N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2331, 3 November 1898, Page 25

N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

— » . .— '"After the telegraph office closed, coi^^° ra * lioil of the Slaughtering and Inspection Bill in Pommittee was continued. Clause 3 was passed with slight alterations. At 2.10, when an amendment to clause 4 "was under discussion, the Hon. J. M'KENZIE moved to report progress, as he was physically unable to remain longer at the Committee .table. Progress was reported, and the House rosa at 2.10. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25. In the Legislative Council on Tuesday the "Master and Apprentice* Bill paused its second reading stage by a majority of one rote. The Land and Income Tax Bill was passed. MASTER AND APPRENTICE. The adjourned debate on the second reading of the Master and Apprentice Bill was continued by The Hon. G. M'LEAN, who urged that, aa the session was so far advanced, members (would not have an opportunity of properly * considering the measure. He therefore moved r -tbat it be read a second time three months ' hence. The Hon. R. OLIVER and the Hon. Mr . PEACOCK supported the amendment, The Hon. Messrs RIGG and JONES favour- . ing progress being made without delay. The Hon. W. C. WALKER contended that it wa« not necessary for the Labour Bills Com- ■ mittee to take evidence on the subject. The Hon. Messrs BOWEN and ORMOND combated this suggestion, holding that it was imperative to make the inquiries as exhaustive as possible. The amendment proposed by the Hon. G. M'Lean was eventually negatived by 18 to 17 votes, and the second reading agreed to. DEATH OF THE HON. MR SHEPHARD. The debate was interrupted by the Hon. W. C. WALKER announcing the death of the Hon Mr Shephard at Nelson. LAND AND INCOME TAX. The Land Tax and Income Tax Bill passed through all stages, and was finally paesed. In the House of Representatives yesterday the Native Reserves Bill was introduced and read a first time, after some opposition. To facilitate business, it was decided to suepend ■a Standing Order «o as to permit of new business being taken after midnight. The Gene,ral Estimates wera then proceeded with, and jwill probably be put through before the House adjourns. OLD AGE PENSIONS: A message was received from the Council intimating that the Old Age Pensions Bill had been passed. THE ESTIMATES. The House v/ent into Committee of Supply on the General Estimates. Clause 10, Department of Agriculture, total vote £57,235.— Captain RUSSELL urged the 'Minister to appoint veterinary surgeons ac Btook inspectors. He also considered inspectors should be empowered to alter the date of sheep dipping.— The Hon. J. M'KENZIE said nothing would please him better than to agree with the first suggestion, but he pointed out that these surgeons were trained only as veterinary surgeons, and they did not care to take up the other work done by inspectors. The •time would be extended for dipping to suit the convenience of districts. _ j Consideration of the Agricultural Estimates i in Committee of Supply was resumed. In I reply to questions with respect to various items, the Hon. J. M'KENZIE stated that, in \ addition to the salary of the poultry expert, £225, other expenses in connection with this department amounted to £239. With re spect to dairy schools, he hoped by the next Vancouver mail an expert would arrive who -would establish the schools, the intention being to establish one in each island. — Mr LEWIS moved that the poultry expert's eatery, £225, be struck out.— Mr TAYLOR contended that the poultry industry had in the past been hampered by the fact that shipping rings had prevented direct communication between Cape Colony, where a good market existed, and this colony. After further discussion, the motion was negatived on .the voices.— The Hon. J. M'KENZIE, in leply to Mr M'Lean, said that better proposals must be submitted with respect to cool storage at London before the colony could undertake to provide storage. Replying to Mr M'Guire, he said that the efforts of the department with respect to direct steam conveyance of produce to England had been rendered futile on account of the necessity of guaranteeing that a certain amount of cargo wouid be forthcoming. The shipping agents _ had also stepped in and offered to quote freights at rates as cheap as those quoted by the department. — After further debate, the clas3 was agreed to unaltered. Class 15, Lands and Survey department, -total £109,261— After a brief discussion, the vote, Department of Lands and Survey, •£97,672, was passed unaltered. Miscellaneous services, £11,592.— The Hon. J. M'KENZIE, in reply to Mr Pirani, said *he total cost of the Old Soldier^ Claims Commission had been £1092.... 