation, the present Government would not have secured as much land so easily as they had done. The Native Minister would find when they left office they would leave a large amount of work which a succeeding Government would take advantage of and claim credit for in the same way as the present Government were now taking advantage of the work done by their predecessors. As regards the public debt, it musb ba grabifying to the House that it had been increased by £504,732, especially as last year they claimed credit for reducing the debt. He was sorry to see that a large number of ' Government supporters had made use of that argument, with the exception of Mr Carneross, who had hones tly told his Taieri constituents that the public debt had not been reduced. Referring to land settlement, he said that was not so satisfactory as the Government .lei the House to believe. He quoted figures to prove that there were lees people residing on the land in March 1893 than in March 1890, and said those who were in the House at the time special settlements were initiated knew that the credit of those settlements was due to Mr Rolleston ''and not to the present Minister. Ministers were constantly boasting of tho prosperity of the colony, and it was of course satisfactory to find that the revenue had kept up so well for the last few years. He contended, however, that there was no real prosperity, and there was greater distress in the colony at present than during the period of the late Government's administration. There were also more persons out of employment, and 1900 were employed on railway co-operative works, which were costing the country 30 or 40 per cent, more than under the ordinary contract system. He had been told that a railway which the Premier himself had opened lately had been constructed on the cooperative system, and the cost of the line, he was told, was more than it would have been under ordinary contracts. He approved of the proposal to tax Native lands, as he had previously advocated that course, and he must congratulate the Government on taking that step. He thought also thai it would have great weight with the Natives themselves, and induce them to bring their lands into profitable occupation. They had had repeated promises from the Government to amend tho law relating to Native land legislation, but up to the present nothieg had been done in that respect. He. was in favour of appointing a commission to consider the whole question. It should include Judge Richmond, who was thoroughly con-

