N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2059, 10 August 1893, Page 18

N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2. In the Legislative Council to - day the Otago Harbour Board Empowering Bill passed its second reading, but it is proposed to refer it to a Select Committee. The Magistrates' Courts Bill was reported from Committee. In the House of Representatives to - day private members had an- opportunity of advancing their measures. The afternoon was largely taken up .'with discussions on the co-operative system of public works and on an appointment in connection with the West Coast Settlement Act. In the evening Sir R. Stout moved the second reading of his Licensing Act; Amendment Bill.' The Premier supported the second reading, but the Minister for Labour opposes it. Mr Fish was speaking against the bill when the telegraph office closed at 2 a m. REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. Replying to Mr Allen, The Hen. J. M'KENZIE said "The Dairy Industry Act' 1892" was giving pretty general satisfaction at present, and he thought they bad better wait and see how it worked before they amended it or altered the method of grading and marking cheese. Replying to Mr Pinkerton, whether tho Government would place £1500 on the Supplementary Estimates to enable the Dunedin Hospital Trustees to pay off the liability incurred in building the new wing to the Dunedin Hospital, The Hon. W. P. REEVES said he should ask honourable gentlemen to wait till the Public Works Estimates were brought down. Replying to Mr Allen, whether the Mr Williams to whom a largo sum of money has been paid for " services in connection with the West Coast Settkments Acts " of last year is the same person who was charged with defrauding 1 the Natives of some £5000, the purchase money of Kaitangiwhema block, The Hon. J. G. WARD said he was, but that Sir Harry Atkinson had appointed him, a Native interpreter at a period before tho charge was preferred against him. Tbe Hon. T. FERGUS moved the adjournment of the House, and protested against the reflection made by Mr Ward on Sir H. Atkinson in this matter. Williams, who was one of the best interpreters in the colony, had been merely licensed by Sir H. Atkinson to act as interpreter. The Hon. Mr WARD denied he had made any re-flection on Sir H, Atkinson or intended to do so. Considerable discussion followed, in which several members urged that an inquiry should be made into the whole circumstances, and, if necessary, that Williams' license, should be cancelled. The Hon. Mr SEDDON said the first thing asked before a person was appointed a Native interpreter was whether or not he was of good character. Mr ALLEN said these transactions in regard to Native affairs were a scandal to the country. Sir R. STOUT pointed out that Williams had not been appointed either by the Government or the ,Trust Office, but by a large number of Natives, who thought they had been annoyed by the Public Trustee. He was agent for the Natives, and attended the meetings of the joint committee of the House- as their agent. He (Sir R. Stout) supposed Williams had been paid money for getting the signatures of Natives for the Public Trustee. As to the charge against Williams of defrauding the Natives, he knew nothing about that, and he should not like to hear members speak of a subject of which they knew nothing. Dr NEWMAN declared that Williams had acted as agent of the Public Trustee, and said his appointment had been a crying scandal to the people of the district. Mr E. M. SMITH defended Williams from the attacks made upon' him, and said that any money that was paidjiim was for obtaining signatures and work*done for the natives. After further debate the motion for the adjournment was lost. " Replying to Mr Duthie, The Hon. Mr SBDDON said a positive order for the shipment of Martini-Henry rifles for rifle associations was sent Home on the 24-th March, 1892, and a promise was made that they would arrive in the colony by March 1893. He regretted that they had not yet arrived in the colony. THE CO-OPERATIVE WOBKS. Mr FISH moved that a return be laid before the House of all moneys and expense incurred for plant for co-operative works throughout the colony, the carriage or freight of same paid or duo, also all travelling charges or other expenses for the men (not wages) engaged on those works ; also a return showing the number and rank of all those engaged on those works (above work-man)-and their salaries or wages, travelling allowances, and the number of men each inspector is in charge of ; also the total cost exclusive of labour*™' -wages. He said he regretted the Government had opposed this return, and if Mini6terßused their majority to defeat it it was evident that they were afraid to supply the information asked for, and it would also show that every charge made against the Government respecting the co-operative system was true. The , Hod. Mr SEDDON said this return would be a very expensive one ; and it was also moat unfair, as .certain charges were deducted from the men for the use of plant. He had no objectiqa whatever to give the fullest information on" this fyetem, and he should agree to the motion- if Mr Fish added to it: "Also all amounts estimated and deducted for the use of plant.",' ." Mr Fish agreed to this, and after a lengthy discussion on the whole working of the co-operative system the >motion as amended was agreed to. SHEEP RETURNS. An interim return of the approximate number of sheep in the colony on 20th April 1893 etaows a total of 19,357,730 in 1893, as against 18,570;752 in 1892, an increase of 786,978. The number in the Auckland district was 841,733 in 1893, against 791,975 in 1892, an increase of 49.758. ' The number in the Otago district was 4,394,^87 in 1893 and 4,300,848 in 1892, an increase of 93,539. Of the total increase of 786,978,- the North Island contributed 461,064, and ttis South Island 325,914. -THE SHOP HOURS BILL. The Labour Bills Committee had the Shop and Shop Assistants Bill under consideration this morning. - Mr Rolleston attended and gave evidence of a nature generally adverse to any legislation of the kind. Mr Rolleston produced several letters that had been addressed to him in support of his views. Clause 8 was recommitted to add the- following :— " ln case of any council or board neglecting or refusing to appoint a day or days as [in this acbj provided, the Governor-in-Counoill shall appoint such day and do all acts necessary." i The Industrial and Conciliation Bill was also considered, and Mr Blackwell (chairman of directors of the Kaiapoi Woollen Factory) attended to give evidence, which was against compulsory' and in favour of voluntary arbitration with legal compulsion as to finding. Mr Blackwell was closely questioned by the committee) daring which, in answer to the chair-