5everal members objected to the manner in which the inquiry had been conducted. — Mr PIRANI moved th"at the item old soldiers' claims expenses, £600, be reduced by £1, as an indication of the perfunctory manner in which the commissioner had performed his duties. Negatived by 26 to 25, and the class passed. Class 11, Working Railways department, total vote £871,000.— Captain RUSSELL contended that the discomfort and inconvenience of railway arrangements between Wellington and Napier were a discredit to the whole railway administration.— The Hon. Mr CADMAN, replying to questions put by several members, said arrangements had been made to stop all extraneous work at the railway workshops, in order to push on as fast as possible the construction of waggons to meet the demands of the wheat harvest. American locomotives would arrive in the colony in. about 10 days. As through passengers on the Wellington-Napier line were only 6 per cent, of the passengers carried, he was not prepared to alter the present arrangements to benefit them.— After further debate, the Hon. Mr CADMAN, in reply to questions, said it would take about £10,000 to provide dining cars on the Government railways. After further debate, the class was passed unaltered. Class 16, Valuation department, total vote £23,148.— Much discussion ensued on what was held to be the excessive charges made to local bodies for valuations.— Replying to Mr Lewis, who obiected that the valuation cf improvements on his property had been placed at the amount which he was paying for insurance on the buildings on the property, the Hon. J. M'KENZIE pointed out that the .valuation would, on application to the department, be reviewed. The valuation_ made was not unalterable. He stated that it was [hoped next year to reduce the amount required for the department by £6000

The Valuation Estimates were paesed unaltered. Class 8, lunatic asylums, total vote £54,035. — The item assistant inspector of asylums, £750, mat with considerable objection, and Mr JM'NAB moved that the item be struck out, "— this was negatived by 23 to but ainji i 21, and the vote passeu. The Department of Labour vote, £6859, was debated at considerable length, the Labour Journal being specially dealt with. As an indication that the articles reprinted in it ehould not be published at the expense of the colony, Mr BUCHANAN moved to reduce the rote, but this was negatived on the voices. Mr MASSEY moved to reduce the item State farm £800, as an indication 'that the expenditure under this head should oease. — The PREMIER contended that the farm had been a success, and the establishment of similar farm 3in the vicinity of the four centres was vorth, considering. — The motion was negatived on the voices, and the vote agreed to. This concluded the votes on the General Estimates, and progress was reported, the House rising at 3.30 a.m. JOTTINGS. The Hon. Mr Ward haa gone south, and it is understood he will make an excursion into the Tuapeka electorate and do a little electioneering on behalf of the Government candidate. Mr and Mrs Wason will leave on a trip to the old country in a. day or two. They will be back in New Zealand in time for next session. Mr Wason, I understand, has got a \ pair with Mr Ward for the rest of the session. He proceeds via Sydney. j The Local Bills Committee recommends that ! the Clutha River Board Empowering Bill be allowed to proceed with amendments. WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26. In the Legislative Council on Wednesday the Workers' Compensation for Accidents Bill wa« under consideration in Committee until an amendment was carried providing that an employer should not be palled on to pay compensation where an accident was due to the negligence of the employee. The Pharmacy Bill was read a second time, and some progres» mad* with the Kauri Gum and Separate Institutions Bills. COMPENSATION FOR ACCIDENTS. Tha Worker*' Compensation for Accidents Bill mv coniidered in Committee. Th« Hon. Mr STEWART moved an amendment to clause 2 " that persons employed in or about agricultural or pastoral pursuits" should b» included among those not to come within the operation of the bill. — After a long discuesion, the amendment was agreed to by 22 to 14-, and the clause passed. In olauto 4, which provided that an employer shall not be liable under the act in respeot to an injury proved to be attributable to the «eriou6 and wilful mifloonduct of a worker, the Hon. R. OLIVER moved the addition of the word* " negligence or " before serious. He explained that his object was to prevent an employer being called upon to pay compensation to a person injured by his own negiect. Thi»' was strongly opposed by the Hons. W. C. WALKER, MACGREGOR, and others, who argued that it would destroy tne very fundamental principle of the bill. — The amendment was eventually agreed to by 15 to 14. Progress was immediately reported, and leave given to sit. The House of Representatives, after