N Z PARLIAMENT. TUESDAY, JULY 26.

Otago Witness, Issue 2318, 4 August 1898, Page 22

N Z PARLIAMENT. TUESDAY, JULY 26.

In tho Legislative Council on Tuesday the Official Documents Act Amendment and two other bills were read a second time. The .Shorthand Reporters Bill passed through Committee, but consideration of ono clause •vas postponed.

Tn the House of Representatives on Tuesday the Old Age Pensions Bill was introduced. It differs slightly from the bill of last year. The remainder of the afternoon was taken up in replying to questions. In the evening the Banking Bill again occupied attention, and again there was a prolonged general debates befoi'e the Committee proceeded to discuss the clauses. And then came a Government reverse. Mr Rolleston by a majority of one carried a motion to report progress, in order that Mr Watson, president of the bank, might be heard and examined before the Public Accounts Committee. OLD AGK PENSION'S.

The Old Ago Pensions Bill was received by message from the Governor, and the House v.'snt into Commitfceo of the Whole on the message. On the bill being reported, The Right Hon. Mr SEDDON said that the bill provided for the pensions mentioned in last year's bill, £18 per annum, and some of the definitions as to the residence and character of claimants were made more precise. Persons possessed of property of a net capital value of £540 or upwards would not be entitled to a pension. Last year the limit was £900. In the main tho bill was identical with la&t year's, and the alterations were chiefly in regard to its administrative machinery. The expenditure under the bilJ would amount at fir&t to £100,000 a 3 r ear. QUESTIONS.

In replying to questions, Ministers said: — The question of the purchase of the Manawatu railway involved financial considerations, and tbe Government aro not prepared to make any statement on that branch of the subject. However, there was absolutely no understanding on the subject as between tho Government and the company. The Government will be pleased to confer with owners of cargo steamers with a view to obtaining additional markets for the produce of tho colony. As to registrars ignoring objections to names on the electoral rolls, all registrars

are public officers, upon whom the work of the electoral legislation is forced, and this led to the unsatisfactory state of the rolls_ in many ca^es. The law should bo altered, imposing it as a duty on registrars to see to the rolls being more properly maintained and purged when necessary. Ministers do not think that it would bo adwsable to amend "The Land Act, 1&92," by adding a clause providing that upon an application being made to the Commissioner of Crown Lands for the district by not less than two persons who have not succeeded in obtaining land in any previous ballot, he shall in the first instance confine the ballot for the lands mentioned in such application to persons who have made any previous unsuccessful application for land.

No pressure had been brought to bear upon valuators in connection with tho recent valuations under " The Ciovernmc-nt Valuation of Land Act, 1396," and it would bo wrong to submit the matter to the Public Accounts Committee.

The Hon. JOHN M'KENZIE said that of 1031 settlers under the Land for fSuttlcments Act only 41 bad applied for advances from tbe Advances to Settlers Board, and of the 41 only one was behind with his rent. The total amount borrowed by the 41 was £2360, and the security they gave was valued at £6156.

Officials in the Railway Stores department are not in any sense overworked.

As to trying to include the possessions of as many other Powers as possible in the route of the Pacific cable, with a view to greater safety and neutrality, an informal conference is now pending in London, and the friendly relations now existing between Canada and America will probably result in definite and more comprehensive plans in connection with the cable in question.

The Hon. Mr CADMAN, in replying to a question, whether, while undertaking to give agricultural lime free carriage on tbe railways tor two years, lie had provided regulations to prevent the fanners being imposed on by the proprietors of lime kilns raising tho price of lime, as was done on a previous occasion when the railway freight on lime was reduced, said that the matter could be dealt with by differentiating rates in respect of lime kilns whoso owners took such advantage.

Customs duties had been reduced in favour of tho induslrijil classes to the extent of about £115,000, and the increase on cottons bad not been on qualities used by the poorer people. The custom 1 , revenue on spirits alone had increased by £39,000, but the Government were not responsible for the increased consumption in that connection.

The Government Lave come to tho conclusion that t'.e circumstances of the ca^e do not warrant the Hovernment in instituting a prosecution for perjury against Donakl M'Donak], a witness in the Inspector Emerson inquiry.

The Premier denied tbat any scandal existed in connection with the condition of the lunatic asylums of the colony, or the space required for the patients. Any inconvenience wbich might exist was caused by committing to asylums persons who noier should be , c ent to asylums. Additional accommodation, sufficient for 103 patients, was now in course of completion, and the asylums bad never been in better condition.

It is not the case that any arrangement exists with the Natives who are now attacking the utle of the late Major Kemp to blockNo. 14, Iloro'.vbonua, whereby the Crown o greed to indemnify them agninst responsibility for the costs in the proceedings, or that counsel appearing 1 for the Natives had been guaranteed their costs by the Crown or its officers. It is not the intention of the Crown to ljay counsel their costs in the proceeding".

Tlio G'ovcrnincnf do not admit t!>afc tho position of the A^cts Realisation Board is unsatisfactory, and do not think it n*lvi>nh!o ihat tho Land department should ndmini.-tcr the board k estates.

There ore temporary clerks hi Hie public scrxioo at from 10s to 12s 6d per day. Qualified permanent public .servants had their salaries increased by regular ratio- A five per nent. reduction was made from tbe .salaries of pormpnent officers for insurance and annuities

OLD A(JK PJ3X3EOX.S. The OJi A (.o PenHon- Rill w ii.lroducrd to-day !•"• (''••. <"*noi*'s 1 . T! o priiiciple is tho "-ano a-, in ln-t yrar'j bill, but thfvo are someMidit amendment': in tho bill ii Jolf. Tbo pension is to bo tho snmo a-i in the former bill---\iz., £13 pei aiunnn — Init there i.ro home alteration.j ia regard to tbo quplificalion for iccciving pensions. Persons of 65 yc.irs of ago will be entitled to pensions if tboy ba\o been residing* continuously in tlia colony for 20 years; but if a peivon has boon ocrrcionally absent for not more than 18 months it

will not bar him or her from receiving a pcnoion. If during Hie ten years preceding application .1 claimant has been imprisoned for four months on four occasions, for any oilenco punishable by imprisonment for 12 months or upwards, and dishonouring him in the- public estimation, he or she cannot get a pension. Wife desertion and husband desertion, or desertion of children under 14 years of age, would prevent a successful application by a claimant. The following provisions shall also apply: — Applicants must be of good moral character and be leading a sober and reputable lite; their yearly income must not amount to £52 or upwards, and tho net capital value of accumulated properly must not amount to £540 or upwards. Aplicants must not, directly or indirectly deprhe themselves of property or income in order to qualify for a pension. Tho pensions are to be on a sliding scale, and diminished by £1 for every complete pound of income above £64, and also by £1 for every complete £30 of the net capital value of all accumulated property. Tho capital value of a person's property shall bo pubject to a deduction of £50, and also of all legal charges and encumbrances. The capital value has thus been considerably reduced, for under the bill of lost year a man coum have £900 worth of property and still claim a pension. Tlie act is also to apply to Maoris. Mr George Hutchison asked tho Premier how he was going to charge the money for tho scheme. The Premier: "On tho consolidated revenue." Mr Montgomery : "Permanent?" Tho Premier: "Yes" Mr Kollcston: "What is the estimai.3'l cost?" Mr Seddon: "I estimate £100,000 a Jeai> INFECTED FRUIT. The Minister for Agriculture was asked tho following questions to-day by Mr t\. r Jhomp-on :—: — (I) What steps iro being taken to prohibit the importati >n and landing of scale - infected citrus fruit in tho ports of Wellington, Lytlolto.i, and I* jr.edin? (2) Is the Minister aware that a case of infected fruit has been exhibited in tho lobby ol this liou«o, which wos landed at Dunodin. and said to have been c ndomned by tho customs officers? (b) Why Via-5 this condemned fruit alloy, ed to be removed from Dunham to Wellington? j'.lr Thompson, in the course of a lengthy explanation, said that owing to the stringent regulations of the Australian Government.* 110 bcaleinfected fruit vas alloy ed to be sold in Australia. Tho result was that such fruit was being cent to New Zealand, and thib colony was becoming the dumping ground for all the diseased fruit of Australia. &ime people thought that there was no danger to Lug north by reason of infected citrus fruiU imported in Ihe south. This was a great mistake, for (.ho disease might be carried north in many way?. A case of diseased fruit-con-demned at Dunediu had found its way to "Wellington. Unless stringent regulations were made and enforced the culthation of citrus fruit throughout the c )lor.y might bo ruined. The mere washing of the parasites off was no _ protection. The Minister for Agriculture, in reply, said there were very stringent regulations at the present moment, and they were being rigidly enforced. lie had n\ado inquiries regarding the case of fruit which had conic from Danodin. It had been repacked and removed after cotidomnatiovi. An information had been laid in this connection for an infringement of the act. Every possible precaution Mould be taken. Mr Millar is of a different opinion to Mr Thompson. He thinks tho restrictions regarding infected fruit aro far too stringent as regards the South Island. lied scale, he says, has been coming in for tho last 30 years, but do os not aifect any fruit grown in the South Island. On the other hand, apples, of which 90 per cent, were affected with codlin moth, wero being sent south and ruining the southern orchards. Ue said the inspectors had been 100 strict in their inspection, for the fruit condemned in Dunodin had been reshipped to Melbourne and passed there. Mr M'Konzie, in replying to the member for Dunedin, said the clepartatent would npt relax I lie restrictions. As to Auckland apples being shipped south, there was no law to prevent that, but later on the lion, gentleman would have an opportunity of supporting a bill that would keep them in Auckland. OLD SOLDIERS' CLAIMS. Mr Crowthc-r asked the Government this afternoon when will an opportunity be afforded to claimants for a rehearing under "The Naval and Military CJpims Settlements and Extinguishment Act 1896," whose claims the commission recommends to the Government for further inquiry and consideration? Mr Crowther explained that the claims of over 100 claimants had been deferred or shunted in some instances, he thought, on grounds very hard to sustain, called technical objeclioi-s. such as bad character. On° member here suggested that bad character was something more than a technical objection, but Mr Urowther urged that if a soldier foueht a winning battle in the field his claims ought to bo considered. The Minister for Lands staled that tho report of the commissioners \ias r.ow on the table of the House, and it was intended that tins inquiry should be final. lie feared that there would be no end to this .subject unless the Bouse took the matter in hand and voted £50.000. Even then ho feared some of the claimants would come back again. The matter would be considered by the Government, and the Government would bring down proposals which the ITou^o could either support or reject. (Mr G. llulc.-liit.on: "This session?") The Minister: "Yes, this session." COST OF PARLIAMENT. An interesting and instructive ret "am, .showing- the cost of Parliament to the country, has been laid on the table of the Uouse, on the motion of Mr Ma. c sey. According to this document, the average cost per day of boih liousos is no less than £135. This does not include Hansard, tho average eo-t of printing which is set down at £48 pai d.iy. A similar return was given in 1322. i'iid a comparison of the two shows t.!i> * ! •• expenses aro increasing, though Hi.' "l-o now only 75 members as against 95 10 yoai3 ago. For instance, messengers now cost £13 18s. whereas they only cost £7 16s in 1389. The amount pet down for extra clesko has also increased. The general opinion among old members is that tho enk'ionry of tho mespongcr service has not improved. There is at any rate, nothing to show for tho largo increase in expenditure. Tho icturn of 1889 docs not give sufuciciit data for a comparison of tlio total cost per day for tho two peiiods. LUNATfC AfIyMJAIS. Rome rather sharp passages-al aniiH took place to clay between Ihe Premier and Caplain lUi^ell regard in t» a question by tho Litter a«. to "tho deplorable condition of most o£ tho lunatic asylumr, " as described by l)r MnofJrogor'p report. The Premier emphatically domed that there was anything like a gi-a\o .scandal. In 1892 tiie inspector had ropoiled that tho accommodation was then euUicioiit, and they had pinee