versant with Native matters. He did not think the land and income tax was the fairest tax that could be imposed, but now that it was in operation he should not wish to disturb it. He warned the House, however, that now that improvements were to be exempted they must be careful, or they would be brought face to face with a single tax. The Government should not, in his opinion, impose more taxation than was necessary to carry on. the business of the country. He differed entirely with the proposal in the Budget to give another turn of the screw and raise the graduated tax. ' He had always opposed that tax, and said the present proposal would not tend to-inorease the confidence of the people of the colony. They were repeatedly told that the present .Government was a non-borrowing Government, and yet, as he had already shqwn, they\had during their two years of office spent £864,563, and that was all done by borrowing. He contended that the Government had utterly failed to prove their policy was one of self-reliance and nonborrowing. They were borrowing all the time, and educating the working people, of the colony to lean on the State for everything. They were • introducing paralytic legislation, which was certain to injure the people whom it was supposed to benefit. If they 'only brought in sound legislation they would, do much more good to the people of the colony than they were now doing. Mr LA. WRY had alwaya r entertained a high respect for Mr Mitchelson^and the speeches he delivered in the House increased that respect. He should not attempt to follow the hon; gentleman in the figures he 'had adduced,' as figures were very dangerous things. He regretted to hear Mr Mitchelson repeat the statement made by so many Opposition members that the civil servants were under' a reign of terror at present. He altogether denied that statement, and said the civil servants of the colony would be a credit to any country in the world. He referred to the statement made,, both inside and outside the House, that he had ■"sold himself, body and soul, to .the Government. If that were so, they had got him very cheap. He 'had never made a compact with any Government, and even 1 if- he were qualified to take it he should not accept a portfolio from Government, although he could say, without egotism, that his appointment as a Minister would be popular in the country districts in Auckland. Referring, to the Native administration of the Government, he defended Mr Cadman from the charge that he had done nothing to promote Native- land settlement, and said if he had not been interfered with he would have done much more. He defended the present system of taxation, and' said the voice of the people pronounced unmistakably in favour of a land and income tax last election. He regretted that Sir J. Hall would not seek re-election to the House, but at the same time he did not agree with Sir J. Hall's policy. The hon. gentleman had referred to the purchase of the Cheviot estate. That purchase, fie asserted, was beneficial to the country. He did not oppose large estates provided they were profitably occupied, and he had always said they were acquired in accordance with the law. The Opposition had predicted' that anarchy and mob rule would result from the Government policy, and that people would not take upland ; but he (Mr Lawry) held that property was 1 never safer than at the present, and that land could not be surveyed fast enough for the applications" received for it. He warmly approved of the exemption of improvements, and was glad to see that by it the last relic of the property tax was swept away. There was nothing he regretted more than to hear the Opposition a night or two ago applaud the speech ,of the member for Waitotara— a gentleman whom they would have crucified last Parliament for the persistent attacks* he had made on Sir H. Atkinson, Sir F. Whitakeri and v Mr Mitchelson. He defended.the co-operative system of labourT and challenged the Opposition to move for returnß of the working of this system.— (Several members: "We can't get returns.") If the Opposition were dissatisfied with him or with his actions, he would simply challenge them to come up to Parnell and fight his election with him. Atfthe same time he wished to thank members of that party for the consideration with which they had always treated him. * ' Mr SCOBIE ' MACKENZIE . twitted Mr Lawry on his speech. The hon. gentleman had stated he did not believe ' in Sir 'J. Hall's politics, but he (Mr Lawry) evidently had no politics. They saw the hon^geritlemjpi on the Opposition side a year or two. agOj, and no doubt they would see hinj b&ck there again, as he always went! with {he |! majorjity, K ;and the majority were coming to the, Opposition side of the House. Mr Lawry Had, told them be had been offered a portfolio,. and"he was. sorry he had not accepted 1 it, as,, it, would • most .undoubtedly have led ! to',tHe Govern,menb being turned off those benches.'MJJLawry^had'deniea that there wa» a "reign l of , terror among civil servants, but he asserted tipo of those gentlemen' had asked him (Mr Maokenzie) not" to be seen speaking to them.'- He "'could., adduce other instances of the same kind to show : that Mr Mitchelson's remarks onHhe' civil Service were perfectly justified. . Referring to the Financial Statement, he said it was decidedly ,'wrong of the Government to force this debate through in spite pf all the private business of the House. The Premier stated it,was according to precedent, but that was not thei'case unless a noconfidence motion was pending"' or there waa I some other extraordinary reason for jfc.« It was j said that the action of the Government was, owing to a compaot between the Premier and some other persons in the House respecting the blocking of a particular bill on the Order Paper. He referred to a paragraph inthe New Zealand . Times referring to Mr Rolleston in terms which it shocked him to read, especially when it referred to a gentleman who' for 30 years had borne the burden and heat of the dayone of the most distinguished men in the colony, who had been foremost *in passing our Liberal land lawa." ComiDg to the Financial Statement, he remarked there were four principal points in it. The first was that there was an actual surplus of £31-6,000. The next was that the surplus for the current ' year was estimated at £130,000. " The third point was that the public debt was not only largely increased, but was most steadily increasing. The fourth point was that, notwithstanding jbhe surplus, there was a considerable addition to the taxation of the colony in the shape of the graduated tax. Now, as to. the surplus. That might be caused by bad management, and they had the authority of the , Premier for stating publicly the fact that because the Railway Commissioners showed a surplus it proved 'that there was not good management on their part. Then, again, they must consider that the surplus was the same surplus shown from last year, and was carried forward from one year to another. The present Government inherited a Burning from the late one of £143,000. They remitted no taxation, . and it appeared to him that a surplus .without remission of taxation might go on for no end of time. There was no financing, however, in carrying a surplus in this way. What had the Government done in so far as finance was concerned. Ho would ask V had ;they done anything but change one ' form of taxationfor another, which produced about the same