man, he was understood to say that if the bill became law it would diminish strikes. IS THE EDUCATION ACT IN DANGER? The Post sticks to its gun upon this subject, and vigorously replies to the Ministerial journal in defence of the Government. It points to Mr Willis, the latest Ministerialist elected, who is pledged to support denominational claims, and roundly states that the fear of Sir Robert Stout, as the true leader of the Liberal party, is causing the present holders of office to strengthen themselves by securing the denominational vote, which they know would be given against Sir RobdrtStout, and with which he would hold no commerce. I do not share these apprehensions, for there are at least two members of the Government who would at once relinquish office rather than consent to any act, covert attack or otherwise, that might prove injurious to the national system. I have reason to think, however, that there are intrigues afoot that may ripen into early developments that should be promptly grappled with, and it will be well for the friends of national education to be on the watch. THE RATING OF LANDS. My first despatch on this subjecb dealt chiefly with Native lands as provided in part 2 of the bill. I now give more full and important particulars relating to other lands. The first deals with general amendments in the Rating Acts, the principle of these being that in future local bodies are to make their own assessment. , The county rolls shall be the standard from which all other rolls in the country shall be framed, or when the Counties Act is not in force, tho road board roll shall be the standard. Separate rolls shall be compiled for the purposes of special rates. Property shall be assessed on the capital value, and pastoral Crown lands shall be valued in the same way as other rateable Crown lands.. Part 3of the bill introduces the principle of rating on the unimproved value of land,, with the absolute exemption of all improvements. This is done by amending section 2 of " The Rating Act 1882 " so that the definition of rateable property shall read " without buildings and improvements thereon." The definition of " rateable value " is to be repealed. Rating on the unimproved value is to.be carried out on the local option principle. It is provided that a poll of ratepayers may take place every two years on the question whether or not the property in the city, borough, county, or town district shall henceforth be rated upon the basis of unimproved value, the prbposal to be carried by the same majority as is now, required to carry a special loan. The rate on the unimproved value of the land shall not exceed 3d in the pound. Where this part of the act is in force in any city, borough, county, or town district, all rates of 'other local bodies in the same district are to be levied and collected in the same manner. THE PROHIBITION BATTLE. At the outset the House, both as to the members on the floor and the public in the galleries, became interested as Mr Buckland took a point of order, which was intended as snag No. 1 in the waterway of the direot veto. He quoted copiously, and poured in fast drafts of English precedents to show that Sir R. Stout had no right to introduce his bill because he had fathered a similar measure on a previous occasion. Mr Buckland seemed to speak with knowledge and conviction; and some of the water .party looked concerned; but presently Mr Speaker vanquished the advance guard of the liquor army by telling him briefly that the precedents Jbe had quoted were by no means identical with the case before the House — that in fact there were distinct points of difference, — and amid much acclamation from his following Sir Robert Stout, proceeded to move the second reading. His manner was quiet, self-coatained, and assured, as is his habit, that makes his chiefest power on his hearers until moved by his theme in its higher human aspect. The fervour of his eloquence carried- his audience' with him in silent admiration to the end. doing so, he said it needed no apology from him to bring in such & measure, as it was creating such a large amount of interest all over the world at present. The bill>was really a very slight alteration of the existing law. It did not propose any new principle. The present law gave the people power, periodically to . settle the question of the number of licenses in particular districts. The bill proposed to insert two additional questions, namely, Shall licenses be granted? and Shall licenses be reduced? That was the only additions to the present law made in this bill, which was so Bimple that he hoped the House would pass it without much debate. He asked the House whether it wished this question to be a test one during the coming elections. He held it was to tho interest of good government if they removed this burning question from politics, and relegated it to tho people. This great question' had to be met, and if it were not met in the simple form he proposed it would probably be met in a more unpalatablo form. _ The f question would have to be decided on a majorityalone, and he warned the opponents of this bill that if they did not accept thq reform he proposed they would have to face one of a more drastic character, in moving in this matter he did not wish to say a word against those who were engaged in the liquor traffic, many 'of whom were kind and humane; men, but the question had still to be seriously faced. It was at present a great blot on humanity, and humanity required that that- blot should ba v removed. The question appealed to all their highest instincts, and to the highest morality. Did hon. members know what misery was caused by drink, and how many deaths resulted, from it. There was no doubu it was the social curse of the age. Thera was hardly a family in the colony that could say that none of that family had been ruined through drink. Total abstainers might probably look at this question from a narrow point of view, but why should stones be cast at them, as they Were striving, to effect a great reform ? This 'was . surely a question that should be raised above party, and each one should ask himself what he could do to help on this great reform. If they did so he felt sure the bill would be carried by a good majority. < Then came Mr Saunders, "the father of the House," who spoke as became a grave and reverend seignior, and with much earnestness, upon the side of the party of temperance. It is a far cry from Sir Robert Stout N to Colonel Fraser, and the difference was accentuated when, he advised his hearers to " drink but little water, but use a little , wine for the stomach's sake." But this he bettered presently when, hurried by the conscious powers of the argument he was about to launch^he declared that the knight by his bill would at one "swell" whoop " destroy the revenue from liquor, amounting to £500,173. How is this to-be recouped? he thea pertinently inquired, and without pausing for a reply he proceeded to say that "this is a one-man Ministry, and that man is not in the Ministry," and ' concluded by expressing a fervent hope that we would not " run down headlong like a swan into thejsea." The Premier premised by stating the selfevident proposition that "this question will have to be dealt with," and said also that it was inextricably mixed with the woman's franchise ; then got a little mixed himself, but

assured the House that he had aoted fair and square to the deputations of both sides, who had tried to get at him. As for the Government, if the Houße said the veto was a good thing the Government would take the matter into their own hands, and no doubt would deal with it in a manner that would be satisfactory to all parties— a statement that was met with dissent from both sides. The Government did not pledge itself to support the bill before the House, but for his part he would vote for the second reading. Mr W. Hutchison then caught the eye of the Speaker and gave himself out a trusty and valiant warrior for the oause of abstinence and the democracy. His trust was in the people, to whom should be confided the settlement of this and many other social questions. Ths will of the majority of any country must be the law. The veto was casting its shadow before, and he trusted that the House would upon this question be' found upon the side of that which is wise, merciful, and just. After the member for -Dunedin, Messrs Bruce, Taylor, and Willis unburdened themselves in fashion more or less interesting, j and the House became intent upon the hon. Mr Reeves, who, beginning with