spent more money on asylums thpn any previous Administmiion. If the state of affairs was scandalous now, what mu&t bo paid ot tho condition of the asylums before their time? To this Captain Rus<-ell teplied that as the inspector had reported in 1892 that the accommodation wa:-> puflicicnt, the Picmier had no cause io reflect upon his predece.Tors. Tho Piomior throughout the discussion showed that l.c was Aery angry with Dr MncGiegor for lus severe condomnation of the cxir-ling state of afFa.ii 3. He declared that tho remedy for en ci crowding was not further building, but the lemoval from the asylums of the unfortunate people who were only Mifferiag from old age. Captain Hiv-01l intends to rais-o the quer-tioii again on the fiist opportunity.

GOVERN jIT:N*T LIFE INSUnANOK. Tiifi .ir.ni.. " .... ,' of the Gover-in-er-tLife [lnrurauce ele^aitir.ont slioavs an increase of j new huFJi.c'i." , 4551 proposals for £953/188 j v.eio ipcoi-01, and 9 per cent, of the tot.il ! numl.'Ci defv.ne'l or declined. The new bu&i-ne.-K is £59,?! 2 in advance of t!ie previous yeii. Tho total amount of lmpiiics nw in foicf is 06.174 policies, iwurinn; £9,002,601 ! (and £35^,409 bor.u^e 1 --.) the whole boarinj on annual premium income of £266,535. The accimiulated funds lit*- c increa^ctl to £2,725,105. Last j-ear they were £2,591,31-2. j Tbe death claims for the year amounted to ! £92,705, which is well within expectation. I LANDLESS NATIVES. ! The suneys of the land to the wo"t of iho , "Waiau River with a view to Mipijlj-ing* data on which to base a s-vhemo of sections for some of the large number of people whom it was found necc'-ary to allocate lauds to in that part, show that of 60,110 acres in the vreptei'ii pait of if, an area of 30.090 acie; h quite unfit for Eettlcuient, bc-ng Loth mountainous and binou. Tv.ch-e 'lit.rdrcd and , sixty-four individuals had had farms allocate! to them in sizes vaiying* from SO io 460 acre I*,1 *, there being in all I'll farmr. takliig up almost the whole of tho 30,000 •■ ores. • The following is the position cf tho ; South Island allocated to dote: — Al lau- '. tu!m, 370 persons. 12,371 acres; Stewait Island, 239 persons, 8725 acre:*; P.larlborou.'h, 3T5 persons, 12.91* acres; West land, 120 per- , pons, 1600 acres; Waiau, 126^ persons, 29,903 acres. I THE SIINIXG BILL. I The Mining Bill was circulated to-day. It • was albo read a second time pro forma and referred to the Goldiields Committee, where tho various amendments which lia\e been suggested will be considered. The bill ab circulated is, the IJinihler for Mines stales, with one or two small exceptions, practically identical with the measure circulated laisb year. The most important change is a provision for appeals being made to the District Courts instead of to the Supreme Court. Tho Supreme Court, has, it is said, already too \ much work to do. Mr Scobie Mackenzie has ghen notice of his intention to move that ifc be an instruction to the Committee of the Whole, on the Mining Bill, t'lat it ])o a tho '< power to insert a provision by which pny Minister of Mines or other Minister of Iho Crown shall be debarred from occupying paid positions on mining syndicates or companies operating in tho colony. JOTTINGS. Tho que«tion of temporary clerks and itioir qualifications, appointment, and pay was di*-cu-*pcd this afternoon. In an- ! swering a question on this subject, the Premier caused some amiueiiienl by staling that some of tho-se clerks had boon contina- | j ously employed for .something like 20 year-. j The Premier io not at all satisfied with the ' condiHon of the electoral rolls. The retuvn- ! ing officers nm.-t, he ppys, be seriously to I blame, j l or in some electorates hundreds of ; people, aye, even thousands, who had voted had been struck off the roll. He thinks the law should bo altered so that it would be made the duty of registrars to f=co that oil persons entitled were enrolled. I Mr Morrison Ins presented a petition from j J. J. H. Pnscce, of Catlins, an ex-constablo, j who was shot while arresting a lunatic at Clinton, and who subsequently was charged with being drunk in Chris! CJiurcii. He denied thN charge, but was dismissed from the force. He has now to borrow money on his insurance policy to keep his W ifo mil three children from starving. He asks for a compassionate allowance. j Mr Joyce to-day presented a petition from | W. Ollher, an engine-driver, who was dis- ' charged from the .Railway department, owing to old age, asking for a compatirionalo allowance. £Wl4 was pnid List year in prospecting subsidies. 01 this. Westland County Council gets no less a sum than £6:5, and Tuuppka ' gets £106. Tho other amounts aro very small in comparison. WEDNESDAY, JULY 27. Tn tho Legislative Council to day flip I Wellington Ilarbouv Board Reclamation Bill v.ai read a second time. Some progress was made in Committoo with the Fisheries' Conservation and Cemetery Bills. in coauiriTHß. The Fisl cries' Conservation Act was further confide red in Committee. Clauco 10, which had been adopted ab a previous Bi'tiiiß, w*i« stmc'f out. j The Hon. AY. C. Wai.kkr proposed a new c:I» use providing that an ncclimalisft-Joii s< cicty ! may lcfuqe to issue a license, to any person ' without assigning a reason. This waa strongly ! opposed, and on a divisiou the latter woids | were struck out. On tho Cemeteries Aoh Ametidmeut Bill being committed, Mr W. C. Smith moved an emeadnnnl that the and. l of conimiUees' ftiul trustees' nccounta should only be mßdo in

