WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2.

Otago Witness, Issue 2209, 2 July 1896, Page 21

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2.

;jn the Legislative Oounoll to - day the imprest Supply Bill was passed through all gages. The Becond reading 0 J the bill dealing smn the subject of dehorning cattle was carried, pug the Hon. Mr Bolt was not so successful fritfo the Divorce Bill he had charge of, as the {potion for the second reading waß lost. DEHOHNINQ CATTLB. *the Hon. MrSHRIMSKI moved the second feading of the Police Offences Act Amendment Bill, a measure designed to prevent the de-fcc-rning of cattle by any painful operation. The Hon. Q. JONES was opposed to the bill, and quoted extraoti from a medioal work to prove thai; the operation might be made ifclmosb painlesi, and that tbe dehorning ef 'cattle was necessary for the protection of the animals themselves. j . The Hon. Mr PHARAZYN alro opposed the ! till,' and moved that it be read six mouths ' nence. The Hon. Mr BOLT strongly supported the jbill, and characterised the practice of dehorning as both cmel and useless. He also thoroughly disapproved of the cropping of e»ra and docking of the tails, or other mutilations of any other dumb animals. . The-Hon. W. C. WALKER said that a consensus of opinion was that the operation was a short one and not cruel. G*t>cle suffered little or no. nervous shock, tbe animals operated upon throve better after having been dehorned. He trusted the bill would bo allowed to go to the' . Stock Committee for consideration. The Hon. Mr PHARAZYN therenpon withdrew his amendment, ana after further discussion the bill was road a second time and referred to the Stock Committee. DIVOHOB. The Hon.' Mr BOLT, in moving the second reading of the Divorce Bill, said that the mea'inre was similar to that introduced by the Hon. Mr MacGregor in 1894, and was also similar to the Divorce Acts now in force iv Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, where the benefiolal effects of the measure had been testified to by the press and tbe judicuries of thoto colonies. The bill aimed at mating out even handed justice to men and women in reference to the marriage law. After some discussion the question was put, and Ihe seoond reading was rejected by 16 votes to 13. In the.House of Representatives to - day the whole afternoon was takeu up in replying to questions. In the evening, the Domestic Servants' Halfholiday Bill passed its second reading, and Mr Milla again succeeded in getting his bill to amend the Criminal Code Act, so as to admit of a new trial in tbe case of Louis Chemis, past lhe second-reading t>tage. Mr Heko's Native Right* Bill, to give home rule to the Maoris, was rejected. BBPLIES TO QUESTIONS. Replying to Mr O'Rsgan, The Hon. Mr SEDDONsaid a bill would be - brougUj;.,down.^dealing with electoral reform. ' An dpportunity^buld'lheri he given to move in the 'direction of disallowing- plumper votes at elections. -. „ .. ';. . Replying to Mr BuiSk, The Hon. J. MJKENZIE said New Zealand flax was already well known in EogLmd, bat the Agent-general'wciiitd be"asked to find out whether the quality of the flax was Buffic'ejjtly known. Replying to Mr M'Nab, The Hon. Mr SEDDON said it behoved the Government to be very careful in dealing with the settlement of old soldiers' claim*, aad not to jive land to people cob entitled to it. Replying to Mr M'Guire, The Hon. J. M'KENZIE said the reason why notice has 'been served on Sheep Inspector ' Munro is because'he wan getting up in years, and it was desirable to obtain the services oE a younger man. Replying to Mr Joyce. The Hon. J. M'KBNZIH regretted he could not comply with the request to grant to a corporation ajierpetual lease of Quail Island for a naval and mercantile marine school. Replying to Mr Pirani, whether it is true that the Government Insurance Commissioner has signified his intention of ceasing to employ medical men who have graduated in New Zealand aud who have obtained their degrees in New Zealand, The Hon. Mr SEDDON said it was true, as the department always endeavoured to get the best medical talent available. It was Dr O*hilF« duty as medical officer to advise the department to get the best available men, and be (Mr Seddon) considered this step was in the best interests of the department. Replying to Mr Joyce, The Hon. Mr SEDDON said that all companies having more than seven Aareholders should, he thought, be subject to a-Government audit, the same as Government institutions. Replying to Mr Joyce, Toe Hon. Mr HALL-JONES said the Government could not agree to indicate to New South Wiles its appreciation of the remission of import duties on produce of New Zealand exported to that oolony by reducing the light dues on New South Wales-owned vessels. .It would give £2000 to shipping companies in light dues aud would do no good to the trade. Replying to Mr O'Re«an/ The Hon. J. M'KENZIE said a bill would be brought in dealing with noxious weeds, and the question of the spread of blackberries could be considered in that bill. . > > Replying to Mr Hogg,, The Hon. J. M'KENZIE said he should look into the matter of including in the sheep returns the areas occupied and the number of ■„ hands employed. Raplying to Mr Maslin, whether the Minister for Railways will provide that where the full cost of school excuriion trains are guaranteed » refund of 5 per cent, shall be made to the guarantors towards defraying the cost of promoting auoh excursion, or the amount paid over to the Railway department in excess of thesum guaranteed, * The Hon. Mr CADMAN said great concesBions had already bees made by the department and he had to consider the oolony as a whole. In many instances passengers were now carried'at a great lois. v Replying to Mr Massey, whether the Government fchis session will amend the Public Sohool Teachers' Court of Appeal Aot in the direction of making it apply to cases where teachers have received notice, as well as case? of instantaneous dismissal, > The Hon. W. HALL-JONES said the matter was now uniler the consideration of the Education department. Replying to Dr Newman, * SFae Hon. T. THOMPSON said ifc was proposed to increase tbe number of commissioned officers in the Permanent Forces. Replying to Mr G. J. Smith, whether the jMiniiter for Lands has considered the advisability of extending the provisions of the (Advances to Settlers Act so as to enable adV»nO6l to be obtained on all ohuien of nronerfcv