a restraint that seemed almost diffidence, presently gave the rein to his desire, and in a speech of most remarkable power held the House in his hands for the space of some 40 minutes. It was a most manly, honest, thorough, and capable utterance that will do him honour for all the time of his political career. He found himself in a most difficult and delicate position, inasmuch as he was pledged to a parby with whom he was not in sympathy, and yet he must be bound by that pledge, and he would vote against the bill. He did not favour prohibition, but restriction; and though he felt that he was jeopardising his political life, he believed it best to state his position without any reservation. It was tho speech of a courageous gentleman and a scholarly politician that will have a foremost place in the history of the social question that is now agitating New Zealand. Mr Fish is now speaking and quoting copiously from Scripture for his purpose. The division may prove pretty close. JOTTINGS. A deputation, consisting of seven members of the House, was to-day introduced by Mr Pinkerton to the Treasurer to ask for a rebate of the duty of £2 per ton upon suchiice as might be used in the manufacture of starch. The Treasurer promised to place a sum upon the Supplementary Estimates for the purpose. At the same meeting the Treasurer stated that tho cement industry would engage the attention of the Government. He at the same time advised Mr Earnshaw that a rebate would not be allowed to the Napier Harbour Board. A return has been ordered showing the amounts of public money spent respectively upon the Auckland, Wellington, Christchuroh, and Dunedia Hospitals. „ Mr Harkness has challenged the Government to lay upon the table the cost under the cooperative system of constructing the Mokihinui section of railway, and show it was not over £4000, whereas it was tendered for at £2017. The gentlemen who acted as land tax reviewers at Whangarei consider themselves hardly treated. They say they were not told their serviceß were to be honorary till they had done work and sent in their claims. Previously, too, they said they had been paid. Mr R. Thompson voiced their complaint. The Colonial Treasurer said he was given to understand the rule was to pay travelling expenses Only. That was what had been done over the greater part of tbe colony, and if the Whangarei request was granted it would have to be general. He; however, was willing to investigate. The Minister for Marine says he has received no complaint whatever as to alleged disorganisation of the lighthouse service. There is, says the Premier, absolutely no truth whatever in the statement that Mr Donkin, who has been sent out to explore the route for the North Island Main Trunk railway line had ; refused to go into the bush with the unexperienced men from the Labour Bureau sent to him from Wellington. The Minister for Agriculture does not think there is any necessity to sot up a further committee to deal with matters relating to dairy produce and the protection of the producers' interest in London. Mr Pinkerfcon was told to wait for the Public Works Statement when he aßked the Government to give £1500 to wipe off the liability incurred in building the new wing to the Dunedin Hospital. j The member for Manukau is responsible fora novel suggestion. In stating his objections to I anything approaching a State bank, he thought it would be a good idea if all members were returned to the House with a rope around) their necks, and if they voted for anything which turned out not to be for the good of the country they should bo taken out and hanged to the nearest lamp-post. This would conduce, he says, to less and better legislation. ► The Native Titles Validation Bill, the profvisions of which I have already advised, has been amended to provide that all certificates granted by a judge under the act shall be laid 'on tbe table of the House, and if there be no objection thereto final validation will be authorised. - Mr Speaker Steward is preparing a bill to give a preferential lien to threshing machine owners over grain threshed by them until the work is paid for. Mr Brick's advocacy of proper accommodation for shearers will also be formulated in a bill to be drafted by the Hon. Mr Steward. Mr O'Conor desires the Government to introduce a bill to exempt improvements up to £250 from local rates. . It is proposed that all police officers at country stations shall act as agents of the Labour Bureau. The afternoon has been wasted by idle niotions of adjournment and sloppy talk on notices. The division list on Sir Robert Stout's bill, if it be reached, will play an important part at the general elections. Many members are unhappy in their consciousness pf the faot. The Hon. W. J. Steward will ask the Government if they intend to put a tax on stud entire horses. ' The Hon. Mr Rolleston presented a petition signed by 1900 residents of Christchurch to-day to the Labour Bills Committee to the effect that there was no necessity for the Shops and Shop Assistants Bill. The original date for bringing the bill into force, January 1894, was adhered to. v The Shipping and Seamen's Bill will probably come before the Labour Bills Committee next week. At a meeting of the Liberal and Labour Election Convention last night, there was some diversity of opinion, and one member is reported to have said that they did not want it to go abroad that any dissension existed in the Liberal party, and that the disputes should be left to the Premier and Sir Robert Stout to settle. At this point the reporters were invited to withdraw. At the railway deputation to-day Mr Earnshaw, as president of the Otago branch, said the railway men are not adverse to an insurance scheme provided it safeguarded their interests or allowed them to remain in it when

dismissed or out of the service. The commissioners' scheme would be a disastrous thing, as it would place the men at the mercy of their immediate foremen. The men felt that the commissioners intended to force a scheme on them during the recess even against the generally expressed wish of the men. Representatives of the brewing trade interests from all parts of the colony are in Wellington, watching the progress of the liquor bills. There was a record demand for tickets to. hear tonight's veto discussion. Mr Martin Kennedy has been elected chairman of the Brewers, Wine and Spirits, and Licensed Victuallers' Association of New Zealand, which has just been formed at a conference at Wellington for the protection of trade ■ interests. The Local Bills Committee have recommended that the Dunedin Garrison Hall Trustees' Empowering Bill be allowed to proceed. THURSDAY, AUGUST 3. In the Legislative Council to - day the Waste Lands Committee brought up an adverse report on the Public Domains Bill. The Magistrates' Court Bill was passed, and the Cheviot County and Ward Conservation of Rights I Bills read a.second time. In the House of Representatives, after the telegraph office closed this morning, the debate' on Sir R. Stout's bill amending the Licensing Act to give the right to a majority of the electors to say whether the number of licenses shall be reduced or increased, or no licenses issued, was continued till nearly 7 o'clock, when the second reading was carried by a majority of 17. Owing to the late sitting the House did -not meet again till the evening, when the Premier gave private members an opportunity of advancing their measures a stage. Twelve local bills speedily passed the second reading, including the Ocean Beach Domain Board Bill and the Riverton Harbour Bill. Mr Fisher then succeeded in getting his measure prohibiting the sale of liquor to children passed, but