putting through the Estimates before rising on Wednesday morning, made good progress in the afternoon and evening until the Juries Act Amendment Bill oame up. The RabbitProof Wire Fencing, Fencing Act Amendment, Slander of Women, and Inspection of Machinery Bills were amended. Consideration of the Rating on Unimproved Value Bill was adjourned. The House was left sitting at 2 a.m., discussing the question of special juries and the cases in which they should be allowed. QUESTIONS. Ministers replied to questions to the following effect : — Funds for the purpose of erecting a statue to Sir G. Grey should be raised by voluntary subscriptions, as State aid in such matters would not be in the direction of inculcating reverence. Owing to the lateness of the session and business yet to be disposed of, it will be impossible to introduce a bill to amend the Factories Act, but a measure dealing with the provisions relating to the employment of women and young persons, and other matters, will be introduced next session. It is intended next session, as it is impossible to do so this session, to' introduce a measure providing for local government and the' sanitation of Rotorua. On account of the litigation' between the Midland Railway Company and the colony, it is not considered advisable to introduce legislation dealing with the lands of the company. Instructions have been given to the Crown solicitor to take proceedings against the Midland Railway Company claiming damages for breach of contract. The Stock Act Amendment Bill, providing for the payment out of the consolidated fund of compensation for stock destroyed by order of the inspectors will be introduced tomorrow. The Government have not come to any final decision on the question of the re-appointment of Mr Reeves as Agent-general, but he will be offered re-appointment, but for what term it is impossible to say until a communication is received from Mr Reeves. As the surveys are not completed, and as the finance of the Government has been arranged for the present year, it is impossible for the Government to aak the House to I authorise a special loan for the construction j of a railway from Gisborne to Rotorua and from Napier to Gisborne. • Provided that members gave an assurance to debate fairly the Technioal Education Bill, it will be proceeded with this session. The Government will not enter into negotiations with the Midland Railway Company ! or the Midland Railway Company debentureholders to have the lands under the company's lien thrown open for settlement, as to do so would be recognising the rights of the company to these lands. Mr Guinness moved the adjournment ofthe House in order to discuss the replies given to questions respecting the Midland railway. After a short discussion the motion was negatived. SECOND READINGS. The Hon. J. M'KENZIE moved the second reading of the Rabbit-Proof Wire Netting Fences Bill, which was, after a brief discussion, agreed to. The Hon. J. M'KENZIE moved the second reading of the Fencing Act Amendment Bill. After a short debate this was agreed to. The second reading of the Inspection of Machinery Acts Amendment Bill was agreed to without debate. n~ The Right Hon. Mr SEDDON moved the second reading of the Rating on Unimproved Value Act Amendment Bill. He said the measure was to permit town and

road districts to come un3©r the principal act, and also provided that the votes of absentees shall not count against those of voters for proposals. Mr J. ALLEN considered the measure a revolutionary one, and designed to do away altogether with plural voting in country districts. RUSSELL objected to the proposal ■ — j. n — — ««;»»■»? f w o f votes reof the bill that a uai« **.~,~..... ., ._ corded should be sufficient to carry the proposals of the act. So far as he knew, there was no strong feeling in the country for alteration in the present law, and if any feeling existed it was against .the system. The discussion, which was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment, was resumed at 7.30. Mr R. THOMPSON said the system of rating on unimproved value fell heavily on new settlers, to whom its adoption meant ruin. Mr HOGG said the system had been adopted in newly-settled bush districts, _and had worked satisfactorily. Mr MASSEY considered one effect of the bill would be that one class would have power to levy rates, whilst the other class would have to pay them. Mr JOHN HUTCHESON said he had lived under the two systems of rating, and contended that the unimproved value rating system was more reasonable than the rating on capital value. Mr BROWN considered he would be justified in using all the forms of the House to oppose the proposal to give one-man-one-vote | on the question of the adoption of this system of rating. _ ' Mr O'REGAN pointed out that in only one poll out of 18 polls held under the act had a majority of those who voted declared against the proposal ! | Mr TAYLOR supported the measure. j Mr MOORE moved the adjournment of i the debate.