whether situate within the boundaries of a city or pot, The Hon. J. M'KENZIE Baid a bill would be brought down, and this matter would be considered. Replying to Mr Oarnoross, whether the Government will return the valuation fees paid by applicants for loans under " The Advances to Settlers Aot 189* " iv those cases where the security was reported upon as 'sufficient and the board refused to make tho advances applied for, The Hon. J. M'KENZIE said it would be impossible to return the fees paid at present. The matter, however, would bo considered by the Government. Replying to Mr Meredith, The Hon. J. M'KENZIE said the Government would ask the Agent-general to get a report made on the cultivation and manufacture of the flax at Belfast and other seats of the flax industry in the Home country, and get it sent to the oolony as early as possible. Replying to Mr Duthio, whether the Minister for Lands will say whether the Sir Walter Bailor gazetted ,on May 27 lasfc to- the commission of peaoe is the same Sir Walter Bailer ' whom he denounced last session as being guilty of assisting to rob the Natives, and who he said ought then to be in gaol for suoh dealings ; and if it is the same person, doss the Minister now admit that he then spoke in error ? The Hon. J. M'KENZIE said be did not admit that he spoke in error. He again maintained he spoke the truth, and the commission set up proved he was correcb. He might say Sir W. Buller was a justice of the peace previous to this, and he was regazefcted. He should advise Mr Duthie to ask Sir W. Buller to resign as the Government might have to strike him off the roll. The Hon. Mr SEDDON said this would be dealt with in the Electoral Bill this session. Replying to Mr O'Regan, .who asked the Premier if, in the face of a Ministerial statement during the recess that the license tax on commercial travellers from beyond the colony is a reprisal on those colonies which levied duties on New Zealand imports, he is in favour of exempting from the tax commercial travellers from New South Wales, an that colony had now adopted a policy of Freetrade, muoh to the advantage of New Zealand, The Hon. Mr SEDDON said Freetrade had nothing to do with the matter. The tax had been put on so as to put outside traders and our own merchants on an equality as regards business. Roplying to Mr M'Laohkn, whether the Premier will introduce a bill defining the I position of foreign companies trading in New Zealand so that, when bankruptcy occurs, estate* held iv New Zealand will be distributed amongst the New Zealand creditors, The Hon. Mr SEDDON said he had promised last session to bring in a bill to protect creditors in tbis colony, but it was a difficult matter, i. and would require to bo very carefully dealt with. HAt,F-WOLIDAY FOB SERVANTS. Mr J. W. KELLY moved the second reading of the Domestic Servants' Half-holiday Bill, to eeoare 4 weekly half- holiday for domestic servants. He contended that the bill was a neces- [ B»ry one, although he admitted that many nvmbers. objected to State- interference in matters of this kind. The State had, however, already interred in this way by passing the Shop Hoars Bill, Factories Bill, and other measures. -..He-felt sure it could be proved -that a | large majority of domestic servants were compelled to work 12 to 14 and 16 hours per day, and he thought that should ba altered. Clause 3 provided that the half-holiday should be from 3 in the- afternoon, and clause 4 the day on which the half -holiday should be kept. ; The Hon. Mr SEDDON believed that no class in the oolony were worked so hard as domestic servants, but if they attempted to legislate in this direction they could make some improvement. It was not right to deny to domestic servants the same rights as were given to girls in factories, aud ha hoped employors would regard matters in the right ■spirit. He did not know whether ib would be wise to fix a day for the half-holiday for servants, and he thought they might leave that to be fixed by mutual agreement. He should support the bill. Mr R. THOMPSON wanted to know whether servant girls as a body aeked for thia bill. — (Mr Kelly : " Yes.") He thought there was no evidence of thai, and felt ifc would not do servant girls any good whatever. There was such a scarcity of domestic servants in his own distriot that if a good servant left her place half a dozen people wanted to secure her services. He did not think the bill would do any geod.