met with a rebuff on his bill to prohibit brewers owning publiohouses. Three other bills, including the Deceased Husband's Brother Bill, were read a second time, and the Corrupt Practices Act Amendment Bill was committed, but progress was at once reported. SUPPLYING LIOUOB TO CHILDREN. The House went into Committee on the Intoxicating Liquor Supply to Children Bill. The Hon. Mr SEDDON said as the Government intended to bring in a licensing bill, perhaps the hon. gentlemen would not proceed with this bill. Mr FISHER said he would like to proceed another stage with the bill. Clause 2, children not to be supplied with liquor. ' The Hon. Mr SEDDON moved that a penalty not exceeding £10 should apply to any licensed person who "knowingly" allows liquor to be supplied to children. Mr FISHER thought the insertion of the word "knowingly" would render the whole clause nugatory. After some discussion, Mr BUCKLAND moved to report progress on the bill, in order that the clause might be redrafted. Sir R. STOUT suggested that clauses 2 and 3 be omitted from the bill with a view of substituting a provision amending the^ present i licensing law by rendering a publican liable for the supply of liquor to children under the age of 16 years, whether consumed on the premises or not. Mr FISHER explained that as the Government intended to introduce a licensing bill dealing with the whole question, he should hand this bill over to them. Mr Buckland's motion was lost, and the Hon. Mr Seddon's motion to insert tho word "knowingly" was also lost on the voices. Sir R. Stout's amendment was not put from the chair. The remaining clause passed without alteration. The bill was read a third time and passed. HOLDING OF PUBLICHOTJSES BY BBEWEES PROHIBITING BILL. On the motion that the Holding of Publichouses by Brewer 3 Prohibiting Bill be committed, Mr FISH moved an amendment that tho bill be committed that day three months. The amendment was carried by 32 to 19, and the motion for the committal lost. FENCING. Mr BUCKLAND moved the second reading of the Fencing Act 1881 Amendment Bill, to amend the Fencing Act 1881, The bill provided that the time should be extended to six months in which a man should be held liable for fencing after parting with Iris land. It also provided for making legal a now class of fence.— Agreed to. A DULL DAY. After the angry scene of last night's sitting, to-day was the dullest of the session. Members were too done up to take part in much business, as a consequence no committee meetings were held and no business was done in the afternoon, BANKING LEGISLATION. The Government have made no signal as to their proposed banking legislation, which, I feel confident, they contemplate upon the lines indicated prior to the introduction of the Budget. Unless on the unlikely contingency of local financial disturbance, the subject is best left alone at present, especially as it may be assumed in that case the Government are ready to act if necessity arises. All things considered, it looks as if legislation in this direction will not ba proceeded with. There is a decided feeling in the best of quarters for knowing that nothing more will be heard of the matter this session. RESUMPTION OF LAND. The bill to make provision for the compulsory resumption at fair value of private estates for purposes of close settlement is in the printers' hands, and may be expected for the first reading in about a week. I have already described the salient points of the measure. It will provoke some angry discussion, and be denounced by some as confiscation ; but the leader of the Opposition is in accord with the main principles of the bill. THE LIQUOR QUESTION AGAIN. The hope of some respite this evening from the flood of liquor tslk that deluged the House until the breakfast hour this morning was at 9.20 shattered by Mr Fuller and his Intoxicating Liquors Supply to Children Bill, which he got into Committee. .Before the discussion, the Premier was understood to ask that the bill be withdrawn, as the Government intended introducing a licensing bill that would render the bill before the House unnecessary. Mr Fisher did not concur, and there followed a little incident of interest. The Premier proposed an amendment, which Mr Fisher declined to accept, whereupon Sir R. Stout took the clause in hand and suggested an amendment which was accepted and embodied in the bill, which passed through Committee and was read j a third time, Mr Fisher's little bill thus seems

to have a better chance of becoming law than any of the liquor bills before the House. Emboldened by his success, Mr Fisher tried to get his Brewers' Prohibition Bill into Committee; but hon. members took alarm at the possibility of an invasion of the rights of property under the bill, and upon a division the motion was lost ' by a substantial majority. By this time the House had talked of drink until it had become thirsty, and so adjourned for supper. THE RIVERTON HARBOUR BILL. Mr Mackintosh, of Wallace, and his little Riverton Harbour Bill are apparently old familiar' friends of hon. members, judging from the loud approval that greeted them in this their first appearance in, I am told, their fifth session. Then it appeared that members thought the bill a joke until the Premier, in a few well chosen words, suggested that it should pass the second reading, and he would direct the engineer-in-chief to examine and report upon the Riverton harbour. Thea some members, Mr Bruce notably, forcibly urged that the bill contained a most perniciousand dangerous principle, that of a Government concession to a syndicate to construct a public work. CORRUPT PRACTICES. Mr Scobie ' Mackenzie appealed to-night to have his Corrupt Practices Prevention Act Amendment Bill taken for a moment. Sir R. Stout suggested that the Government should take the bill up. It was absolutely necessary something should be done before the next general election. He did not pledge himself to every proposal in Mr Mackenzie's bill, but the Government might do something in its direction, and so stop what has happened at every general election — a gross waste of money, which could not but have An injurious effect. The member for Mount Ida would gladly concur in the suggestion, but the Premier would hold out no hope of the Government taking the bill over.. He, however, had no objection to its being advanced a stage before the House rose. This was accordingly done. DEEP-LEVEL MINING. At the last moment, just as the House was rising, the Premier gave notice that to-morrow he would movo for leave to bring in an amendment to the Mining Act of 1891. It was, he said, a matter of urgency. The hour was too late to get any detailed particulars, but I have learned that the proposed amendment win be in the direction of regulating the working out of claims, and for giving assistance to the prospecting of deep levels. THE PROHIBITION STONEWALL. EXTBAORDINABY SCENE.