amount? If the old property tax had been retained the surplus would have been much more, owing to the rise in the value of property all over the colony. It was therefore clear that the. Government had nothing to do with the surplus, although Ministers had stated on every platform that their finance was the cause of the surpluß. Referring to the increase in the public debt, het asked whether the Government could still say there was no borrowing on their part. He said that the receipts to the credit of the public works fund on the 31st March 1891, three months after the" Government took office, was £718,096, which was increased by various other sum 3. The total amount of loan money in the possession of the Government for two years was £1,295.000. The actual loan money controlled by the Government was £995,000, and, they had actually expended in those two years £864,000 of pure loan money, the great bulk of which had come from the London market. The Premier at Napier had asked whether borrowing had been maintained, and he (the Premier) had answered no. Mr Reeves had stated at Lawence that another feature of Mr Ballance's finance had been resolute abstention from borrowing in the London- market. He had also stated that Mr Ballance carried on the public works and land settlement out of revenue, instead of doing it as former Treasurers had done out of loan. He (Mr Mackenzie) did not really know how to characterise such a statement unless to call it modern Liberalism, He asserted that the error of £96,000 in the Public Works Statement last year was a most remarkable incident, and showed that Mr Seddon was a grossly incapable Minister for Public Works for not discovering tueh, an error. Mr Seddon had denounced Sir H. Atkinson in Auckland for putting oh heavy taxation, but he failed to tell them that he (Mr Seddon) had supported Sir H. Atkinson all through in imposing that taxation. He quoted from Mr Seddon's speech in the House at the time when he stated that he accepted with gratitude £500,000 of taxation which Sir H. Atkinson had imposed. Referring to the speech made by Mr Eteves at Lawrence, in which he characterised the policy of the late Government as one of borrowing, taxation, jobbery, exodus to Australia, and dutnmyism all over the country, he thought the fact that Sir H. Atkinson was no more should have restrained Mr Reeves from making such charges as jobbery against a man of Sir H. Atkinson's reputation and character. He admitted having made a charge of imposture at Naseby against the Government in connection with bursting up large estates, and saw no reason to withdraw that charge. Now the Government had abandoned bursting and had gone in for purchasing land. Mr Reeves had pleaded the other night that the Government had not had time for bursting up ; but the act was nearly three years in force. The fact was there was no bursting np proposed; and none was intended. If the Government now intended to burst up estates, would they have purchased the Cheviot estate ? There was no bursting up now — nothing but an unjust and pernicious tax, which will fall mostly on labour. The Government had been nearly three years in office, and he asked what they had done. The main thing they had done was to keep themselves in office, and they had done nothing whatever that an ordinary Government would not have done. As to land settlement, he said that figures showed that there was no real progress in settlement. There was not, for instance, the same settlement as five years ago. The acreage was less and the number of settlers less. Then their labour legislation was nothing but amendments of existing laws, many of which were introduced by the late Government. The bills themselves were of little value to the community as a whole, and he had no hesitation in declaring that a vast number of people in the' country who asked about labour legislation' did not even know the names of the* bills introduced by Mr Reeye3 with such a flourish of trumpets. They, had heard a great ' deal about the co-operative system, but, he thought it was not destined to last very long. In the first place, work could not be obtained by a man himself but he was selected by a Government official who may have instructions from the Government. It was also a fair weather system, and could only be carried on when the revenue was in good condition. In a few years' time cooperation would be a thing of the past. If the Government had done* nothing good whilst in office they had done a good deal of mischief,, The colony had for years been in a depressed state, but the Government came in after 12 years of depression, when prosperity was returning, and that prosperity, was at once nipped in the bud by the Government. They all knew that the number of unemployed was greater to-day than had bsen the case during the worst of the depression. Even Liberal newspapers admitted that the unemployed were very numerous, and demands were everywhere made on the Government for work. If this was prosperity, what would depression be like P It Was a bad look-out for the colony if it could not absorb labour in the days of prosperity. There was nothing to do then but wait till people saw through the illusion that was being practised on them. ' '