bc.rtu»hs &nd cibiea. Ifc was finally decided that progress should be re polled, and leave given to sit a^ain. The Road District Validation Bill was passed through CjmraHtee without amendmeu 1 ;. Tn the House of Representatives to-diy the Stratford Electric Lighting Bill having heon patFod, the Premier sought to gain prc-ced:-nce for the Bniiking Bill over the local bill-: on the Order Paper. Loa^c was refiued, and after an Imprest Supply Bill had been introduced the I'romier moved the adjournment of the House till the evening, evidently delei'mined that as he had been blocked pri- | vale mombcxS rhonld reap no benefit, 'i'ho [ motion was talked out. In the evening tho Premier met with no o\ position v. hen he pro-po-od to re&umo consideration of the Banking Bill, rmd having his supporters well in hand ho defeated Mr Rolle.-lon's motion to report progress as another indication that iNIr Vv'atfaou should be examined by the Public Accounts Committee. Tho clau-e abolishing tho office 01 picident cf the bank was cairieJ, and it wms lCfohod to pay ilr Watsson two years' salarj' as comjiensation. Kin. pas-.] d. TLc F-'tratfoul Ehctric L'g'ati.^g B:li was read a third t me and p.i^.sed. 11IK B.WKINO BILL C&pVn RUSSELL sisl-ed wh't tie Premier prcjocd doiuz in reftruicj to the mutiutt carred on the piewous higbt as to i\f<r i; p t';e B'likiiig B-l! to (he P.-bl'c Awmn's Com. iv i' Is" Tt.c Ri.bt Hon. Mi .^ifiDDOX ssid t'li-t with tho con.ti.l ( f ilw m-r- b rs n\ charge > f private bilh Le Hculu eivo FtiiKy to the sl^s l^ bills, and hc'ug en the BsiiLing Bill in Committee i Ih-il afteruoou in trder thai it inifehb be gona en with so th-jtfc iLe bii'iaeFs of tho countiy mijiht p.cct( (1. If ineti bets did n.;t coi.senb Le wc/ul-5 taste tLe pnj miMwcnt si e?ch bill as ifc ' can.*e on hll aiiufher d?v, cr else acjmrn ! tbe House itielMill Friday, wbich he had 10 ' dts're to do. lie h th'Ss courses wenid j not be u<ci-sary, and thafc members wou'd ' grai.t the couit ey atk. d. The vo l e of the, pti.vii.iu night Lfd r.tt been a fair test of t'-7« \ he"A^g of Ihe House, rs gow» m'm y e s vebu] [ with tbs ayee merely h'esusc they objecttd to ' Jafe sit iius. Aa Minister i» cl.arge of tha Bit'tiiifc Bill be would net rcftr th'tt Qieasute ■ to the I'lih-l.c Accou..tf. Cumin fc're 011 Rccoiuifc ) of the p evitms I'igLt's motion. AM Le p'o- i poeed was fc> trsiibfec to-day's buaiats 7 , qaei- i lioi*P, rdo private I ills to Friday. j The Hon. Mr ROLLES ION objected to the ' Premier's propnssl as an unw/ir. ant able jdece of , fcjraur.y. j The Piem'fci'B proposal was pal to ths House j Ly the Speaker, when Mr Wright ag a member j in charge of a pri?,ite Li 1 o\>j cctd, at.d the Sp* a'.t( r rultd that he mv tin that ca c e go en with the business ss set dov^n en the Order Ppper. imprest surri.Y The PREMIE' II thtrtupon in l rcduc;d by rcfs?3ge iri'in the Uovcrncr an Impns 1 : Bupj-ly Bil 1 , and the mesfFgo was taken ia Committeo of ihe While. In replying to que.-tiius piior to the re3tlutio;i bting reported to the House, TLc Colonial Ti?e\&ureti said ho would Uiug the Fiuaucial S'attinent down next week. Ha was net in a position Io say when ibe Pi Tee Co a miser'ii's leporfc wciVd be ready for consideration. Ca-ptain KubSi'.r.L maiutduied triab the i Public Woiks Statement should, as a matter t-f public interest*, be brcughb dowa simultaneously with the Financial St-ilt-menfc. The Pjremier. said thafe un'.il wiys and means were decided it wou'd bo imposaible (0 framo the Public Woiks Khtimatts, aud, thcrcfi.iv, (he Poblic Works Stafcemerifc could not bo brought down at the timj suggested by Captain lluss?li. Oa the reeoluLion being repotted to the lluufc, tie PREMIER moved that the rerolulicn in rt fere nee to supply be ar journed till next day. — Agreed to on the voice?. MOTION TO ADJOURN. ThcPßEMlKlUhtn moved th:.t the House adjourn till 7.30. He said (hat are notable . recjuest, pief'ii'cd by him as to pivcetdinjr with the £a* king Bill, had been rci'usj d, aid he proposed (ha ftdjoutument by w*y f f sffirming that the Banking Bill should proceed. His ; object was to have' it demonstiat'd whether Mr j Rtlieston was right in his opinion (hat the pre- i viouß Digit's vote was f.n indication of the real ] feeling of the House that the Banking Bill ( should be referred to the Public Accounts < C'-mrcittco. ■■ Mr DUTHIB raaintainc-d that the previous 1 night's itsue was a perfectly straight one, and the House bad deliberately voted Lr Jlr Pbolleston's proposal on its merits. . Mr WILSON explained that, so fa' as ho j was corcerned, lie had voted for Mr Koliesfcou's motion not on its aaeritp, with which, having [ been absent from the liaise, he was uuac- j quainted, but had given his vote for an ordinary motion to report progress. l Mr J. HUTCH!' SON stated that he had c voted to gain lime, and not as endorsing the f view thst the bill should go to the Public Accounts Committee. ' Alter further discus-ion, The Hon. J. M'KENZIE sa-'d it wag ap- Jparent that the qu<stun had become oue of whether the mowber for Riccarlon or the ] Premier sbou'd direst the business. ' Mr PIRANI observed that (he Minister for j: Ls-ucli; was obvioubly hardonim; hispaity, and n w«i3 bout upou ranking the bill a party me;eure. As a tnsttcr of fs.cr, th 3 previous night's vote w.'S well understood Ly tho^e who voted, 1 and the question that was tested was whether b iho prtsident's position should be abolished p without his being heard beforehand on his own c btbalf. c The PREMIER ftaid that whab he desired 1 c was to set to tho Banking Bill. When ths bill ' I

had passed through Committee he would defeff ila third reading, so fcbafc the president could, if he choose, be heard in the iuterva), either at the bar of the Houee or by petition. Captain RUSSELL contended tbafc the re* quest which lnd beea made by the Premier as to changing the order of business was not a reapoD&ble one, for instead of facili'a'ing- the busiuepfi of tie country it delayed it. No reason had been shown why private memheiV bills should not have been gone en with. He argued that the action of the Premier was due to the fact that he was smarting under tbe previous night's defeat, and to his snixefcy to reverse it at the earliest m< mrnfc. The FP.E.y'IER sgaiu a-lred if meu*b:rs with 1-rivate bills wt-re willing to give way, co that the Banking B 11 might come on that "Light and private bilis be taken on Friday. Mr WRIGHT said he was willing ia so fai? as his bill was c nicerned. # Csptaia RUSSELL, as leader of the Oppo« sition, said he would consent to ths proposal oa the dufne'i understanding that doing so should lift be taken a? a jjrtcedbi.it. Tbe Horn a ib- 11 wei.t in CfmrniUee on IHE BANKING BILL, tie repr-it cf vsh'ch is given elsewhere.

THE BANKING BILL.

As soon as an opportunity offered itself, Captain P.ussell asked the Premier if, in view of the. motion carried last night, he intended immediately to move a resolution giving effect to 11,0 decision of tho House. After talking all round the question for some time, Mr Seddon paid: "1 am in charge of this bill, and being in my charge I will allow no member of tho House to take charge of it. I will not refer it to the committee on that vote." "Then," replied Captain Russell, " you refuse to obey a mandate of the House." The Premier then explained that he proposed that the bill should be put throt'gh Committee and beforo the third reading .Mr Watson or anyone wiio felfc agqrie'.ed might appear beforo Parliament, either by petition or at the bar. This did not ghe satisfaction to the Opposition, as it was practically condemning tl c ipan first and hearing him afterwards. liii-J FINANCIAL MA't'ivJENT.

Tbe Premier say.- t';at he will bring dowa tlio Financial statement next week. Captain P.ussell protected ag.iinbt the delay which had taken place, aud declared that the Financial Statement and the Public Works Statement; should be brought dowa simultaneously.

When the Public Works Estimates were

■ brought down at the end of Iho sesj &i')u and forced through a sitting tho I House had practically no control. Ihe j Financial Statement was not complete I unless members* knew how the money j was to be spent. Tho Government used their j p^wcr of spoh'lmg tho inor>r-y to coerce mom!- ! bers to voto v.'it'i them, and they would never j hs\e pure <,'j ".eminent, so long as the rn.djc.rifr wore prepared io bo ruled by publio

expenditure

Taylor put the matter in

another nay. lie said tha Public Works Estimates were kept back till the last moment

in order that the votes of members 071 party

questions should bo known and the expenditure allotted accordingly. It was a system of regards and punishments. The Premier protected that until ways and means were decided upon it -".as impossible to know what works sl'ould 1)3 gone on with.

This aflc-I'iioon UlO Premier staled that in 1389 the IIou»o met on Juno 29 and tho Publio "Woiks Statement was not brought down till Ausuot 7. Up was at once iibked if ho would have his Public Works Statement down by that day. live 1 c was not prepared to make thai promise. Later on Captain Russell explained t'.at in 1890 the House met on Juno 13, and the Financial Statement to brought down six days' later. The Public Works Statement made its appearance on July 25. Tho Premier might well follow the example of Lin predecessors in some tilings.