Mr G. J. SMITH felt that some provision should be made to regulate the hours of .labour of domestic servants, but he agreed with the Premier that the day for the half-holiday should be optional. He had much pleasure in BupDorfcing the bill. Mr HOGG was glad to find the domestic servants of the oolony had so many champions in the Houee. He thought at the same time ib. was a libel on the women of the colony to say they treated their domestic servants badly. He agreed with Mr Fiatman that the half-holiday should be given to domestic servants from 1 o'olock, but thought the bill .should also apply to male servants.

Mr T. MACKENZIE thought if they made it a whole day they would confer some benefit on domestic servants. He considered Messrs Flatman and Hogg wanted to defeat what was a very excellent measure. It was to ba regretted tbat domestic servica was not a favourite one with the young girls of this colony, who preferred factory and dressmaking work, although the mise&ble pittance paid tor the latter work was not sufficient to keep soul and body together. Tha motion was agreed to. THE CHEMIS CASE.

Mr MILLS moved the second reading of the Criminal Code Act Amendment Bill, and said he had once more to appeal to the generosity of members to vote for it. He explained that the bill gave power to allow any persons convicted of a crime ti appeal for a new trial. It specially applied to the case of Louis Chemis, who was confined in gaol for the last six years for the murder of Mr Hawkins, of Kaiwarra, but who, he (Mr Mills) believed, had no more right to ba in gaol than he himself had. He-spoke on the whole question at some length, and said Chemis was oonvioted purely on cironmstantioi evidence. There was some widespread doubt as to his guilt. The Hon. Mr SEDDON said the House would know he had hitherto opposed the passing of this bill on the grounds that the evidence available at the time of the trial was not available now owing to the length of time that elapsed. He need 6carcely refer to what occurred in the Deau case in Sydney, when, owing to popular clamour, Dean was released, and afterwards found to have been guilty of the orime. That, of course, was, against a new trial being granted to Chemis, but there was no olamour here in favour of Chemis. Believing, however, the Legislature were favourable to a new trial being given to Chemis, and knowing that at the time of the trial he did not have proper legal assistance owing to the death of his counsel he thought a new trial might tend to a solution of the difficulty. If » new trial were to