Mr THOMPSON (Marsden) thought he had never listened to Mr Mackenzie with greater pain than he had that night, and he deprecated very much bringing the private affairs of the New Zealand Times before the House.' Referring to tho'Budget, he thought it concealed nothing, and set forth the fiaanciaLposition of the colony as plainly as could be desired. As to the question of land settlement he was very pleased to find it increased ; but he regretted that a large number of settlers were unable to get land owing to the want of 'surveys, and he was pleased to find the Minister would attend to fihis. He hoped the Minister would make provision for opening and roadiog land north of Auckland, and 'he felt sure there were plenty of people' there' to take up all the land that could be offered. The whole system of Native land purchase had been a gigantic fraud, and it required complete alteration. ' Regarding the Cheviot estate, he hoped it would turn out a good speculation for, the colony. Mr Blake had stated it was not fib for close settlement, and he was probably right. He (Mr Thompson) thought it would be better to deve}op our Crown and Native lands than purchase ' private estates. The (Minister for Jjands was to be complimented on the Cheviot Disposition Bill, but he thought the Government would make a mistake if any transactions that took place under the land and income tax were to be hampered by settlement conditions. He approved of the taxation of Native lands, but he was not sure whether they would get the bills on the Statute Book; although he thought if the House did nothing more this session than provide for the taxation and settlement of Native lands, the time would be well spent. He doubted the wisdom of increasing the graduated tax, and he thought now that improvements were exempted, all landowners should be put on the same footing, and that one class of landowners should not be used to furnish another. Respecting the management of our railways, he had carefully watched the agitation in this respect, and he found that it was those who used the railways least who had the most fault to flno>with the management. He

thought, however, some change was necessary, and that the Minister should have a seat on the board, although not the right of veto. If the Government had political charge of the railways again they would see the same trouble in the House as they had before, when day after day was wasted by some member bringing np a railway grievance. His experience of the cooperative system of labour was very favourable as far as his own district was concerned, but if members of the House interfered with the system it would be liable to abuses. He thought the colony was never in a more prosperous condition than at the present time ; and although the Statement had been freely criticised, so far as his judgment went it had stood the test of the criticism. Mr DAWSON followed, and Mr HARKNESS moved the adjournment of the debate.— Agreed to.

THE AFTERNOON SITTING.

The high churchy introduction of the opening prayers of the Speaker this afternoon was listened to by quite a full, if not reverent, congregation, to whom I fear the words of exhortation had but little meaning or effect. Some day some strong man with the courage of his opinion will assail this custom. Sir. Robert Stout probably has the will, and he does not lack the courage. Why does he not have a tilt at it?

After notices and petitions, the Premier soothed hon. members of the Opposition by stating in his most amicable manner that the Government would answer questions, thus assenting to a course they had so ruthlessly declined to adopt last week. Presently, the Premier having meanwhile laid many papers on the table, and resumed his seat, Mr Fish asked when " a little return " he hud asked for would be ready. To thia Mr Seddon responded, promptly and cheerfully, " he hoped hon. members would not suspect him of any little arrangement with Mr Fish, but he had the 'little return' in his hand." The House smiled, and the member for Dunedin laughingly denied any friendly collusion with the head of the Government. Mr Taylor, of Sydenhatn, was anxious concerning the treatment of a Maxim gun, and expressed it as bis opinion that it should be utilised, though he did not say whom he desired to shoot. The Premier, still in a playful mood, said that it would be a good maxim for members to know what they desired to ask.

By-and-bye, the supposed implacable Minister, for Labour suggested that Waitotara Hutchison might get more satisfaction by a private meeting with him (Labour) upon a matter of education buildings than by the course he had taken. This Waitotara declined, waving off with some hauteur the friendly utterance of the " bogie man." It was a public question, and hhould be publicly answered. He had no desire for any private communications on the subject. He would again ask his question upon the morrow. When next ha does he will hardly have so amiable a Minister to reply to. £ THE OTAGO CENTRAL RAILWAY.

Mr Fisbj armed with a formidable note-book, started with evident fixed determination to have it out with the Premier about his broken promise to Mount Ida and Dunedin, that the Otago Central would be finished to Hyde before the end of the last financial year. Possibly apprehending that Mr Fish meant to make things sultry, the Works Minister discovered he could not reply to-day, and his interrogator desisted ; but just here Mr Pinkerton added to the interest' of the moment by rising in his place to say, more in sorrow than in anger, that the Premier had made a promise in the whip's room. He looked saddened at the thought that he was possibly putting his political chief in a hole, but determined, if necessary, to immolate himself on the altar of the Otago Central.

SIDE-LIGHrS ON THE HOUSE.

The unnatural amiability of everyone to everybody in the House this evening last. Contrary to my prognostications, the Labour Minister and Waitotara have just come j;o a most charmingly friendly understanding as to the question on education buildings. Some of the dynamite fuse that .is supposed to be burning in the House must lead to the explosive point presently.