THE PREMIER'S TACTICS,

! "Whenever the Premier is defeated on any j motion he has a habit of getting angry and 'of wanting ihe division over again. The next cfoy after he hss had time to bring sufficient pressure to bear on the wandering she n p of the paity to make them ie\eife their former votcp. The Howe was given an illustration of this to-day. Last night Mr Rolle3loit's motion for reporting progress on the mnlcistimdirg that the clause referring to the abolition of the office of president phould be reiened to a Committee, was carried by a majority of one. When the House met this afternoon it was poon evident that Mr Scddou \va« going to rdopt his usual tactics. Afc flu I lie went el r-11 private memberii' bills adjourned until to-morrow in order that the Eiinkincj Bill mishl bo proceeded with. This, howevev, could not bo done wilhov.t tho unanimous coiuant of the Hoiwe, and an emphatic "No" from Mr Rollerlon put an eiul to that idea. "In that case,"' said the ■Speaker, " I will 30 on with the business." "Very well, sir," remarked the Premier •merrily. "Ho vail I." Thi., remark was not, ho'.ve\'er, borne out, for his next move wa3 to piopoeo that the Houfs adjourn till halfpast 7, the undei standing being that tho^e wlio voted with him were in favour of upsetting last night's dni<-ion. He declared that sexeral of his supporters voted with Mr llolleston by mistake. " Cut why waste tho afternoon?" a?l:cd Mr Ti'ylor. "In order that a caucus may be held," replied Me Crowlher. A long wrangle resulted, and halfpast 5 armed without any division being taken on the Premier'? motion to adjourn, the .Speaker d'-clnring that he would call on the orders of the day (private members' bills) at half-p?&t 7. Ail^r tea Mr fcScddon approached tho Opposition in a more conciliatory tone, and Captain Russell agreed to the postponement of tho orcWs of the day in order that the Banking Bill might be gone on with. Mr TCollcston, lion over, started off with another motion to rcnoW progress, which was defeated by 39 to 21.*

■SUGGESTED ASYLUM REFORMS. Mr Rolleslon is suggesting that a trained female attendant from the Horticultural College at Swanloy, Kent, should bo brought out. in connection with the employment of female patients in light gardening operations. 11 0 al o wani-j to know if tho Go\ eminent intend* to make- provision for the belter clarification of patients in the asylumf- ; tho establishment of intermediate receiving hous-cs, mental wards, or infirmaries for tho reception of palianls übo cannot properly bo flashed as lunatics; the pievenlion of the present mode of committal through the medium of the police (as suggested by Dr Collins in liis paper on the reform of the lunacy law), and ihe more fiequent exchange o£ patient-, between the asylums of the colony by way oi change for curative purposes.

POST AND TELEGRAPH SERVICE.

The highest paid officials in the Post and JBlecjraph department are: W. Gray, scciewy, Wellington, £700 per annum ; J. K. Logan, superintendent of electric linos, Wellington, £650 ; T. Rose, assistant secretary and inspector, Wellington, £600; inspector of telegraphs, Auckland, £500 ; controller and accountant, G.P.0., Wellington, £500: mepector of telegraphs, Chribtcluueh, £500; inspector of telegraphs, Dunedin, £450. Mr Gray has been in the service since 1864-, and Mr Logan since 1875. The inspectors at Auckland, Ohrislchurch, and Dunedin have been in the service respectively for 31, 28, and 24- years.

THE CABLE SERVICE,

Papers laid on the table of the House lo'day in regard to the telegraph cables contain a copy of a lengthy letter from Sir Sandford Fleming to Sir Wilfrid Laurier in reterence to an all-British cable, in this letter some Interesting particular are given of the magnitude and ramifications of the Eastern Extension Company, which represents a combination of associated companies engaged in telegraph transmission between England and Australasia. There are three companies — (1) The British India Extension, from Madras to Singapore, with a share capital of £160,000; (2) the British Australian, from Singapore to Australia, share capital, £540,000; and (3) the China Submarine, from Singapore _ to Hongkong and Shanghai, with a share capital of £525,000. Tho combined share capital of the three amounts to one and a-half million pounds.

JOTTINGS.

The Gum Industry Bill^ provides for the Betting aside of reserves adjoining ihe settlements north of Auckland for tho benefit of ihe settlei s. Gum areas will also be proclaimed in other parts of the province, and licences issued to dig gum on Crown lands. Licenses will also be icsued for mining gum over private lands and for digging gum out-s-ide the reserves. All persons holding those licenses must have been in the colony at least one year.

THURSDAY, JULY 28.

In the Legislative Council to-day a motion in favour of suspending the compidsoiy operation of the Vaccination Act was lost. The Official Document Evidence Eill and the Shorthand Repoiters Bill were passed.

On the tTnro 1 " reading of the Fisheries' Conservation Act, the Hon. Mr RIGG moved that the holder of a license shall be entitled during the season, as defined by section 3 of the act, at any tim 3 during daylight, to enter on any private or other land, but no nearer than two hundred yards from any dwelling house for the purpose of fishing for and taking fish, and shall be liable only for any actual damage which may be occasioned by such entry. This was negatived, and the bill finally passed.

In tho House ,of Representatives to-day, tho Otago University Leases and Security Bill .was read' a second time. The Imprest Supply Bill was intercepted by a motion by Mr Duthie proposing- to refer the tariff to tho Public Accounts Committee, which the Premier regarded as a sort of no-eonndenee motion. After a long discussion, the motion was defeated by 37 to 20, and the imprest Supply Bill was passed. THE TARIFF.

On the motion to go into Committee of Supply on the Imprest Supply Bill,

Mr DUTIIIE said it was time the House took stock of tho position. lie blamed the Government for not bringing down tiie Financial and Public Works Statements, and condemned Ministers holding back the Public Works Statement till towards the ond of tho

session. He could not find, from a study the facts, any warrant for the Premier's assertion that the Government had reduced the taxation of the people by £115,000 through the customs. lie objected to tobacco being

taxed as a luxury, seeing that it was so generally usod by working men, and constituted one of their chief enjoyments. He concluded

by nun ing — "That the House is of opinion that the alteration of the tariff of 1885 should

he fully inquired into, especially as to its effect on the taxation of the industrial classes,

and the Public Accounts Committee should make such an inquiry and report to the House durint the present session."

The Right Hon. Mr SEDDON characterised the amendment as being in the naturo

of a no-confidence motion, and maintained that the mover and the Opposition had taken

a most unusual course. The responsibility must rest with the Opposition. He could not, however, permit Imprest Supply to be intor-

copied in that way.

Ile asserted that the

llouso had been called together as soon as was reasonable or necessary. As to overhauling the tariff or making an inquiry into it,

be held that it was extremely impolitic, as

well as uncalled for, to jiropose such a course. {Since the Government had boon in office they had transferred £1,330,000 from Iho consolidated revenue to the public works fund, but ho maintained that was a politic and profit-fibl-s course to follow, as it averted foreign Vcri-owing, and at the same time enabled the Government to carry on necessary public works. These were the justification of the Government's policy and administration, and in any case he maintained it was most ii'regul<\v to try to intercept Imprest Supply by such an amendment, especially in a iow of liirf promise to bring down the Financial Statement next week. As to the operation of the

tarirt of 1895, it had led to a decrease in tea of £65,838, on fencing wire of £22,000, and on woolpacks of £9000, in the annual taxation of the people. Mr BUCHANAN declared that whereas

the increase in the customs duties paid by the people between 1891 and 1895 had been £'V 2,000, the increase since then had been

£365,000. The PREMIER interjected that this was not duo to the increase of the tariff but to increased consumption and tho purchasing power of the people. Mr HOGG 'said that Iho country had passed into n highly prosperous condition under ihe administration of tho Government, and henco the revenue from customs uuties had necessarily increased. Mr MONTGOMERY did not think the time had arrived to recast the tariff, and would not discuss the subject. .He wished, however, lo direct attention to some remarkable correspondence which had taken place between the Colonial Treasurer and the Audit department. Two days before the end . of the financial year the Treasurer presented a requisition for £82,444, which ho vwnted certified by the Audit department. The Audit department wanted to know it the money was to be used after tho 30th June. The reply was to the effect that Ilia Viik of the money was not to be used until after that date. This led to further correspondence an which the Aviditor-sreneral drew attention to pection 50 of tho Public Revenues Act, which directly provided that moneys required lo be issued by way of imprest for ihe public services shall be charged in the touchers and requiuitiou against the rale for

fervice for which such imprest was required. Ifc wus quite clear that on the 30th June there could be no vote against which such moneys could bo required. To the Auuitorgencral's letter the secretary to the Treasury iepli«s(l that a dislocation of the whole of tho Treasury accounts must follow if the Audit department persisted in the attitude taken up. The Auditor- general in effect objected to allow the requisition because practically it was an underhand way of getting round the law. This proposal to obtain £02,000 two days before the 30th June the bulk of which was to be paid after the 30,h June, was altogether irregular and unconstitutional.