— Carried by 33 to 29. The PREMIER moved the second reading I of the Slander of Women Bill, the provisions of which he briefly explained. — Agreed to without debate. IN COMMITTEE. The Rabbit-Proof Wire Netting Fences Bill I was committed and put through with slight amendments. The Fencing Act Amendment Bill was committed. Under clause 2, of the bill, providing for the repeal of section 14 of the Fencing Act. — It was contended that power was taken from a magistrate to decide Avhether a rabbit-proof fence was necessary or not. — The Hon. J. M'KENZIE said the clause was necessary to provide for cases in which rabbits from one property damaged that adjoining. — The clause was agreed to. Mr O'REGAN moved a new clause to provide that- in the County of Grey trespassers on unfenoed land shall not be liable to be prosecuted. — This was agreed to after a brief discussion. The bill then passed the Committee stage. The Inspection of Machinery Acts Amendment Bill and Slander of Women Bill passed the Committee stages unaltered. JURIES. The Juries Act Amendment Bill was committed. Clause 3, if a special jury is not agreed to the judge to adjudicate. — Mr SMITH moved that it should be left to the absolute discretion of the judge to decide whether a case be heard by a special jury.— The PREMIER said this was a return to the old system, which was undesirable. — Mr M'NAB quoted the opinions of the judges of the Supreme Court on the subject, which showed that they all favoured the retention of special juries. — The Hon. T. THOMPSON pointed out that tbe judges had not expressed an opinion on the clause, but on the question of the abolition of special juries.— Mr MONTGOMERY considered that as there had been no demand for the bill from any section of the community it was a popularity hunting measure. — After further discussion, the amendment was negatived by 29 to 26. — Mr MOORE moved that progress be reported, as it would be absurd to pa*s the bill with the clause under consideration in it. — In the course of the discussion which ensued, the PREMIER suggested an amendment to the effect that a case be heard by a special jury when, in the opinion of the judge, expert knowledge is necessary, but this did not meet with approval. — The motion to report progress was negatived by 27 to 25. — The PREMIER then moved the amondment given above. — After discussion, Mr CARSON moved that the clause be postponed. — The PREMIER pointed out that the matter would have to be settled some time, and it might as well be settled now. — The motion was negatived by 32 to 21. — In the course of the discussion on the Premier's amendment, Captain RUSSELL combated the statement made by Mr Seddon that intentional perjury had been committed by juries in antagonism to persons in an inferior social position. Such a statement was absolutely disreputable unless it could be proven.— The PREMIER said the knowledge he possessed warranted his statement.—At 1.40 Mr MEREDITH moved that progress be reported. — Negatived by 26 to 23. — The Premier's amendment was under discussion when the telegraph office closed at 2 a.m. STATE FARMS. The Joint State Farms Committee, to whom wag referred the question of considering the desirableness of establishing State farms and industrial settlements as a saeans of alleviating the evils arising from irregularity of employment, has submitted its report to Parliament. The committee is of opinion that State farms may be so constituted as to give great relief to men temporarily out of ■work, and that their utility would be greatly increased if manufacturing industries were carried on in connection with them wherever possible. Amongst the recommendations are the following : — That other industries, such as market gardening, flower growing, fruit growing, iam making, and poultry raising, etc., should be [ established ; that State farms should be so constituted as to preclude their being viewed |in any sense as benevolent institutions ; that as the restoration of our forests is a work of great national importance, it might be \indertaken as an adjunct to the State settlement, and that this would give occupation to men at seasons of the year when work on the settlements was slack; that State farms in the matter of instruction should have a technological side, in order that the principles which underlie the practical lessons received on the farm might be further illustrated ; persons with little cash, and almost devoid of knowledge regarding agricultural pursuits, but who are desirous of settling on small sections in the country, might avail themselves of this education. The committee also favours the eGtablishment of industrial settlements on the lines of the labour colonies in South Australia. LABOUR MEASURES IN THE COUNCIL, i In the Council yesterday evening the Minister for Education made an attack _ on the | Labour Bills Committee in regard to its treatment of the Government's labour bills, and this afternoon the Hon. Mr Richardson, as a member of that committee, referred to the Minister's remarks when the Workers' Compensation for Accidents Bill came on for committal. He said that he for one had willingly given the committee tbe full benefit of all his experience aa an old and extensive employer