" We are treading on very thin financial ice," said Mr Mitchelson, "and if it breaks we Bhall be plunged into disaster. For two years we have been living in a fool's paradise." The question of placing a sum upon the Estimates for the purpose of widening and improving the railway wharf at Port Chalmers will be considered. in passing the Public Works Estimates.

The Government do not see their way clear to reduce the fees charged for inspecting traction engines. They say the fees barely pay expenses.

The remission certificates for claims granted underthe Naval and Military Settlers' Land Act will it is expected be issued in a few days. The Government have a bill under consideration to regulate the sale of tobacco by issuing licenses td^tabaccomsts. ' The Premier told Mr Wilson that he could not see his way clear to subsidise the Manawatu Railway Company so that the company may run a train solely for passengers, so as to give the travelling public between Wellington, Palmerston, Wanganui, Auckland, and Napier a more convenient and faster service.

The Railway Commissioners have informed Mr Buckland that they are not aware there is more danger at Otahuhu than at other stations, where foot passengers cross the railway ljnes. They would, however, make investigations. The member for Manukau says something is urgently needed, two fatal accidents having already occurred.

Mr Shera is averse to the bill framed by Judge- Barton for the validation of Native titles and has given notice of the following question :— " If it is the intention of the Government to introduce a bill to amend the* Native Lands Validation of Titles Act of last session so as to establish a court to validate the titles of land speculators whose purposes are illegal in their inception." Mr Shera contends this bill is to effect that which the Legislature purposely determined should be illegal. The Premier informed Mr Palmer he does not see his way to introduce legislation this session to deal with old soldiers' claims. The Government purpose to deal with the question of education and other reserves by introducing a bill bringing these reserves under the land laws of the colony. If this is carried, trustees will have an opportunity of accepting a surrender or reducing the* rent. With regard to a Fair Rent Bill dealing with education and other reserves, the Government have no intention of introducing any such measure.

The Hon. Mr M'Kenzie says that no Fair Rent Bill would be fair which did not include private individuals as well as public estates, and the Government were not prepared to go that length at the present time. Mr Scobie Mackenzie, while indisposed to give credence to the story he constantly heard, said that in his own experience two civil servants had said they had better not be seen speaking to him, and it had come to his knowledge that a Treasury offioial had been seen in » railway train taking full notes of the utter-

ances of another civil servant that happened to be adverse to the Government.

Mr T. G. M'Carthy, brewer, came into tho white light of posterity to-night as the mortgagor of the New Zealand Times, thus making it, according to Mount Ida, a tied house, a fact which he said should be very significant to the prohibitionists. Mr Scobie Mackenzie said he felt sorry that he could not congratulate the Treasurer upon his Budget, but he did not look on it as a departmental Tit Bits. Mr Scobie Mackenzie said "how to make a surplus" was shown upon so high an authority as the Premier, who at Auckland said that the Railway Commissioners had obtained their surplus by under -estimating their receipts, and in saying this Mr Seddon had disclosed the methods of the Government. There was really no surplus. It was the same old surplus carried forward from year to year, like pouring water from one jug injbo another. One of the happiest hits made by Mr Scobie Mackenzie was when, in his quietest tones, he produced Dean Swift on "Political Lying." He would hand the book to the Speaker he said. ' He did not think he need hand it to the Government, there was nothing in it they did not know.

Mr Marsden Thompson said when he voted for the graduated tax he thought there was to be some finality. He did not know 'that the Government had made a wise move. It was never wise for a Government to put any class of settlers in a position of always dreading what might come. As it was, one section of landowners was practically being set against, another section. There was no country ia the world, said Mr Thompson, more heavily taxed for local purposes*fchan New Zealand.

PARTY ANGLING.

A member, with the knowledge and covert support of the Government, will bring in a bill which, while sustaining the existence of the licensing laws, will make it operate for one year only pending the authoritatively expressed opinion of the country upon the whole subject. This is a sort of compromise that might be expected to obtain mixed support, and while many earnest men would naturally desire to postpone the dreadful day when they must vote for whisky or against it, they will see that it is their duty upon so vital a question to appeal to and obey the mandate of the people. Meanwhile a wicked Government — which, of course, this is not— might quickly prick the card in ample time to know how far the result might jump with their desire. Of course, I vouch not for this. I cannot give my authority, for " this to me in dreadful secrecy impart he did."