The PREMIER said that the money was needed for the payment of liabilities incurred prior to June 30. Captain RUSSELL stated that Parliament should meet on tiie Ist May every year, an.l tho Financial Statement snould bo brought down by the 15th of the same month. Jt was essential to the right conduct of public business that the Public Work* Statement should be laid before Parliament almost simultaneously. If that were not done it was obviously impossible to discuss the Government's proposals, as they should be in tle public interest. Discussing tho state of -he lunatic asylums, he said provision had not been made for an increase of inmate*, and it was apparent that on increase in the clea^i rate was due to overcrowding. In view ci tho surplus, in which the Premier took ro much pride, this slate of things was scandalous, and should not be allowed to continue. The Hon. J. M'KEN^IE had no desire to withhold information from members on any subject appertaining to public bu;:nc«s, end the manner in which members that afternoon had been able to quote from returns was ample proof of his statement. As to the want of accommodation at tho lunatic asylums, complaint in that connection ha.l been chronic for many years, even as far back, or about the time, when the leader of ihe Opposition himself was in office. In any case, as the Premier had previously pointed out, officers at some of the asylums had large luxurious suites cf apartments, and if iho overcrowding had been as great as alleged the inspector should have seen that some of that space was devoted to the accommodation of patients. He ridiculed the idea of Parliament meeting on the Ist of May. _ As to the amendment, the information arrived at could be obtained without recourse to the Public Accounts Committee, but it served the purpose of the Opposition to obstruct the bucincds of the House and the country. Referring to the increase in customs revenue, he said it was clearly due to the increased spending power of the people. Mr G. HUTCHISON resumed the debate on Mr Duthie's amendment, and ridiculed the statement of the Minister for Lands that members were fairly treated in the matter of returns. He cited instances in which motions for returns were talked out in the House by the assistance, and with the connivance of Ministers. With reference to the public works fund there was no doubt the Treasurer was in sore straits for money. It was patent, notwithstanding the Government's non-bor-rowing boast, that money must be raised, perhaps first in the colony by debentures, which, however, would be afterwards inscribed in London, where the interest would have to be paid ; and what was that but borrowing in a foreign market? He condemned the action of tho Treasurer in reference to the requisition for £82,000 questioned by the Auditor-general, and showed that the Treasurer by means of on order by the Gover-nov-in-Coun'cil, which meant the Treasurer liiaiself, subverted or evaded the statute. The tariff revenue in three years bad increased by £313,226, and it was useless to say there was not a case for inquiry into tho effect which the tariff was having on the industrial classes, especially as the exports had not kept pace with the imports, which was a complete reversal of the slate of things in 1891. Tho Hon. J. G. WARD said that even /if the amendment was carried it would bo futile, because it would entail an inquiry which in its turn would be equally futile, unless an increased measure of Frcctrade or Protection ensued ; and that again would entail an appeal to the country. Mr Hutchison, he said, was disingenuous in dealing as ho had with the exports without reference to values, which varied considerably in acc(,rrlanoo with the state of the world's markets. The increase in customs was a natural result of the increase in imports, which the year before last showed an increase of £1,316,000, and last year them had been on that again an increase of £1,600,000. All that showed that the country's business was expanding in the right direction. In regard to the incident of the £ c 2,000, ho showed thai under the statute of 1862 it wit", specifically provided that what had been done in the recent case by the Treasurer should not be done, and tho fact that that provision had not been repeated in tho consolidating act of IG9I showed inforentially that action through the Governor-in-Council had been contemplated by tho Legislature. In regard to transferring money from the consolidated revenue to the public works fund, that was the only way to avert borrowing, and was a legitimate use to make of the surplus revenue. Mr PIRANI regretted that Mr Ward should by specious argument and special pleading endeavour to justify tho Treasurer's unconstitutional action in reference to the £82,000 which the Auditov-ger.eval had, in obedience to the statute, declined to sanction. The very thing lie so justified had even been provided against in a statute introduced by Mr Ward himself in 1C96, and was contrary to all constitutional principle and practice.

Mr FRABER maintained that the increases in the customs rovenuo wore undoubtedly due to tho tariff as altered by the Government, and that the tariff had been l>iout?ht down with that object, and not, as, pretended, to removo anomalies.

Mr M'NAB, in referring to the mat lor of the £52,000, said that, the Appropriation Act terminated absolutely with the year for which it was parsed, and that imprest beyond the year was legal only in respect to permanent appropriations provided for by other acts of the Geiwi] Ap-'"n«bly. He dwelt on the no ecssily for m.ikiiig bolter provision for arming the volunteers and on the advi'-ableness of promoting closer commercial relations with Capo Colony, to which tho old country sent even frozen mutton after importing it from Australasia.

Mr MASSEY thought it a pity that the Premier should have treated Mr Duthie's amendment as a want-of confidence motion. There could be no question that the to riff had increased the duties on caps, hate, boots', dri peries, and other articles used by Ilia poop Jo. . , Mr MORRTSON traveled Uio opinions expressed by members who had .spoken in support of the amendment. Mr GILFEDDER charged the Opposition with wasting the timo of the House, the daily cost of which was about £135. Mr TAYLOR said that the discussion was a specimen of what might be expected to take place periodically, unless a revolution were

effected in the administration of the colony's public affairs. He did not think a reunion of tho tariif was desired by the country. Ho discussed various matters of administration, and suggested that £15,000 or £20,000 should bo spent in improving the sc ond fla-s railway 'accommodation. Charitable aid was in a deplorable condition, and the subject should bo taken in hand with a \iow to thoroughgoing reform. Unless tho«c and other matters were adequately attended to by the Government, Ministers would be v.eighed in the balance and found wanting, not on account of their legislation, but because of their administration.

At 11.30 the Houso divided on t'-.e original motion to go into Committee on U,o Imprest Supply Bill. Afci 37, Noes 20. Tho following is the division list: —

Ayes. — Messrs E. G. Allen, Cadman, Carncicss, Duncan, Fisher, Flalman, G-iltcddcr, Graham, Guinness, Hill-Jones, J. llutcheson, Jow\ Kaihau. Liwry. M Cowan, J. M'Konnc. Pi.'M'Kcnzie, M'Nab, Meredith, Millar, Mills, Mo. li-Qii. O'Meira, O'Regai", Parata, Pore, Sedclon, Smith, Stevens, Wtewaid, Symes, Tanner, Taylor, R. Thompson, T. Thompson, Ward, Wi'son.

Xoos.— Slcsra Biown, Carson, Duthie, Hcriie3 Hunter, <i. N'ltch'son, Lansr, Lev..-.. M'Gir're, M'Lcan, Mass<>y, Monk, Uonic, Pirani, Rolleston, Russell, Shgo, J. V.\ Thomson, Wii£o:i, Leth bridge.

IMTEE-U' STIPPr.T

The Imprest Supply Bill for 3395,000 was pa-jSfsd through tiie preliminary stages, and on the motion that tho House go into Committee of Supply, Mr G. HUTCHISON said ho desired to place on record the Government's failure to Ripply certain returns moved for by him, and dwelt especially on the circumstances under which 11. C. W. Wrigp, became entitled to. and had been awarded, the New Zealand Cros?. The Hon. T. THOMPSON debited the circumstances under which the New Zealand Cross had been granted to Mr Wri'-g. Tho whole case had been gone into, and no evidence whatever had been adduced to show that Mr Wrigg was not entitled to the distinction. Apart from Mr Wrigg's own statements, the evidence in favour of his claim preponderated over that which had a contrary bearing. Captain RUSSELL charactered the Government's action in the inattor as unwarranted by the circumstances- and contrary to tho regulations which had been laid down in the matter.

The PREMIER contended that Mr Wrigg had thoroughly deserved the decoration, and that the Government had acted justly in bestowing it upon him. He quoted documentary evidence, on the strength of which the Government had acted in the matter.

Eventually the Imprest Supply Bill Mas passed through the filial stages.

INTERCEPTING SUPPLY.

As I stated yesterday would be the case, Imprest Supply was discussed at length today, much to the Premier's disgust. Mr Duthie concluded a forcible speech by mo\ing that the House is dissatisfied Avith the change in the tariff for which the Government is responsible, and that this matter should be investigated by the Public Accounts Committee. Mr Duthio laid special stress upon the fact that the large increases in tho new tariff pressed heavily on tho poorer classes. The Premier apparently regarded tbe amendment as equivalent to a no-confidence motion, and rupliod at length to Mr Duthie's criticisms. He declared that the Opposition were taking a mo^l unusual course in intercepting Supply, but Mr G. Hutchison and other speakers pointed out that the Opposition were compelled to ado2>t some such course otiing to the persistent refusal of the Government to give any information regarding tho financial position of the colony, 'ihe discussion was a general one, so2ne interesting points being brought out.

WHY PARLIAMENT DOES NOT

CONTROL,

In the course of the discussion on Imprest Supply this afternoon Mr Montgomery drew attention to some correspondence which had taken place between the Audit Office and the Treasury regarding a requisition for £84-,000 made two days before the end of the financial year. Tho Auditor- general desired to know whether the money, or any part of it, was to be spent after June 30, when the three months allowed after the conclusion of the financial year would have concluded, and the answer was thai the greater part of the money woidd be spent after June 30. The Treasurer obtained the opinion of the Solicitor-general, and on the strength of his opinion the Gover-nor-in-Council overruled the protest of the Auditor-general. Mr Montgomery said _he disagreed entirely with the view the Solicitor-general, and Mr Hutchison declared that tbe opinion did not touch en tho point raised by the Auditor-general. In any case, Mr Hutchifon pointed out, that as the Governor-in-Covneil leally meant the Premier, it made Mr Seddon the ultimate authority in cr.se of disagreement between hin-jse-i and the Auditor-general, and there remained no check upon th Premier at all. Mr Montgomery said it was an underhand wry of getting over the provision of the luw, which declared that the appropriations should be annual. If the Government could get £84,000, why not £100,000' and there would bo no necessity to call Parliament together at an. They might carry on public works for which there were no appropriations fcr months. " The control of public money is in tho hands of Parliament, paid Mr Montgomery. At this tho House laughed ironically, and the member for Ellesmero added, '• That is the theory at any rate." Mr Ward contended that if the attitude of the Auditorgeneral was the.correct one the ordinary business of the country would be seriously interfere 1 with. The action of the Governor-in-Ccuncil was perfectly legal. In a foroiblo speech Mr Pirani declared that the case had not been properly put to the Solicitorgfcrei.il.