— FbACAS IN THE Lobbies. Sir Robert Stout has carried out his determination conveyed to me some weeks ago that he would force the House to a division on the liquorquestion. Wary parliamentary tactician.'as he is, he was studiously concise in introducing his Licensing Bill, and his example was followed by those' of the temperance party who succeeded him. Ordinarily they are inclined to be verbose, but in this particular instance they were as concise as their leader, one of the strongest evidences of careful tuition of what; was expected of them. The merest tyro knew that the object was to bring the anticipated stonewall on as speedily as possible. That there was to be a stonewall there was never the slightest possible shadow of doubt about. The adherents of "the trade" party had pricked off the card and found that there were 37 for and 33 against Sir Robert Stout, giving a small majority of four for the bill in an available House of 72 memberst. The Colonial Treasurer and Sir G. Grey would certainly be absent, and the Auckland and Thames seats were, for practical purposes, vacant ; thus every available vote was accounted for. And with such a small number as four to take into account it was felt on both sides that the result must rest with the party exhibiting the better staying power in the small hours. At a quarter to 10 Sir Robert rose to-. seize the opportunity to reply,' but Mr Fish was the quicker mover, and with the request that the member for Inangahua would restrain himself while he (the member for Dunedin) said a few words, he proceeded to lay down 11 points, each and every one of which he said he intended to elaborate. And he did not belie his promise. Hour after hour he plodded away, quoting, commenting, and condemning. So anxious was he that not one word should be lost, that after reading about' a column extract, and seeing a member' enter, read that extract again, in order that the " hon. member might be fully acquainted with the subject." Midnight found *J the trade " party near the Speaker's chair, amongst whom were Messrs Moss Davis and Kidd, alert^and following every move. The -temperance party wore as thoroughly determined to show they were ready for anything, and, as a sign of contempt, coolly made ready to camp for the night. ' A small knot of prohibitionists in the Speaker's gallery, amongst whom were the Rev. Mr Walker and other well-known advocates, stretched them-

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selves out in the ohairs. Sir Robert Stout sat, with folded arms, watchful, but around him lay, prone upon their aeats, his lieutenants, wrapped in overcoats and rugs, with travelling - caps pulled over their ears. They Blept and snored the sleep of the faithful. So snug were, they that there was sound common sense in the suggeation that they should hoist their hats on their sticks as a sign there was a vote, tucked away beneath, and so avoid a repetition of the counts, whioh came about every half-hour. ■ At 2 o'clock it was evident Mr Fish's throat would not stand the, strain muoh/longer, and when he turned to Mr Swan and asked that gentleman if he was ready to follow there were cries of " Question ! " from thfe watchful, "Oh," said the member for Dunedin, " that was not going to disconcert him." The Premier had once stood upon ths floor of the House for two hours- without saying a word, and bo would he (Mr Fish) if occasion required. Then Me Fergus suggested a ten minutes' adjournment' to see if a compromise could nob be effected. Neither com- 1 batant, however, would hear of this, and ten minutes later the prohibition party carried a resolution to clear the galleries, and for reporters, including the Hansard men, to withdraw. At 2.35, just as Mr Fish had commenced to quote from a gilt-edged Bible, his voice gave out. He had accomplished his part of the Mr Swan followed, and with slow deliberation saved bis voice, treating the House to a full page supplement of a newspaper report on the prohibition States of America.. Mr Swan was slow, but he was sure, and talked on till 4.43. Then Mr Buckland took up the running. His vehemence roused the sleeping prohibitionists, who had long before consumed the whole of Bellamy's stock of coffee, tea, and soup. Crpssfng over the House Mr Joyce sat himself just 'beneath the member for Manukau, the better to keep up the fire of interjection. Mr Buckland appealed to Mr Guinness, who had relieved the Speaker for* nap, for protection, but th&Chairman of.Cbmmifctees was drowsing, go the 'member for Manukau said he must protect himself, and none knew better than he how to do this. Thenceforward the debate got angrier, and word? which never by any ' chance get into Hansard were pretty freely used. Mr Dawson followed Mr Buckland, and kept.up the blockade till just before 7. It then ended, the galleries were reopened by the prohibitionist vote so that Sir Roberts reply of three, minutes might Be recorded, and at 7 o'clock «he long-staved-off division togk place,- Sir Robert .winning by 26 to 9. The following is the division list ;— . , ■ Ates (26). Messrs Brace N Messrs M'Lean - Buiok Meredith Garnfirora ™?? re Duncan °° 1 jn P r Earnsbaw £' nl !if t( i n > -Guinness - Sandford Hall-Jono? Saunders Harkness §S dd , ol \ .„. ' Houston W. O. Smith W. Hutchison^ Stout -*" Joyce " r ' Tanner , J.Kelly lajlor M'Guire ~- K. Thompson. Noes (9): Messrs Buckland ~ Messrs Lawry Dawson ', ' ' Rolleston Fish ' ■ ' * Swan Fraser " T. Thompson. • ' Wholly " • • Paths. For the BUI. • '■' Against the Bui. Messrs G. Hutohison . Messrs Taipua , ■ J.^TKenzie ' R»?l ell - r A. D.Willis Wilson , MitchelsoisNewman -• - Shera 'M. J. S, Mackenzie /. C. H. Mills • Jackson Palmer G. F. Richardson J." Mills . Mackintosh -HoKg W. P. Reeves ■ • Hall . Xapa ? - ' . «.' Fisher Lake Duthie . Rhodes ' T; Mackenzie Valentine ' Buchanan j Blake Wright Grey. « Then took place an angry scene—almost a riot— over the readmission of the reporters to record Sir Robert Stout's speech of attack on the anti-prohibitionists, while they had been gagged.' Mr Fish denounced it as monstrous, and told the Premier he would help him to fight the knight ,of .Inangahua. Colonel Fraser, though less fierce, 'was quite as condemnatory, as was also Mr Buckland; ' Mr Fish hurled accusations across the floor at Sir Robert, who left as soon as he had made his reply. "The stormy scene Tras carried into the lobbies by one of the leading anti-prohibition-ists from the south, who used strong language to one of the Opposition whips, who gave him a ' shove.' This gentleman was then at boiling point, and this caused him to boil over. He divested himself of his coat, and horr. members squared up to each other in Marquis of Queensberry stylfe. Friends rushed in to part them and drag themaway, and this they succeeded in doing ; but another instant's delay in intervention and there would have been a fight in the lobbies, Many members do not anticipate the, bill will get much further than committee this session. Certainly every block will be placed iujts way, and it will be even more fiercely fought there. 1 NATIVE LAND LEGISLATION. Thb MAjob Biix.,— Peaceful Conquest. — Phobable Settlement op Native TebbiTOBY.— A CoitPBEIIENSIVE MEASURE. • The lucid and comprehensive description whioh the Hon. Mr Carroll gave to me early in the session of the proposed legislation of the Government upon the Native and Native lands questions, and which T fully reported at the time, is now formulated in the last and nrst important bit! of the series. This is the measure that was alluded to in the interview as '" the major bi 1," and the scope and importance ■ of its general provisions I then described. As ■dV settled, it is entitled "The Native Land Purchase and Land Acquisition -Act of 1893^' and sets out in its preamble that it is designed for the purpose of facilitating the acquisition of the surplus lands of the Natives for settlement purposes. > The bill provides for the appointment of a board of administration, which will consist of five persons, of whom three shall be Europeans and two Maoris. Lands as required will be described by proclamation, whereupon the Governor-in-Councjl will be veited with authority to acquire lands as hereditaments within the areas so proclaimed which covers Native lands 'under any class of title, original or otherwise. When it i 3 made plain that any land within a proclaimed area is .required, for •settlement the board will report as to its character and suitability and appoint impartial persons as valuers, and their valuation or that of any two of them shall be deemed to be the value of the land as fixed by the board. The report otftheboardbeingapproved, the Governor-in-Oouncil will require the owners of the land to decide within not less than six months from publicationof a notice in the Gazette either to tel to the Government at the valuation determined or consent that the lands may be occupied under the provisions of .the. Land Aot of. 1892: Thedecision of thaHativeownera i willbe macfe binding irrespective of lega]^ disability if matte >by a majority in value when lnaiy!dn%l interest hm been ascertained, and where other-