THE CHEVIOT PURCHASE.

Sir John Hall has not yet done with the Cheviot purchase. To-day he asked the Premier whether the announcement made in the Financial Statement, as laid before the House, that £200,000 of the purchase money of the Cheviot estate was raised by means of Treasury bills was correct, or the contrary statement made at Greymoath on April 14, that " this was done without borrowing." Anticipating any possible objection on the .score of misreporting, the veteran of the Opposition said Mr Seddon had expressed his gratification at the way in \^hich he had been reported, so they ought fairly to consider the report an authorised version. The Colonial Treasurer said the Budget gave undoubtedly the correct story of the transaction, but he quietly suggested that as there were three or four reports of the Premier's speech it would be perhaps well to wait until they had heard Mr Seddon himself. Sir John, however, was not satisfied, and ' promised to renew this question in a modified form on the morrow.

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

The Midland railway was much in evidence at the afternoon sitting, and the Premier informed the House that the Government had had the company's proposals under consideration and had referred one part of them to the Railway Commissioners and the other to the parliamentary officers. In a few days it was hoped to have a report from both, and then a course would be decided upon. To his thinking the proper thing would be to refer, the whole matter to a committee. This gave Mr O'Corior a chance to make an onslaught on the company, who, he asserted, had not the slightest intention of constructing tho line, and the deprivation of local bodies of rates in consequence was nothing short of monstrous.

MEDICAL FEES.

Mr W. Hutchison is greatly concerned as to the fees charged by the medical profession, and he has asked the Premier whether, in consideration of the fact that there is no scale of medical fees in the colony, the Government, after conference with representatives of the medical profession, will take steps to regulate the charges to be made hereafter, both by general practitioners and specialists. Mr Hutchison armed himself with the case from Dunedin, where a fee of 20 guineas had been charged for an operation that took but one or two minutes, and which required no further attendance. Medical science and surgical skill were not within the reach of the bulk of the people, and were it not for clubs and friendly societies things would be worse than they were. The Hon. Mr Reeves, who replied, thought the departure suggested would be too great to undertake in view of the fact that there was no evidence of public feeling on the subject. The only profession where any attempt had been made to regulate charges was the legal, and here the general reault had been hardly such as to satisfy the public. - ; A TRADES UNION POJNT,

Mr W. Hutchison made a veiy strong point of the refusal of Judge Ward to grant a discharge to James Houston, of Dunedin. Hous? ton was a member of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, and when he filed was offered work by one of his at 8s a-day, out of which he could pay 3s on account of his debt. He refused, as his society would not let him work for less than 10s a-day. The judge thereupon, as far as he was himself concerned, refused the discharge. Mr Reeves replied to a question on the point, that though he did not agree with the line of reasoning adopted by the judge, yet at the same time he saw nothing aB -Minister for Justice to warrant interference. The judge rightly or wroDgly had exercised judicial discretion, and there was no allegation as to his conduct. In justice to Judge Ward, Mr Reeves added that he voluntarily sent a copy of his notes in the case, which he laid on the table of the House.

AUCKLAND UNREPRESENTED.

Mr Shera has drawn attention to the neglect of Auckland. When the Minister for Labour moved for a select' committee to deal with the Shops and Shop Assistants Bill, Industrial' and Conciliation Bill, and other measures relating to labour, Mr Shera moved, amidst counter 'fires of approving and derisive laughter, that Mr Reeves's own name be omitted from the 10 to compose the committee. He did this as a protest against the complete exclusion of Auckland. Had the northern province, he asked, neither shops nor manufactories that they should have no voice. , Cbristchurch and Dunedin had three members bat Auokland was voiceless. The Premier play-