TELEPHONES.

Mr Taylor has pointed out that in order to make the Telephone department show a loss rent, is charged for e^ery room used in every Government building throughout the colony by tho department. The depaihvcnt, he states, showed handsome returns until tho accounts were doctored.

JOTTINGS.

A largely-signed petition in favour of straightening the Port Cnalnicrs railway and putting down another line of rails has Leon piesontul by Mr Allen.

1-TcTDAY, JULY ?9.

Li the Legishilive Council to dny (lie Impros! Supply Bill, Ceroeieiux Bill, and a Wellington local bill wore puK-cd. "I hp f.:j w Praetitioneia Bill was read a su'oi .1 ua c. Tho Unclaimed Moneys Bill was uii.Ci'dod co as to apply al/j:orL universally.

In the House of Representatives to-day, tho afternoon was mait.ly devoted to replying to questions. In the evening the District Courts Amendment, Audit of Public Companies' Accountsj and Law, Bureau Bills

were read a second time pro forma. The Removal of Womou's Disabilities Bill met with but litlle opposition in the second reading stage. The Water Supply Bill wa« reported, while the Dnoree Bill and the I'u.-t O;i>ndorrf' Probation Act Amendment Bill were pas-scd.

QUESTIONS.

Mini-tors replied lo questions to ll.e following effect : —

Girlr from the countiy who lur.e posted tho sixth standard will be given aa e^ual chaive vtilh ladies inthe largo centres to enter Iho telephone service.

Negotiations for the purchase of the Glenmark estate, Canterbury, had not so far arrived at a definito conclusion, but the Government wcro willing to buy if Iho owner comes to the lernw appro. cl of hy tho Land Purchase Board.

Neither the Wellington nor tho Porirua asylums are overcrowded. At Sunny&idc portion of the building is used for visitors, and it n&cTjo.uy should be set apart for patients. Idiots, imbeciles, and aged persons, who should not be sent to asylum*, wcro 100 often committed to such institutions, and the matter would Lo dealt with by the Government. The appointment of an assistant inspector might help low.irds a better state of things.

The deliverj of the la.it Yancomer mail a-5a -5 betucen Wellington and Dunedin was delayed (I. rough bltc^ of weather at sea.

The Government do i>ot think it advi-able to abolish po-,t cards or to reduce letter cards tv one penny, to take the place ot post cards, but they will consider the question of a. red'lftion of the price

Tho Government will consider thp question of establishing a safe deposit office in connection with some public department.

Tho Minister for Agriculture said it would entail e-.ponse and the employment of an expert at Home to obtain a detailed fortnightly report ot the Home prices of wool, hides, skins, tallow, frozen meat, grain, gra-ss seed, flax, and fruit, and have the same published through the press of the colony for the purpose of giving to producers in New Zealand full and reliable information i-especting tho value of their nroducts. For the present, tlungs would have to continue as at present.

The re-ports of the inspector of lunatic asylums were simply full of chronic complaints. The remedy for the state of the asylums did not consist in the adoption of the diversified changes recommended, but in taking away from asylums inmates who should not be there. Perhaps the best preliminary stop would bo to get an expert from Europe to report on the whole question of accommodation for and treatment of the insane.

Railway servants employed at a rate per day cannot claim retiring or compassionate al lowanca.

It is intended to place tha election of charitable aid boaids on a more popular basis, and increase facilities for women exercising the light to (ako their places as members. Fines imposed on railway servants passed into the possession of the Public Trustee.^ The Government do not think it advisable to have questions stated and answered in wiiiingr

The "Government do not think it advisable to set up a royal commission to inquire into the working of the civil service, nor to alter the law so thai owners of land adjoining public roads may become liable only for their own acts of commission ond omission.

women's disabilities. Mr TAYLOR moved the second reading of the Removal of Women's Disabilities Bill, which provides that a woman may be nominated, appointed, or elected to any public office or position to which a man may be appointed or elected, any law or statute to the contrary notwithstanding. Ho explained that the object of the bill was to admit women to membership of all local governing bodies, juries, and Parliament. Women, he said, were clear enough in intelligence and strongenough in character to grace any Legislative Assembly in the world. Hon. J. G. WARD did not think the women 6i New Zealand desirous ot obtaining the right to sit in Parliament, nor was il desirable that they should be, as it were, invited to enter the hurly burly of political elections. Tho fact that women were equal of men in art, literature, and the professions was no argument in favour of their entering" a sphere io which thoy had hitherto been strangers. Mr TANNER said ho would support the bill, and directed attention to the fact that two years ago the Government itself had in one of its bills provided for women having seats in tho Legislative Council. Mr SCOBIE MACKENZIE said there was no logical argument against the admission of women into the House, yet if the bill left that out it would doubtless have a better chance of success. Having granted women the franchise, they could not consistently deny their right to sit in the House, yet it remained a fact, logic notwithstanding, that temperamentally women were not qualified for the sphere of politics, though they were fit for spheres of much greater importance to humanity. Mr HOGG thought they should establish the referendum before passing the bill, and if tho men and women of tho colony favoured the admission of women to Paliamout by a good solid majority, then let Parliament altec tho law.

Mr GTLFEDDER supported tho bill. Mr LEWIS was in favour of the bill in bo far as it was intended to admit women to local bodied, but disapproval of its object in regard to their admission to _ Parliament, which required aelhities of a kind not congenial to women. Mr MILLS said lie had all along supported tho extension of the franchise to women, but did not, think it wise to carry the matter further and invite them to enter the stormy arena of Parliament, with the stress and strain of long sittings and prolonged sessions.

Mr STEVENS supported the bill on iho broad principle of liberty of the subject and equality of citizens. Mr CARSON would vote lor the bill as a measure which would ghe women a right in law which was already theirs in equity and logic. Mr WILSON said it was simply a matter of justice to give women tho rights conferred by tho bill, which, after all, would only give a fair field and no favour.

Tiie Hon. Mr STEWARD maintained that the House had no right to continue to say that any citizens should bo excluded from Parliament, but should leave it to the people themselves to elect whom they chose, whether men or women.

Mr M'GOWAN opposed the bill, which was supported by Mr FLATMAN. Mr M'GUIRE congratulated the author of the bill, which he would support with the utmost goodwill. Mr TAYLOR, in reply, showed that even if the bill was altered in Committee so as to exclude women from the House, it would still give the Government power to appoint women as justices of tho peace, and to positions to which they could not be appointed at present. Tho second reading was carried on the voices, none dissenting.

WATER SUPPLY.

The House went into Committee on the Water Supply Act, 1891, Amendment Bill,

Provisos were added to give an owner t,* occupier power to apply for an injunction lo prevent his hind being flooded or waterlogged ; to enable a council or board to delegate powers of management to ratepayers; and to enjoin the eumrij or board not to prooe.'d »riih irr'gaiion until requisitioned to do no by the .alr-rayovs; chat, borough councils have the .vane powm.s as county councils or walei- supply boards ; and giving county councils or water supply boards power to declare a water channel a water race.

On the bill being reported with amendments', The PREMIER raid he did not wish to laiso a debate at that stage, but directed special attention to the contingencies and issues opened up by the power given in respect to water channels.

It was jigreecl that the third reading should bo poslpcned to qhc districts interested time to concidor the amctul men's.

DIVORCE

The Divorce Bill (Mr M'Nab) was re* committed on the motion of the PREMIER for reconsideration of clause 3, to enlarge from four to seven years the period of desertion.

On tho motion of the Hon. Mr Steward, a new clouso was added making conviction and a sentence of penal servitude for seven years or upwards for attempting to take the life of the petitioner a ground for divorce.

i'IUST OFFEXDEHS.

Tho bill was reported with amendments, read a third time and passed.

Teo First Offenders' Probation Act Amendment Bill (Mr Pirani) was reported without amendments, read a third time, and xJaesed. The House rose at 12.15. TAXING THE WORKERS.

Speaking on tho tariff question to-night, Mr Massey upset the contention of the Government that the increases did not affect the working classes. Ho stated that the duties were increased on articles of everyday use that might be considered necessaries of life, such as hats and caps, boots and shoes, patent medicines, machinery, cotton goods, and the like. In 1594-, the year before tho new tariff came into force, tho amount of duty collected per head of the population was £2 3s 7d. In 1897 the amount per head wa3 £2 10s 3d. This gave an increase of 63 B<i per head, which gave a total of £244,000. This could only be accounted for by the increased duties, which in may cases specially affected the industrial classes of the community.