take place it could only mean whether Chemis would be set at liberty or remain in gaol. He should not oppose the bill. Mr PIRANI thought the Premier was going to announce to the House that the Government were going to grant Chemis a free pardon. That was the only logical outcome of the difficulty in which the Government were placed. He hoped that the result would be, if a new trial were granted, that it would set tbis man at liberty, which the Government should have done. Mr DUTHIE also thought the Premier took up a curious position over this matter. Tho Premier was the leader of Parliament, and if he did not guide Parliament to uphold the lawS of the country he should retire from his position. He could not understand the ' Premier withdrawing his opposition to tbis bill, as no new fctots had transpired with respect to this case. Unless some new facts were forth' coming it would be impossible to preserve life and property in this country. Mr BUCHANAN protested against what was proposed to be done by the bill, and said if this sort of thing were allowed there would be au end to law and order. Mr T. MACKENZIE thought the Premier should either liberate the man or let him remain where he was. It was a faros hiving a new trial. It appeared to him 'that modem Liberalism defended every criminal action tbat was committed. The motion was agreed to by 40 to 14. NATIVE EIGHTS. Mr HEKB moved the second reading of the Native Rights Bill, to empower the aboriginal natives of New Zealand to enact laws for the government of themselves and their lands and other property. He said he had introduced the bill in a former session, but it was rejected through a trick by the Governmeiit, who he believed had instigated the bill being counted out. He introduced the bill at the request of a large number of Natives in New Zealand. The legislation of the present Government had been detrimental to the b.st; interests of the Natives. The Hon. J. M'KENZIE did not think Mr Hake could possibly be in earnest over this bill, as it meant that they were to have one law for the Europeans and another for the Natives. The whole thing wa? so absurd that he was astonished Mr Heke had nob taken better counsel before he introduced the bill. He aeked where they could find any native race which had been treated better tban the Maori people, and reminded the House that the Natives were specially represented in the House and were allowed to take part in framing the laws of the colony. The Hon. Mr SEDDON strongly opposed tho bill, and Baid the Natives were not Mr PARATA opposed the bill at some length, and regretted that he had to oppose his colleague If the bill went to Committee he should move it should not apply to the South Island. Mr HEKB Baid the bill was agreed on by nearly all the chiefs throughout the North Island. He stood there representing not only the Natives north of Auckland, bub a majority of the Natives in New Zealand. The present bill did not really emanate from him at all, but was long ago agitated for by the Native?. The motion for the seoond reading was lost by 38 to 7. ANOTHER INDICATION OF A LOAN. My predictions regarding a probable loan continue to receive further confirmation. Mr Stevens, in asking the question standing on the Order Paper in his name to-day, said it was a physical impossibility to carry on the public works of this colony with any degree of success with the very small amount of money available for suoh a purpose. He believed he was voicing the opinion of a large section of members of the House— (leud cries of "No" and "Yes")— when he stated that it was absolutely necessary that the Government should take some means of , advancing the public works of th« colony and for completing the main trunk railways within a reasonable time.— (" Hear, hear " from Government supporters.) Th«y wanted their lines of railway made in the fertile north. Apart from this, it was a deplorable thing to see' hundreds of men walking the country in a vain search for employment. He got from 10 to 15 letters a day — seven-eighths of them from people desirous of obtaining employments. He hoped the Premier would give, some indication as to how this difficulty was to be overcome. The Premier rote, amid a burst of laughter, to reply. He said he hoped hon. members would acquit him of having induced Mr Stevens to put the question on the Order Paper. — (More laughter.) When he saw the question first he came to the conclusion that members would say this was a feeler on the part of the Government. — (Laughter.) The question under review traversed not only the Financial Statemeat, but the Public Works Statement as well. — (Hear, hear, and "No.") Members would not wish him to explain the Financial Statement to them that day. Sufficient to say, that he believed it was necessary for the colony to do works of a reproductive oharacter. With regard to land settlement, he believed that money should be expended to give settlers who were a long way back practicable roads. — (Hear, hear, from Mr Hogg). A« to borrowing a million a year for five years, he was in a position to say emphatically "No." But as regards money required for necessary works and roads to get 'settlers on the land, he would ask Parliament to make the necessary provision. The matter would *be dealt with in the Financial Statement. He thanked the bon. member for calling his attention to the matter. RIFLE CLUBS. Mr R. Thompson championed the cause of rifle clubs this afternoon. The Government, he thought, should do something in the direction of granting them rifles and cheap ammunition. Outside the large centres, in the less populated localities, where volunteering had ceased to exist, rifle clubs should be encouraged. The Minister for Defence replied that the opinion of experts was opposed to rifle clubi, ss they hindered the volunteer movement. He would, however, make further inquiries into the matter. AN ELECTION FORECAST. A gentleman, who has thoroughly studied the political position, gives it as his opinion — after making inquiries throughout the colon; — that the days of the Seddon Government are numbered. He Bays that at least 12 of the most : servile supporters of the Government are certain lof being defeated ; while, on the other I hand, every member of the Opposition seems to be quite safe. Then a number of the supporters of the Government are disaffected, and are only waiting for an opportunity to renounce their allegiance and join the j other side, or set up a middle party. Recent events—the Ward business and .the recent appointments to the Ministry — have' accentuated the feeling and widened the breach which undoubtedly exists. The Left Wing, as they are called, will be very much in evidence* this session, and in case of their joining forces with the Opposition, the Government will be defeated to a certainty. ' Judging from present . appearances, the Opposition will probably come I baok after the general elections with about 33 i members. Sic Robert Stout will very likely