wise then by a majority of the owners of the land. If the owners eleot to sell the Governor- i in-Counoil may declare the land vested ia the I Crown free from all encumbrances, and subjeot to certain trusts in the interests of the Native - owners and their heirs. 16 may be disposed of under the Land Act of 1892. If the owners elect to lease, the board will take a' valuation of sufficient land to cover the cost of survey and for necessary roads, and such areas shall be deducted from the area vested in the Crown, which may then be leased under the Land Act of 1892- in the same manner as Crown lands. The rates and taxes will be defrayed by the. tenants, and the income payable to the Native owners shall not be subject to the Land and Income Tax of 1891. , The above provisions apply to Native landd held by hereditary title. la the case of Native lands otherwise held, the Crown will direct the Native Court to ascertain the title thereto, when the provisions of the act will similarly apply, the Native owners being required to pay the costs and charges of inquiry. No land is to be acquired under the act on wLich a pah, native village, or native cultivation exists, but land sown with grass will not be deemed Native cultivation. Provision is made for reservation by the Crown of sufficient land for the maintenance of the . Natives, and tha value of such land will be deduoted from the purchase money, or the Governor may in lieu thereof, reserve a sufficient area of Crown lands. A sufficient area for each individual is deemed to be 25 -acres of first-class land, or 50 acres of second-class land, or 100 acres of paßtoral-land. Lands thus reserved may be vested in the Natives .concerned subjecb to restrictions, or 'may be vested in an} corporate body having by law the duty of administering Native reserves for the benefit of the Natives entitled for any period during which the lands reserved for settlement remain unoccupied. The Native owners shall ba entitled to interest at 4- per cent, on the value of the laud. Such charge shall ba recoverable from out of the rents of the land when let, 'or from out of the purchase money if sold. As to the'proceeds of the capital sums paid for the land, the Governor may direct that a sum not exceeding' one-half may ba paid to the Public Trustee, to be held and applied both as to capital and income in the interest of the vendors as the Givernor may direct. The Native Land on being required to do so will decide the relative rights of the persons entitled. Money payable to persons under disability will be paid to the Public Trustee who will deal with it in their interest. For 1 the purposes of the act a Native over 17 years shall be deemed to be of fnll age. The consent of any person not being a Native shall not be necessary to the validity, of an election, bat such person *hall be entitled to be paid the value of his interest, and in case of a difference as to the value, the question will.be settled by a judge of the Supreme Court. If any person refuses to receive the money payable to him or m»kes no application f»r the payment thereof within 12 months, or if the person entitled is unknown or absent from the colony, such money may be paid to the Public Trustee, who may invest it. Such money, or any income arising therefrooi, may be paid to any person whom a judge of the Native Land Court may decide to be entitled. The Government take? the right before all other persons to purchase any Native land or hereditaments outside any proclaimed area, and if the Native owners of such land desire .to sell or lease it they shall offer the same to the board, stating the amount per acre required for such land in fee simple or the annual rental per acre, and if the board declines to accept the offer the Native owners may, with the consent of the board, dispose of the land so offered for lease to any person whomsoever. If an offer of. the land is accepted by the board all the provisions of the act, shall. apply to the land' comprised in Buch offer as if the land was situated within a proclaimed area. , JOTTINGS. The word with a big initial letter, which the captain of "H.M.S. Pinafore" said he never used, was frequently employed in the latter stages of the prohibition stonewall while the Acting-Speaker slumbered -'and slept* The adjectives when the coat was off in the lobbies were sanguinaryand sultry,' and the invitations to adjourn to the bank yard frequent. Sir Robert Stout's Licensing Bill has been committed for Wednesday, the 9th inst. After the all-night sitting, Mr Buckland spent the morning judging at the poultry show. Mr Robert Thompson thinks the colony has tooonany local bodies, and he thought it would be a pity to increase the number by passing the Egmont County BUI, the second reading of which, however, was passed. The Taranaki Relief Fund Distribution Bill has passed its second reading. Its object is to .hand over what remains of the fund to local • bodies in the vicinity of Mount Egmont for the purpose of making scenery more accessible for tourists. , Said Sir R. Stout on the liquor question :— " In England and Canada this has been made a Government question, and it was occupying the best minds of the best countries of the world. New Zealand was fitly aroused as to its impoitance." Sir Robert knew, for he had been so deluged with resolutions, letters, and telegrams upon the subject that he could not even acknowledge them. When previously he had moved a resolution in the House upon the side of temperance he had been defeated- by 36 to 26, and of that majority 17 were yet members of the House, and of the minority 8 survived. She bill did not affirm any new principles. It was the referendum, and the Swiss referendum had been urged by Lord Salisbury to determine Home Rule; and in that House to decide the woman's franchise. As to his limit of one hotel to every 750 persons, he pointed out that in Victoria it was one licensed house to every 2bO persons up to 1000, and one to every 500 thereafter. "Do you wish," said he, •••this thing to remain a burning question continually—that a man's passport to the House shall be license or no license ? " A Minister of the Ctavn crystallised his view of reciprocity and federation to me thus : " I prefer freedom to free oats." Ministers now employ as a formula in reply to a certain class of questions, "The hon. member will be advised when the Public Works Statement is presented to the House." It is an unsatisfying form of reply that stimulates the desire to know when the distribution of the spoil will take place. So far as I can learn, Jupiter himselfvhas not yet decided upon the division or the time for announcing it. More business was got through during the last hour of v to-night's sitting than on many previous days. Many members who had bills upon the Order Paper lost their chance of bringing them on through going home half an hour earlier than usual, not thinking their legislative p;oposals would come on for days. FRIDAY, AUGUST 4. ' fc In. the Legislative. Council to • day the Otago Harbour Board Empowering Bill was referred to a select committee, i Th« Cheviot County and Ward Conservation of Rights Bills were passed. In the House of Representatives to • day