VACCINATION.

An interesting discussion took place in tha Legifilativo Council this afternoon on th© subject of vaccination. The Hon. Mr Jennings moved that the Government should introduce an amendment in the Vaccination Act with a view to striking out the compulsory clauses, and making vaccination optional. The Hon. Mr Bolt moved an amendment to the effect that a medical board should be set up with a view to furnishing a report on compulsory vaccination and its relation to public health. The supporters of tho motion urged that vaccination did not accomplish all that was claimed for it, and that, moreover, owing to the system of arm-to-arm vaccination, without doubt many children had been inoculated with tho taints of various diseaAs. The Hon. Mr Bowen strongly supported the amendment moved ly Mr Bolt, and held that the objection in rega<\l lo arm-to-arm vaccination was well founded. Dr Grace opposed both motion, and amendment, and asserted that of all countries in the world, New Zealand was the beul protected in the character of the vaccine use 1 by medical men. The cultivation of pure calf lymph, which was now easily piocurnble, had become an industry in Hawke's Bay, where it was subjected to the closest; scientific control. He held that if anything; was proied with mathematical cerlainlj-, ib was that vaccination wae both a preventive of smallpox and a modifier of the disease when, conli acted. He had every sympathy with tho.so who objected to vaccination, but felt that their ideas were formed through want of proper knowledge on the subject. Both tie amendment and motion were lost. Wellington, July 29. TIIE POLICE COMMISSION.

The Premier stated this afternoon thai Lhe. report of the Police Commission had been received by the Government, but had not yet been considered. All the evidence had not yet been printed, and it would be some time before the report as a whole was ready to be laid on the table of the House. It is veiy probable that many of the suggestions made by Commissioner Tunbridge in his annual report on the police force (which was laid on the table to-day) will be embodied in the recommendations of the Royal Com mission. I learn from an authoritative source that the report of the commissioners will practically exonerate the Government from the charge of undue political influence, ps it is considered proved that, Opposition members have likewise been persistent in making applications regarding different policemen. In' addition to certain recommendations regarding the licensing laws, the commissioners will recommend the dismissal of several officers, some of whom have already been, or aie being, dispensed with by the commission c-i

STATE FARMS

The Hon. J. M'Kcnzie intends to move— "That a Select Committee be appointed for the purpose of considering the desirability of establishing State farms and industrial settlements as a means of alleviating the evils arising from irregularity of employment, the committee to have power to confer with any committee appointed for a shnilar purpose by the legislative CounciL the committee to consist of Messrs Bollaid, Brown, Duncan, Flatman, Hall-Jones, Mon gomery, Massey, Millar, and O Meara. MOUNTED INFANTRY. In answer to Mr Millar to-day, the Mirustei for Defence said it was not true that the Canterbury Yeomanry were to remain as a cavalry coY They would be on the same SoUng as the Otago . Hussars. At a .la tar sta-e, in answer to a similar question by ftli Sl£o he said the only chfterenco was that the" Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry were to bo allowed to retain their old name, though it, seemed to him absurd to call them cavaliy when they were armed with rifles. In answer to a further question by Mr fehgo as to whether the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry carbines had been yet called in, the Minister had to admit that he did not know. NEW CALEDONIA AS A MILITARY,

Nolv'U.-'i .dit-tf tho assurances of tha V.-uni-r.' '(>'il (hfl statement of the Count de C-ju.-l- L'Y mcli Consul at Wellington, I sea no nVon lo alter the opinions expressed some cUy.s iv^o in regard to the importance of New Caledonia as a military base in the event of a war in which France and Great Britain might be opposed to each other. It is not, of course, to be expected that the Frenc't authorities would keep their represen 1 - \ve in Wellington fully advised of all the ijlans and secrets of their department. As a matter

of fact, not only lm the importance of tho malter engaged the attention of the New Zealand Government, but it has also boon seriously considered by the authorities in i France, and 1 now learn that they have- sent j out ono of no lower rank than a general to re- ! port on tiio military settlement, and inspect \ tho troopi already btationrd at New Calc- | donia. This officer, General Boilove, arrived in Sydney the other day by tho French mail boat Polyncaion, and is now eu route to New Caledonia. \ OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS EVIDENCE : BILL. i The Joint Statutes Revision Committee report, on the OGicial Documents Evidence Bill, that they have carefully considered tho same and recommend that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. I'TvJENDLY SOCIETIES. The friction between some of the friendly societies and the department in Wellington continues, and there was some discussion on it in i\a House to-day. The discussion arose through a question put on the Order Paper by Mr Sligo, who wanted the C4overnment to reimburse' tho Otago M.U. Oddfellows the expenses put to in the registration of their rules through the alleged wrong decision of tho revising barrister. Mr Sligo said that the Supreme Court judge in Dunedin had decided that the revising barrister had gone beyond his function. Mr Seddon said the decision of Mr Justice Ponnefathcr was open to question. Mr Tanner: "No; the judge is right." Mr Guinness o-ked if tho registrar decided these matters himself, or did he act on the advice of the rousing 'l arrister. The Premier: He acts on tho advice of t3>e revising barrister. Mr Sligo said he believed there was more interference than that of the revising barrister. The latter disclaimed interference in certain matters. Mr Seddon : At all events it is not Ministerial interference. Mr Sligo: I don't think it is. 3Tr Seddon: I may say that I have done my level best to promote a. good feeling between the department and the societies. I am afraid there arc those in the friendly societies themselves who interfere in the direction indicated. Mr Tanner: Oh! It's been going on for these 10 years. Ihe Premier, however, refused Mr Sbgo's application. DELIVERY OF MAILS. The Poblmoster-gcneral was arked by Mr Scobie Mackenzie to-day whether lie is aware of any complaints made as to the delay in tho dcliveiy of the Vancouver mail between Wellington and Dunedin, and if he finds such complaints, well founded will no take steps to remedy the grievance? Mr Mackenzie explained that the mail was kept in Wellington for 16 hours before being despatched south, and further delays occurred on the journey. No less than 75 hours elapsed from the time of arrival in Wellington and delivery in Dunedin, being about the same time as was occupied in coming from Auckland to Dunedin. Mr Seddon stated that the Penguin, carrying the mails, •was delayed for nine hours by stormy weather. The special train could not run further than Oamaru owing to other trains on the line. The delay, therefoie, was exceptional, and quite beyond the control of Hie department. Tho delivery of the last San Francisco mail was again referred to to-day by Mr Duthie who asked whether, since his department pleads its inability, in conjunction with the railway, to expedite the transfer of the inward San Francisco mails from Auckland to Onehunga, the Postmaster-general will invite tenders for its conveyance from steamer to steamer by road in, say, one hour and ahalf or one hour and three-quarters. Mi Duthie said the lime taken for the transfer from one steamer to the oilier was 3i hour?. Thirty rears ago it only took an hour and ahalf to' go from Auckland to Onehunga in an old lumbering 'bus. It was appalmg to think that with the assistance of the train service it now took 3 A hours, whereas allowing a quarter of an hour for handling at each end the time occupied should not exceed two houiv. The department must_ be hidebound, and some life should be put into it Mr Dul hie was not actuated by any spirit of hostility to the service, but desired to make it as useful as possible to the people of New Zealand. Mr Seddon said he had oiven a complete answer to Mr Duthie a few days ago. Considering the quantity of mails to be 'handled, greater expedition was lm possible. The train would, m any cafe, be quicker than carriage by road, and the pp&l office should find no difficulty m arranging for an express train to carry the mails. A THREATENING LETTER. The Prohibition Council for the Wellington, Hawl-e's Bay, and Taranaki districts have sent 3 circular to each member of the House, the tone of which is strongly relented by ' many. It certainly contains something very like "a threat, which some mem uers regard as a distinct broach of privilege, and there is porno talk of referring to the matter on the floor of the Howe. The circular reads as iol ; IOWS._"I1 OWS ._"I am instructed by the exeeutne of the Wellington, Ilawke's Bay, and Taranaki Prohibition Council to urge you to vote saainsl meh ekwea in Mr 0. A. Millar s bi'l as are manifestly in the interests oi the liquor trade, and to support the amendments in favour of— (1) a triei.nial licensing poll independent of the dissolutions of Parliament ; (Z) a vote on colonial option ; (3) prevention of removal of lieenFcs beyond a quarter of a mile limit ; (*) scrutineers for licensing polio. Your voting on these issues will be carelully noted. If you scciifieo the rights of the people to tho benefit of brewing monopolists your disregard of the democratic principle involved must be followed by the censure of intelligent and right -minded electors. In any ease, puch action will be considered your renunciation of all claim to represent those who desire to promote temperance reform. Owing to tho shortness of time kindied council < in other parts of the colony may not bo able to communicate with you. but tho p.iily which is gaining strength daily is united and decided as to its policy." MONDAY, AUCUST ]. \ftrr the uu-t'omly pci--'on.>lilic ! « ! with which lha 'li^un i-;ii oi tho J'l.uiKlng P.ill !■:«• mode 11.0 Jlou^o familiar, and Ihrs to.ilnmouf, \\i\u-i%Yiw> (AM 1 the |iiopof-f-d n irimhucnU to tiio licon'iiif,' law. tho irirlhfuhi.'t'J winch fharae! orii ("4 tho di ru?si'/n ol tho l'on>cnal ut Women's Usabilities J'<ill to-night came as a veiy welcome change. Though Mr Taylor, who had charco of the bill, wa<i A cry venous in li'm rcimnks, the c ; ootl hmnoi'v of lite* othov {.pnnl-ci-« f-Hild l-ot b" if nn<l tho froriuont h'.'hdv vU'.'h r-rce'-cd cni ti:o tceblo-i (•:-])]>• " >• -I 'l.ouedlhal li< ; ifoa^o u.'S !"/t ;r..;/ m i I-) i >h.o tlic jortld c icjy soriou'ly. \\i' 'JVjhn 1 v, as inclined to ic.-f-nl this c-Ju'bi'ion of Jouty, Init \\ih mullilied whci i»ig libels' canici the hccond ic.ulujg without a di\ii<ion. THE LIQUOR BILL. Accoiding to to-day's Order Paper, Ah Millar's Liquor J^ill, which lo°t it', chnnce yesterday , was at the very bottom of the list, there bei)/£ no fewer than. 60 moasiues in front