of labour, and he had done so in the interest of all concerned, workers and employers. He thought it should be remembered that the unions and trade societies represented only about 12,000 workmen out of a total of 80,000 or 90,000 in the whole colony. He hoped, too, that the Council would stand by the amendments which had been suggested by the Labour Bills Committee, because they had been mado | in the mutual intere&t of workers and emTHE WALTER GUTHRIE Luau^..V.. Mr Fisher has given notice to ask the Premier whether the Government can inform the House if the liquidator in the group of companies known as the Gutlirie companies has lodged with Mr Justice Pennefather the report ordered to be prepared by Mr Justice Williams in February last in regard to the insolvent condition of the said group of companies, and what steps are necessary to be taken to obtain a copy of the said report so that members of this House may be informed of the full amount of loss sustained by the Bank of New Zealand through the failure of the said Guthrie companies. The report will not be available till it is filed in the Supreme Court on Mr Justice Pennefather's return to Dunedin. JOTTINGS. The business of the Patents Office continues to increase, and 1492 applications were received during the past year. The total levenue was £3183, a surplus over expenditure of £2508. The Public Accounts Committee has no leoommendation to make regarding the petition of Samuel Charles Jolly, of New Brighton, who claimed to have introduced a loan conversion scheme which saved the colony over £2.000.000. Speaking on a motion to report progress on the Juries Bill, Mr Crowther said they had been working long enough, and they were not prepared to follow the Premier much longer. Mr Seddon: "You never did follow me." Mr Crowther: "I followed you till I found it was necessary to have an opinion of my own — (laughter), —and it would be a good thing for the country if some other hon. members had a mind of their own." THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28. In the Legislative Council on Thursday the bill to reform the Constitution of the Council was discharged from the Order Paper. The Kauri Gum Industry Bill was passed, and the Land Drainage, Government Loans to Local Bodies, and two other bills were read a second time. In the House of Representatives on Thursday most of the afternoon was taken up with the second reading debate on the Law Practitioners Bill, which proposes to admit as barristers solicitors who hare been practising for five years. The Mining Bill was lead a second lime, and, on tlie motion for its committal, the senior member for Dunedin moved his amendment to prevent tha Minister for Mines, or other Minister, holding positions on syndicates, etc. Mr Cadman made it a personal question, and after a spirited debate the motion was loot by a majority of nine votes. The bill was still in Committee when the telegraph office closed. QUESTIONS. Ministers replied to questions to the following effect : — The Land Purchase Commissioners will be instructed to report on the suitability for settlement of lands in the East Coast district of tbe North Island at present held in trust by the Hon. Mr Carroll and Mr Wi Pere, M.T1.8. The Government are not in a position to slate whether or not the liquidator in the Guthrie Companies has lodged with Mr Justice Pennefather a report on the position of the companies ordered to be prepared by Mr Justice Williams. A VALIDATING BILL. The second reading of the Road Districts Validation Bill to deal with certain doubts as to the legality of the constitution of several road boards in order to peimit them to take advantage of the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, was agreed to without debale. LAW PRACTITIONERS. The Hon. T. THOMPSON moved the second reading of the Law Practitioners Act Amendment Bill to permit of solicitors who have been in active practice for five years without examination practising as barristers. He pointed out that this system was in force in some of the Australian colonies, and that in this colony solicitors practised in the Magistrate's, Police, Bankruptcy, and Native Land Courts. Mr SMITH considered that a solicitor who for five years had been acting as clerk to a barrister should also come under the provisions of the proposed enactment. Mr