the Premier brought down his Mining Act Amendment Bill, but after debate agreed to strike out. the clauses whioh authorised the making 1 of advances for deep level mining, and the bill was passed with only one clause providing that claims shall not be invalidated by reason of disseveranca by a river, &c. The Electoral Bill was then considered in Committee and was still under consideration when the telegraph office closed at 2 a m. > PRIVILEGE.. Mr TAYLOR brought up a question of privilege. He said he had received a telegram from the secretary of the Licensed Victuallers' Association of Christchurch, as follows:— "Disgusted with your conduct and disregard hace loßt all chance of ever being returned again." The SPEAKER ruled this was not a breach of privilege. It might have' been so if the telegram had been received prior to Mr Taylor recording his vote on the bill. replies t:o questions. ' ?' Replying to Mr Taylor, why some of the volunteer companies in and around Christchurch have received capitation allowance and' some have not, The Hon. R. J. SEDDON said the capitation allowance was based upon the number of. parades, &c. that companies attended. He had been as liberal as possible iv this respect, and had gone further than the regulations allowed. Replying to Mr Duncan, The Hon. W. P. REEVES said if any fresh agents of the Labour Bureau in the country were considered necessary they would be appointed. There were already 200 agents of the bureau, and 196 of these were outside cities. Replying to the Hon. Mr Rolleston, The Hon. Mr REEVES said the Government would be glad to consider the advisableness of providing by enactment that chairmen of caunty councils should ba ex officio justices of the peace for their term of office, in the same way as mayors of boroughs. Replying to Mr Fish, Tae Hon. Mr SEDDON said the Government were not aware that there was any truth whatever in the report that appeared in the Hawera and Normanby Star to the effect that men working on the Government co-operative works were some of them making from 15j to £1 per day and that men had lefo 9i per diy to gj on those works. THE-MININO ACT. - The Hon. Mr* SEDDON moved the second reading of the Mining Acb Amendment Bill. He said the bill was brought in to remedy certain defects in the existing law. He thought all would admit that the time had arrived when more assistance should be given towards the development and prospecting of the lower levels of ,the Thames, Keefton, and Otago. Under the present law there was no power to do this, and they were six or seven years behind the other colonies in this respect. Large sums of money -were expended in the other colonies to assist companies—in Ballarat, Castlemaine, and other places— and no le3S than £80,000 had been expended by the Victorian Government in one year with this object, whilst large sums were also expended by New South Wales in the same direction. AU the present bill proposed to do was to advance one-fourth. the total amount that may be expended by any prospecting association or company, and the advance must bemade out of money appropriated by Parliament fur .the purpose, which he thought was a good safeguard. If something were not done towards prospecting the lower levels of the Thames, they would see that a large number of the population would leave that district, and the mining industry would languish. .Clause^ 5 -was a matter of urgency, and provided that titles to any speoial, claim or licensed holdings should not be deemed invalid because of .its being dissevered by roads, rivers, or watercourses, &o. The Hon. -Mr ROLLESTON said this was the most extraordinary bill that had come before them, and it was one" of the most objectionable character. It was evidently an ' electioneering trick, and must • have been brought down to prevent the Electoral Bill being reached. He saw no reason whatever for passing a bill of this kind, subsidising private enterprise before they had the Public Works ■ Statement before them. There was no/ urgency whatever in this case, and he thought the House would refuse to pass a .bill of this kind. The Government ' were going to make themselves huge pawnshops for the benefit of certain goldfields constituencies. The clause that Mr Seddon stated was a matter of urgency was a most dangerous one, and introduced retrospective legislation. The bill, hi thought should go through very careful scrutiny, not only by the Goldfields Committee, but by the House generally, and he resented' the proposal to expend the money of the taxpayers in such a profligate manner. Mr WRIGHT considered the bill was very dangerous, and under it the Minister for Mines would be able to advance £4000 on the security of the machinery and plant of mines. However,* the bill was to go, before the Goldfields Committee, and no doubt it would receive careful consideration. Mr TAYLOR said if the Government were going to' spend thousands of pounds in developing'the gold mining industry^ ether industries would also claim consideration, He denied that there was any urgency at all , in the matter. l Mr BUGKLAND thought the urgency of the Bill had arisen very suddt nly. Urgency was no doubt due to the recent election in the Thames, and the Government" were anxious to show the new member for that district what they were going to do for »t. He objected altogether to the power proposed to be given to the Government by this bill. The Hon. J. M'KENZIE was net at all astonished at v Mr Rolleston objecting to this bill, as he objected to all bills emanating from the Government. The- Government, however, had responsibility in this matter. Section 5 affected the right 3of many people who held land under leases from the Crown, and who, after having spent thousands of pounds upon their properties, would probably come upon the Government for compensation if their claims were jumped. The Hon. Mr ROLLESTON asked whether the Government would pa9sthe clause and drop the other portion of the bill. Mr ALLEN understood that clause 5 was urgent, and if the Minister for Lands' contention were correct no doubt there was some reason for that clause. As regards the other part of the bill, however, there could be no urgency whatever, and he hoped Mr Rolleston's suggestion would be adopted. The Hon. Mr SEDDON said he considered clause 5 so urgent that he would be prepared in Committee to strike out the clauses relating to advances, and pass the latter portion of the bill through all its stages. He then moved that the House go into Committee on the bill. The Hon Mr ROLLESTON said the Premier promised to refer the bill to the Goldflelds Committee, and he hoped that would be done. Mr GUINNESS said that the Premier referred to ths whole bill. The motion for committal was oarried by 27 to 22,