have a following of half a dozen, and there will be a few independent msn not pledged -to any party, so that whatever happens, nothing is more certain than this : that the Saddon party will not be strong* enough to oarry on, and that ib may be very difficult for them to avoid defeat even during the present session.

TAMPERING WITH HANSARD.

Sir Robert Stout, in asking this question :' "By whose authority matter appears in Hansard that was neither spoken nor read in the House P" said this was a very serious question. It was improper and irregular that members should bo allowed to pub in their speeches what they had never stated or read in the House, and moreover, if it were done, the Government printer would be liable to be sued for libel. Sir Robert, in answer to tbe Premier, said he referred to several passages in Mr Ward's spesch. The Premier said if Sir Robert referred to the printing ia Hansard of the Walter Guthrie Company's balance shest, Mr Ward had referred to it in bis speech, and stated his intention of putting it in Hansard. It was a emtom that had prevailed iv >the past —(Hon. members : " No.") The Premier : " I assure hon. members that I have done it myself.— (Laughter.) There is scarcely a member in the Hou?e but what has done it." The Speaker: "My orders have always been that nothing is to appear in Hansard that is not either spoken or read in the House."— (Hear, hear.) Sir Robert Stout said that the principle was continually being violated by the Government. They took full oharge of Hansard. The- Speaker reiterated his former statement, and the matter dropped.

EUROPEAN FLAX.

The Minister for Lands said, in answer to Mr Massey, tbab half a ton of European flax seed had been procured, and would be distributed amongst farmers who wQuld make good u»e of it. He mentioned, however, that the industry had been tried in some parts of Canterbury, but was a failure. However, with improved machinery, and more reoent information, better results mighb now be obtained. He would have the information in regard to the industry printed and circulated.

NEW ZEALAND MEDICOS.

The Premier, in auswer to Mr Pirani, said it was not true that the Government Insurance Commissioner had signified his intention of ceising to employ medical men who had graduated in New Zealand. Dr Cahill's duty was to advise as to the beet men applying. The answer did not seem to go far enough for Mr Pirani, who is of the opinion that Dr Cahill is an avowed opponent of oolouial medicos. GOVERNMENT VALUATION OF LAND.