R. THOMPSON said the bill would open the door to unqualified practitioners, and practically abolish the examination for Its vt*i Mr M'NAB said the intention of the bill was that five years' practice as a solicitor was to take the place of a small > examination. Such a practice was an examination and a qualification for a barrister, and it was ridiculous to think a person desirous of becoming a barrister would postpone for five years his entry into that position simply because he would not face an examination. Mr E. G. ALLEN said the bill was a retrograde movement, and would do injustice to those who had already qualified as barristers. It would lower the status of the profession. Mr WILSON supported the bill, which, he said, by giving the facilities it did would have the effect of cheapening law. Mr GILFEDDER pointed out that the examination for a barrister dealt with subjects which were of little practical use in every-day practice. Mr FRASER opposed the bill, as he did not desire to see the status of barristers lowered. Mr J. ALLEN said the bill if passed would distinctly encourage idleness, and would remove the distinction between barristers and solicitors. * , , , . Mr R. M'KENZIE considered the bill promised to give the public a scheme of relief, and the objections to it were purely conservative ones. Mr LA WRY said that though several law solicitors were opposed to this democratic measure, the great majority of the people of the colony approved of it. Mr MEREDITH said the bill did not degrade the legal profession, and those who opposed it desired to keep the profession of barrister a close corporation reserved for the sons only of wealthy people. Mr FISHER said if necessary both classes should be combined. It was, unfair that there should be two grades, a higher and lower, especially as the lower grade was equal in standing with the higher. Captain RUSSELL supported the bill, and considered it remarkable that a man who was fit to hold the position of a Supreme Court judge was to be held unfit to hold the posiI tion of barrister. There were young men who had passed th« barristers' examination, but Khose education from beginnina to end

had been a system of eram 1 . They wouldßaJ doing nothing rash in passing the bill, as ifi] only extended to our own young men the same*' privileges as wore extended to those coming! | from Victoria or New South Wales when they; I came to this colony. J Mr SYMES said the effect of the bill would bo to foist half-fledged bush lawyers on the' oommunity. H,« he r^T ?' °' ARD pointed oufc the solicitors' examinations at present wera mtw * rtnaaeab than, those passed by many; barristers now practising, une p"J^"j found out the men who discharged their duties best, and employed them. Mr MILLS considered every opportunity should be given to young men to advance in. their profession. Mr PIRANI said as the privilege sought to be conferred by the bill was the privilege of pleading m the Supreme Court, the terrible harm predicted from its passage would only affect people who went to that court for a' remedy for their grievances, and who were a limited number. The opposition to the bill was simply the question of a privileged class wanting to debar their fellows from .having the same rights as they possessed. . Mr GUINNESS said the bill was in the interests of a small class, and he expressed surprise that a Liberal Government, which professed to legislate in the direction of ameliorating the condition of the masses, should introduce it. The Legislature had made the greatest mistake in 1882 when it had abolished the necessity for solicitors serving articles of apprenticeship. The bill should be amended to provide for solicitors serving articles. It should clearly define what was meant by practice, and only apply to solicitors who served articles. He pointed out that of nine Law Societies in the colony only two — those of Ohristchurch and Southland— were in favour of the bill. Mr M'LEAN, while sympathising with th« aspiration? of solicitors, opposed the bill The Hon. T. THOMPSON having replied, tha second reading was agreed to by 40 to xo. On the motion that the bill be committed to-morrow, Mr GUINNESS moved as an amendment that it be referred to the Joint Statutes Revision Committee. Ho said the reason for referring the bill to the committee act up to discuss such amendments of the law was in order that when it passed Parliament id should reflect credit on the Legislature. Unless referred to the committee, it would ba rushed through the House without proper; consideration. The debate, which was interrupted by thef 5.30 adjournment, was resumed at 7.30 p.m. On a division, the amendment was negatived by 31 to 17, and the motion agreed to. THE MINING BILL. The Hon. Mr CADMAN, in moving the committal of the Mining Bill, the second reading of which was agreed to some