MINING. The House- went into Committee on the Mining Apt Amendment Bill. Clauses Z, 3 and 4, authorising advances for developing lower levels, were struck out on the Hon. Mr Seddon's motion. Clause. s, claims not deemed invalid by reason of. disseverance by river, &o , or water course, elicited a lengthy discussion, but was finally, passed with a Blight amendment. The remaining clauses were struck out. The Bill- was read a third time and passed. ■ '-, - l THE/ELECTORAL BILL was further considered in Committee. , Clause 13, claim, for transfer to another district or change of residence, Mr FISH moved that the term for whioh a person may reside, in a new district before he can transfer, his name to the electoral roll should be three months instead of one month. A lengthy, discussion ensued, and Mr Fish finally withdrew his. amendment. Mr .T» MACKENZIE (Clutha) then moved the same amendment, which was lost by 33 to .18, and the clause, passed without alteration. Clause 20, formatian of new roll. A lengthy debate ensued on the 'question of. purging the rolls and -the issue of electoral rights as suggested v by Sir R. Stout. , The clause was finally passed without amendment, i Clause 54-, roll to be open for inspection. Mr BUCHANAN moved that the electoral roll should- be -open for inspection every day, .during office ho"ura, instead of two days only.— Agreed, to. ; '. ; , Clause 59; seamen and commercial travellers to make a. declaration and claim for electoral right. .-' f ■ Mr J. KELLY moved to include shearers in this clause.';- * Mr FISH, opposed the amendment. Mr R. THOMPSON said if this amendment were carried he should be prepared to move thnt all bushmen be included. The Hon.' MrSEDDON asked the Committee not to agree to the amendment, as they would have to include cooperative men and others. Mr J. KELLY said during the past session hundreds of shearers were unable to vote owing to the election being held when they could not attend to register their votes. Mr Kelly's amendment to imert shearers was lostby26tol7. . • Mr KELLY then moved to strike out the wordj " commerciiUtrivellers " from the clause. Mr FISH hoped thesi words would not be struck out. Commercial travellers, were au intelligent body of .men, and they had as much right to vote' as seamen. Mr TANNER supported the amendment. , Mr E. M. SliiTH. asked the House not to make itself a laughing stock by undoing what they did last session. ~Mr CIRNCROSS would vote for thd amendment, as he considered shearers had as muchright to the franchise, and they bad rofiwed it to them. He knew commercial travellers were an intelligent body, of men, but they should not make distinctions ' between them and other classes. ' The Hon. Mr SEDpON said a good case had been made out for commercial travellers, many of whom had' property, and who were differently situated from • shearers. Last year the franchise had been given, to them almost unanimously.' . Mr EARNSHAW;Baid it was quite re freshing to hear the Premier dfifending property. They were told at the beginning ok the session that the policy of the present Government, was to be the <same as the late. Government, which had included shearers in the bill. The more they saw of this session the more they were convinced that ; there was a pseudo-Libsralism in the' House. \ • The Hon; Mr SEDDON warned the Committee that they were endangering the passage of-the bill in the Council if they inserted the amendment. ' Mr T. MACKENZIE (Clutha) said the Premier was raising a bogey in this matter. ,Why, the' Upper House was not the same this year' as it was last year, since the Government bad put 12 apostles into it. Mr 6<fddon posed ~as a Liberal,' and- yet he wished to give .the j electoral rights to commercial travellers because they possessed.prqpertyi whilst he refused them to shearers who had ,no, property. - There were .thousands of shearers who would not be able to .exercise theirvotes if an election were held in November. Mr EARNSHAW had no wish to misrepresent'the Premier,- but" a Liberal Government should be genuine in this matter, and give shearers the electoral right as well as travellers. He felt strongly the necessity for passing the Electoral Bill 'and female franchise, but they would see later on whether tho Government were sincere in, their desire to piss the ftmale franchise. Mr FISH deprec ited the unfair attack made on the Premier by the member for Peninsula. That hon. gentleman, if he had his way, would sweep away all property, and he (Mr Fish) commended the Premier for the stand he had taken over this matter. The Hon. Mr v SEDDON pointed out that their late chief promised commercial travellers electoral rights, and it was inserted in the last year's bill. He was simply carrying out the policy of the late Government in this respect. Mr PINKBRTON supported the amendment. Mr CARNCROSS recognised that the Premier was "doing his best to pass a good bill, but in this instance' he thought he was raising a bogey when he said they should not make certain ioneDdtnentß in the bill for fear of the Upper House rejecting it. . ~ Sir R. STOUT said he hoped the Committee would come to a decision in this matter. He was in favour of both shearers and commercial travellers having voteßj but he should vote for the amendment in order that the bill might be recommitted, and commercial travellers and shearers inserted. - Mr. TANNER referred to the inconsistency of human nature,' and said members who professed to support the bill were proposing amendments which wrecked it last year. The Hon Mr ROLLESTON said it was the Premier -who wrecked' the bill last year. The Hon. Mr SEDDON resented that remark, and said that it -was those members in the Upper House who belonged to Mr Rolleston's party who wretked.the bill* -Mr Kelly's amendment was lost by 28 to 20, and commercial travellers retained in the bill. Clause 95 deposit by candidates. Sir R. STOUT eaicj he had always, opposed this clause, and he should vote against it now. — Clause retained by 35 to 9. Cl use 83, rclilin» to tte houTS of polling, caused a lot of discussion. Several amendments were proposed, and eventually it was decided that polling booths 'should finally close ~at 6 o'clock, except in the electorates enumerated in. the schrdule tf the present act, which' shall close at 7 o'clook. Mr Buckland moved that clause 102 be struck out/his object being to abolish triple voting in city electorates. The amendment was lost by 23 to 17, and the clause retained. When clause 109 was'reached, progress was reported, and the House rose at 2.45 a.m. " THE LICENSING BILL. , ' Sir R. Stout's bill is the order of the day for Wednesday, and Lam able to say that he and hi foUowip^ are prepared to again "go home

with the milk" on a Thursday morning i necessary. It looks as if the bill would go through, and the knight is determinedthat it shall. I cannot understand how -the, Govern^ ment have come to give him such a place on the Order Paper, since they are now pledged to legislate themselves on the question. KJi* fc '* going to happen in the face of such a declaration should Sir Robert carry his ; bill : next Wednesday, which seems ljkely-?'. W.ifl the Government treat it as a substantial declaration by the House of want of confidence, and if not, how can they deny the actual leadership of the temperance champion? If wilt be J an interesting situation, and jserohance 'pregnant with swift-coming change. . Political events ■ may march quickly presently. " ~l>>-\> r "'- When his Licensing Bill is, in Committee on • Wednesday next Sir Robert Stout will move— "That where the total votes in favour of non--licensing being granted and of tho's number of licenses being reduced shall exceed the number of other votes given, then the determination shall be deemed to be' that the number of licen6es shall be reduced." ' ' .DAIRY PRODUCE. : Mr M'Guire will on Wednesday move that a committee be appointed, consisting of 10 members, to consider all matters pertaining ta the , classification of butter and cheese ; the necessity 6f appointing an expert to report and look, after the dairy produce and protect fthep ! producers' . interest in London; the committee to have power to call for persons, papers, and records ; three tdfce a quorum ; the committee to consist of the Hons. J. M'Kenzie and G. F., Rieb.ar.dson, Messrs Fisher, Houston, - Lawiy, -R. Thompson, Valentine, T. Mackenzie, ■ Moore, . and the mover. ' , .. \ •