fully suggested that Mr Shera should not be cruel, and, as a way of getting out of the difficulty, said he would ask Mr Reeves to place Mr Shera's name on the committee on the morrow. Mr Shera said he did not want his name there, but Auckland should be represented. Mr Marsden Thompson seconded Mr Shera'a motion. The Shipping Bill would be referred to the committee, and Auokland should certainly have a representative. Mr Fish did not suppose any member would have the slightest objection to an Auckland man being on the committee, but it did seem strange that Mr Shera should have let his indignation smoulder for the last three years. He had never before made any complaint. Mr Shera said Mr Fish was making a great mistake. Mr Fish retorted that Mr Shera may have made private representation,, but he certainly had never brought it before the House. He was now making the objection because of a particular bill. Mr Taylor described Mr Shera's motion as an absurdity. He would not say that Mr Shera had been inspired to take the action : he had big hopes of the Native portfolio. , A further observation that the motion was an insult to Mr Reeves caused the Speaker to call upon Mr Taylor to withdraw, Which he did, deploring the use of the word. The committee, as at firat proposed, was then agreed to, THE SHIPPING BILL. Mr Niccol saw the Minister for Labour this afternoon, and laid the views of Auckland shipowners before him. As a result, Mr Niccol will give evidence against the bill. He will return to Wellington for the purpose on Friday. JOTTINGS. The manner in which land scrip has been used in the Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch Land Offices has been referred, on the motion of the Hon. J. M'Kenzie, to the Public Accounts Committee for consideration and report, the committee to have power to call for persons and papers. Mr Seddon incidentally stated during question time that Colonel Fox had supplied a supplementary and confidential report. Mr Hamlin sought to get a promise that a monument should be erected at Rangatira to the memory of those who fell in the wars, and stated that a promise to do such had been I given at the time. Mr Seddon thought, however, the matter was one for voluntary effort. From a return of passengers arriving in the colony from Australia it appears that in the year ending March 1891 there, were 10,694, in 1892 there were. 11,529, and in 1893 there were 18,694-the total being 40,917. ' The Minister for Defence has reported that Colonel Fox arrived in the colony on the 2nd of May 1892, andcompleted his report on the 12th of June last, the service being 1 year 2 months 12 days. The amount of salary was £781 13s 4d ; travelling expenses, £318 12s 8d ; house allowance, £111 13s 4d ; cost of report, £87 10s. His terms of agreement were :— Salary, £700 per annum,; quarters, £100 per annum, and £1 per day travelling allowance when travelling ; the engagement ..being for five years — from Ist April 1892 to 31st March 1897. The number of registered letters addressed to Tattersall, Sydney, was 14,298. The Hon. Mr M'Kenzie has informed Mr Shera that it will be impossible to oped the North Island Main Trunk railway to Stratford for traffic in December. It will take at least two or three years. A large sum has been put on the Estimates for extra survey staff. The Government think they will be able to do all that is necessary.

Mr Buckland' has postponed his question regarding school teachers soliciting subscriptions for the Ballance memorial from school children until to-morrow.

"The question will be considered when the Public Works Estimates are being framed." This was the Hon. Mr M'Kenzie's reply to Mr Lawry, who asked if - a sum would be set apart out of the balance of the million loan for the North Island Main Trunk railway sufficient to fell the bush three chains wide over the route from the termination of the road at the Stratford end to the. Ohura bridge. The same answer was returned to Mr Shera, who asked that a sum should be set aside to construct a road round the Porootaurua Range to connect the Mokau and East roads. .

The Rees-Cadman case came on for a reference at question time. Mr Hogg asked if, in view of what had recently occurred in Parliament, they would take step to at once prohibit further private dealings in Native lands and resume the pre-emptive right of purchase by the Crown, Mr Carroll said the Government must abide by the present laws. The Native legislation proposed, however, would be a step in the direction desired.

The Petitions Committee have recommended that Elizabeth Clark, of Invercargill, be allowed equal to six months' pay of her late husband, who 'was killed by a fall through a railway bridge at Hamilton. The Colonial Treasurer does noj; think it advisable to reduce the rates of interest charged by the Government Insurance department on advances ma.de to policy holders on the security of their policies. , Communications will he made with the admiral in charge of the Australian Squadron, suggesting the advisability of utilising Akaroa Harbour as a naval station. '