time ago pro forma, said it consolidated the existing law, and altered it in the direction of making it suitable to the altered circumstances of the mining industry in the colony at the present time. He pointed out that the bill had been widely diacußsed by those interested in the industry, who had suggested amendments which had been carefully considered by the Goldfields Committee. Inj the course of a full explanation of the alterations made, he said foreign companies had received fair consideration, and had been relieved of the 1 per cent, stamp duty. Referring to the request that the duty on mining machinery be abolished, he said he considered that everything should be done to encourage the manufacture of machinery in the colony. He did not see why machinery should be allowed in free, and the colony's workshops only used for repairs. Mr FRASER gave a general support to the bill. Mr M'GOWAN complained that the bill made no improvemont. of the conditions of the working miner, and said the conditions in' this colony with respect to rent, area, and labour were more favourable than in any other colony, with the exception of British Columbia. Mr HERRIES contended that the conditions respecting labour had been much improved. Mr MILLS supported the bill. Mr J. ALLEN complained of the remark by the Hon. Mr Cadman that some foreign companies had wastefuHy expended their moneys, and said foreign companies were just as necessary to the development of the mining industry as the individual miner. Many alterations made by the bill were in the :nterests of the mining industry — such as reduction of rent, increase of security of tenure, and labour conditions. Mr CAR.NCROSS said the bill liberalised the conditions under which the mining industry was to be prosecuted, and, if passed, as he hoped it would be, it would not be the least important measure dealt with this session. Mr R. M'KENZIE said the bill was the best-considered measure ever brought before the House. Mr O'REGAN cordially supported the bill, and said the mining community would be greatly disappointed if the measure was not passed. Mr GUINNESS said if the bill passed it would not be a boon, but a perpetuation of the present injustices and burdens. He contended the duty on mining machinery should be abolished, and mentioned that the mining industry was being encouraged by the imposition of £6000 taxation in this respect. He pointed out that the bill as brought down made no provision for the reduction of rents of holdings, and that it was as the result of his action that a reduction had been made, though his proposal that the rent for the second and every subsequent year be 5s had been rejected. Though the Goldfields Committee had spent much time in considering the bill, it would be a discredit to Parliament if it were passed in the form it left the committee. In replying, The Hon. Mr CADMAN said the duty of 5 per cent, on mining machinery had been imposed a long time prior to the last alteration in the tariff. Respecting the reduction of rents, he said it was easy for a popularityhunting member of the committee to propose a radical reduction, but he as Minister for Mines had to consult the interests of the whole colony. He expressed the opinion that it was only a question of time before miners* rights would be abolished. He had mentioned extravagance in expenditure by foreign mining companies, because managers when taxed with the amount of expenditiire turned round and blamed the mining legislation as the cause of the loss. On the question of the committal of the bill, Mr SCOBIE MACKENZIE moved that it be an instruction to the committee that it has power to insert a provision by which any Minister for Mines or other Ministers of the Crown shall be debarred from occupying paid positions on mining syndicates or mining com.-^ pan&Si operating in the colony. He said thai... matta* ocoupied a different position than &j

'did when it was discussed as a want of coivfi- ' deuce motion, and he hoped on the present occasion it would bo discussed fairly and impartially. Great laxity had uripen in the pub- ( Ho service, and the House should endeavour bo prevent the downward descent further than they could help. Minietera should not be exposed to the temptation of subordinating the public interests to private ones, and it was . totally foreign to the Constitution for a Mm- i iater to be sole judge as to when those in- ! terests conflicted. If thn rx - ' * *--..