The Minister for Lands is introducing a provision for the periodical valuation of all landed property in the colony. The measure empowers the Governor- to divide the colony into suitable districts and to appoint a valuergeneral and district valuers. The valuergeneral shall triennially prepare a general valuation roll of all landed properties in tho colony, containing the name of the occupier and ownfr, area; description, capital value, and insurance of land and buildings, the -value of improvements other than building*, and the unimproved value of the land. The general valuation roll is to be compiled from the district rolls, which shall be prepared annually _or triennially as the Governorin - Council may prescribe. Both the district and general valuation toll may be altered from time to time to meet cases where values have increased or diminished during* the currency of the roll. Tbe general roll shall be the standard for all local authorities, and these authorities shall be supplied by the valuer-general with a roll of all rateable property within their district. The general valuation roll shall be used for (a) the assessment of duties under " The Land and Income Assessment Act 1891," (b) advances and investments on mortgage of lands by the Post Offios, the Government Insurance Office, the Public Trust Office, the Government Advances to Settlers Office, the Commissioners of Public Debts Sinking Funds Office, and suoh other public departments as the Governor by Order-in-Council may from time to time direct. la any case where land is taken or acquired under the provisions of " The Land for Settlements Act 1694 " or " The Public Works Act 1894," the compensation payable shall be paid according to the valuation appearing in the general valuation roll at the time when proceedings to take or acquire such land are commenced, and the roll shall not be amended in respect! of suoh land whilst proceedings are pending. PAYMENT OF JURORS. The Pajment ef Jurors Bill introduced by Mr Collins is a short measure, providing (1) that all jurors, whether grand, special, or common, shall be paid 7s 6d for every day of attendance ; (2) every juror travelling to attend a court shall be entitled to a further sum sufficient to cover the railway or other fare when the distance travelled is five miles or upwards. { PROTECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS. The Photographic Copyright Bill introduced by Mr G. Hutohison is intended to provide protection, for a period of five years, to photo* grapherc, who go to considerable trouble and expense and apply, talent to the production of views which, unless copyrighted, after considerable delay under the existing law, are copied with impunity. It is intended to introduce a further bill to make clear the right of persons paying for their photos to prevent the reproduction of such photos except with the consent of the original photographer. FIRE INSURANCE. ' It has been more than once urged that the Public Trust Office should undertake the risk of insuring against fire the properties which must be insured in the name of the Publio Trustee. In his acnual report, Mr Warburton points out that during the past two jears the lo«ses by fire on such properties amounted to £830, while the premium? paid totalled £2484 15a— a very satisfactory bah nee on the right side. The total amount .of the insurance risk last year was £180,603. SAVINGS BANK DEPOSITS. During 1895 the sum of £2,794,506 was deposited iv the Savings Banks of the colony, as against £2,369,333 during the previous year. The amounts deposited in the four chief centres during 1895 were at follow : — Wellington, £516,708; Christchurch, £538,023; Dunedin, £393,158 ; Auckland, £439,925. AUDITING THE ACCOUNTS OffCOMPANIES. The Premier is of opinion that wherever th« thrift of the people is invested in companies the annual balamcs sheets of such companies should bear the imprint of the Government Auditor as being correct. The Audit department should be used for the purpose of supervision in suoh cases as much as in the accounts of local bodies. Legislation may be introduced later on to give effect to this principle. PROPERTY LAW AMENDMENT. Mr Button has in hand a bill to amend the law in the following directions :— (1) To repeal section 50 of the original aot, and to substitute a olause simply making a receipt ' endorsed on a mortgage a discharge of the

mortgage. This olause is to improve and take the pla3e of a similar bill introduced by Mf Buick, who will moat probably accept this bill instead of his own. (2) To amend the act of last session by making the implied covenant to produce applicable to all conveyances, in* oluding conveyances by mortgagees * and trua* tees. (3) Introducing the provision of tha English aot by which questions arising on contracts for the sale of lands in respect of requisitions and objections connected with titles may be decided in a summary way by a judge of the Supreme Coorb. Mr Button is sending up a draft of the proposed bill to the Auckland Law Society.

ASSISTANCE TO MINING.

Mr Cadruau stated thia aft«rncou that negotiations were proceeding with the Ross United Company on the West Coast on the basis of £1 subsidy to every £2 spent ia prospecting. Of oourte plans aud epeciflcttions would have to be approved by the Government. Mr Cadman added "that he wculd like to mention that some companies appeared to be showing anxiety to get promises of a subsidy from tho Government in order to help them to sell their properties in London. This matter would have to bo carefully watched.

JOTTINGS.

The Publio Trustee cays the rate of interest on Government securities has fallen since 1891 from 5 to 3J- par oent. The co)l of the salaries of the Public Trust Office has been increased during the last^ve years by 26 per cent., while the ordinary -Business of the office has inoreased by iully'so per*' cent-