of it. In view of Uiis fact, Mr Millar as'ced permission this afternoon to have the measure fixed for August 24. Before tliir. could bo dono the unanimous consent of the liouso was necessary, but Mr Tanner said "No.'' Tho Premier, hovever, plodded that the request of Mr iMillar diould bo granted as a matter of coi!ito-y, as this and other bills had been blocked by the JLmproi Hr.i.ply debate. Mv Tanner did not pi ess h:j olijoc tion. It is looking moio and more hopeless for a private member to deal with the liq'ior rmesuon, and it remains (o bo seen what (.ho Government will do. July 30. TELEPHONE CADETS. One of ihe most troublesome {vv.ilifiif of Government is, in the opinion of Mi" Sodden., the duty of appointing suitable young Udto* to the telephone department. As a, general rule, he snys, he confines his choice to the daughters of widows who have to as^ut, in supporting their mothers. As to appoinaiv-, girls from the country to town bureau, Mr Seddon states that he has done bo in certain casc3, but it means that he has to pay lodging allowance of £20 for the first year, £10 for the second, and £5 for the third, which involves a serious increase in expenses. The applications for appointments received, says tho Premier, are simply legion. THE NEW ZE VIAND CROSS. Whatever msy be the general opinion as to the bestowal of the New Zealand Cross on Mr Harry Wrigg, there can bo no doubt that the manner in which the Premier dealt with the question will lend to lowsr the value of tho decoration in the estimation of most people. His reply to the very serious criticisms of Mr (-eorge Hutchison evoked froquent roard of lau^ntcr, and covered the whole question with iiJ.icr.lo. One could hardly help sympathising with Mr Pirani when he slated that "After tUs buffoonery of the Premier on the quo: tion this honour, which had been coveted by so many in the past, will be desired by few in the future."^ All members seemed to agree when Mr M'Nab declared that the scene the Hov.se Lad witncfcscd should bo a. warning thai f-<-h decorations sho-ild be presented immediately of tor the act of bravery so rewarded. la tho course of lime the simplest incidents were liable to become greatly magnified, as members of the Petitions Committee were well aware. Ho hoped the Premier would now finally put his foot down and agree to no more decorations for acts of bravery in the Maori wais. The Premier V- o^onh'iiff nods indicated that he would ta'.e 3Tr M'Xab's advice in this mat tor. THE GLENMAEK ESTATE. The Minister for LaiKls stated iv the Home (ha< some negotiations had taken place wiJi the owner for tho purchase of the Glenmurk estate, but the hitter had pii~.ee wilhdrav.-.i liis proposal. Mr Meredith stated that 10,000 sc.'ts of the eotatc hive already bsen disposed of, but there wore 64 ,000 lucres still available. The magistrate at Ohri<-lchurch h.t.l also decided that the value of the estate should bo increased by the sum of £9000, so the question of value might Le regarded os rettlod. Mr M'Kenzie said the value was only Fettled as regards the land tax. If the Government wanted to pureharo it under the compulsory clause-; of the act the valuation would ha\e to b3 gone into again by tho court, but at picseut the owner did not want to sell. | SCHOOL FOR DEAF MUTES. j The report of the director of the School for Deaf Mutes, Sumner, was laid on the table to-day. The attendance at the end of the : year was 27 boys and 20 girls. There arc ii\e teachers. The expenditure for the year v>os £3277. The salaries of the director ond teachers amounted to £1319; steward, matrons, and servants, £478; rent, £470; housekeeping, £684- ; travelling expense*, £124. JOTTINGS. The Government are not prepared to give Mr Paulin the use of the teles I*]?"1 '*]?" v n ' e ° h' ce of cost for the purpose of proem hu 1 from the central meteorological offices information that would enable him to publish moie comprehensive weather forecasts for the benefit of the shipping and the public of Otago. The Premier spys tins would clash with Ihe work done by the Government weather forcaster. It would be a case of too many doctors. The Petitions Committee find that had Jane F. Logan's husband remained in the service for two months longer his widowwould have been entitled to a year's salary. In "\iew of all the circumslar.ee 1 ! the committee is of opinion that the care i- one do serving the favourable consideration of the Government, and recommend that peHtionci receive a compr.ssionate allowance of £350. Mr Carncross has presented a petition from the Fernhill coal mincis asking that the Govornment remit the extra haulage of 4£ pei ton charged on the branch line of railway from tho Fcrnhill coal mine to the mam trunk line at Abbotsford. MONDAY, AUGUST 1. In the Slaughtering and Inspection 11x11 tho Government pioviclo for the compulsory establishment of abattoirs and the gi-atliny ot meat for export. The bill provides that local authorities in boroughs or towns where the pomilalion is not le u s than 1500 persons shall erAabli--h and maintain an abattoir within 12 montlr-s of the gazetting of the census returns, and in the ca>c of other local authorities Ihe coiv-enl of the Minister will be 10qulxed for the establishment ot such abattoiis, but iv cvei'y ease the plans of the proposed abattoirs must be submitted to cuul appro', cd hy the Minister. The expense of \ such cstablibhi.ieut is to be borne out of the | local authority's general funds, and power i>- also given to r.iiae a loan for the purpose, i In ease ol s"teh loan pjopooals a bare m.'sjori it v will be sutticicul, and each voter \villha\o I only one vote. In ihc ca?o of boroughs ol I 3500 inhabitants and upward^ ihe local authoiily may rui'-e n loan by special order without' .submitting tho proposal to the ralepajcis- r '" w0 or i' lol ' o of ' 1 ! anthoritios may | joi'u io' n oihor in c-tpl.li--hiL.54- abatloiis, 01 may deleo/.le their po-,\eid to any pciMiu, and on biich tei-ma as aie appro'.ed by Iho MinMer. All slock will luue to bo sLui'^htercd, die 'fd, cc. at Uic ret;if-lerccl aballoir. and the charges lor U'-o aie to be approved by (he (iovc'rnor. If an abattoir ib e&Labjished in a di&tricL no licence for a sl.iught^iliouso shall bo granted, and application'- for hlaii"htcr-housp licenrcs outside fuh diflrict will have to be made to the Hccrcl >ry of Agriculture. Provision is made for iho^p po'inimcnt of quahiiod inr.poctois, ;>nd other oll'.fPis, v.ho will have lull^ j>')\,< in ol entry end search for the puipo-" o. sc.irc-h-inq for i;lock or carcases Kip])O!cd to bo diseased or stolen, to prevent nuoV.y, and (o prevent uunuitablu tonv^yancps h:>in;» rm])loycd, and to inspect the record of stock hhuiyhtcrod, which is to be kept m o\cvy f<lau f 4lilerin» place. Kccarding the c\poi (. ot meat the bill prm ides that no meat shall be o\poilcd without a jfiaderV "n.c.t pxp-'it ccitificate" ccilllviiiij that it i 1 - in good ton-

tlllion and froe from disease ; and tinned moat must bo m.'ik*>d "Now Zealand," and bear the expu'lei's nunis, his resist pi ed Uade murk, iind t I\c tr.se nuiio and description ot tho con!°nts. Swine must not he fed on diseased oai cases or allowed near an abattoir. The penalty for an offence against the act is £50. JOTTINGS. Ministers have decided to pay a compassionate allowance of £50 to the widow of U,e Ido Mr 11. G-. Jamieson, »t.itionmaHtor at I"!' "-.mt Point, and a reuring allowance of £167 to Mr M. Maher, Etalionmasicr at ;! • r;,.VI liutl. Tl • (' -.-'.uiuonl have ruMiscl tho applioaii,\ (i Mr J Rciindors, of NeUon, tor a b.»i,t.c o f £5000 for reopening the (."Minpzon ( o[.\ «. mine in that district. The i'ranicr met a number of Mami chiefs this afleinoon, iiud di&ousFed v.'ilh them a namDPr of proposed am^ndinonls in the . a tivo Land I'lll.

Minister slate th;it they Irivo •■)■>} je.l made ur,v rc"oini'H<nd.ition to the lii.peii.'J authoi i lie* iv;uulnig a successor to Mr Mos.-., Bii-u-h Re-ident at Rarotonga.