•. • • —■- ~*wise decided to - i»ouiw6 tiie present Ministry from the proposed provision, he hoped they would do all m their power to prevent future Ministers holding positions mentioned. He referred in detail to numerous occasions on which a Minister _ might _be tempted to subordinate his publio to his private interests. If what he had heard was true, that the Premier intended to sever his connection with the Anglo-Conti-nental Syndicate, then the adoption of his (Mr Mackenzie's) proposal would be made easy. The Hon. Mr CADMAN said it wag rather humiliating for him, after having been eight years a Minuter, to have to ask the House to reject the proposal of Mr Scobie Mackenzie's motion. If even a small minority oonsidered such a provision necessary in respect to the preaent Minister for Mines, he would _ not long occupy the ponition. He asked if a man was debarred from holding office because he was interested in business ■which might clash with his Ministerial duties. Because Mr Rollestqn, Captain Russell, and Mr Buchanan were interested in agricultural and pastoral pursuits, was that to prevent them taking office 7 Sinoe he had been MiniBter for Mines he had been offered three very good positions in connection with mining companies if he would loava the Ministry, but these offers he had declined. Friends Lad also offered him interests in mining properties, but on account of (ha position he held he had refused them. As far as h« was concerned his hands were clean, and he challenged any member of the House or any person to prove that it was not so. He looked on the motion almost as a deliberate insult, though lengthy political exprienee made mea lose care for their self-re«pecfc ; but if the House accepted the motion the Premier Would receive his (Mr Cadman's) resignation before he (Mr Seddon) left the Chamber. Mr J. ALLEN contended that the Minister misunderstood the import of the motion, which was not intended to reflect on him or iris colleagues, and contained no reference to corrupt administration on the part of the Minister. He pointed out that provision was made in the bill against the officers under ife being in any way interested in any mining privilege, and provided penalties for any breach of this provision. Those holding higher positions should be presented from being interested in mining yon- ' tures, and if the Minister desired to keep the administration of the department pure he should welcome suoh a provision as was proposed by the motion. Mr FISHER remarked that nothing new had been said during the debate, and advised the Opposition, if they wished to turn the Government out of office, that they would require to find fresh charges. The country ( was sick and tired of the nauseating reiteration of Oppoiition members on the subject. ' Mr HERRIES considered the clause in the bill prohibited the Minister for Mines being interested in mining ventures, and it was desirable it should apply to all Ministers. Mr CARSON said no one suggested Ministers used their positions for improper purposes, and no objection wa3 taken when a provision was inserted in another measure preventing Ministers being directors of the Bank of New Zealand. Mr ROLLESTON said the Hon. Mr Cad(nan had no occasion to make the speech he had, as no one had made an attack on him* uid his speech had been unworthy of him. Everyon.6 knew that it was the Premier that was aimed at. He strongly deprecated the frequent Ministerial threats to disclose the private affairs of members, and considered this an interference with the independence of members. The Minister for Mines's declaration of his intention of resigning if the motion wa3 carried should not prevent mem- ; bers affirming the principle contained in the motion. He was prepared to move a similar motion every session till it was agreed to. The PREMIER said the last speaker was fast losing the respect of the people of the colony by the attitude he was taking on certain questions. He complained of lack of courage on the part of the Opposition in not moving the motion apart from any question inspecting the Mining Bill, so that it could be dealt with as a no-confidence one. If the principle involved in the motion was carried to its logical conclusion, no Minister of the Crown could hold a share in any registered company in the colony. It would be unwise, unjust, and impolitic to limit Ministers' action in the direction indicated. Judging the present Administration by those of the past, there never had been a Government but some l»i the Ministers had been directors of public companies. H© reminded Mr Rolleston tka.t when one of his (Mr Rolleston's) colleagues was a director of the Weatport Coal Company an entire township and 150 acres of coal at Brunnerton had been sold to the company though the conditions of the lease had not been complied with, and the time for the purchase had not arrived. He (Mr Seddon) ', did not say that anything wrong had been done in this transaction, though on account of the state of the coal proprietorship and the coal monopoly at the time much comment I jvas caused. If the proposed motion was carried into effect only rich, independent men could be Ministers of the Crown. I Tho motion was negatived by 29 to 20, and ithe bill committed. j TN COMMITTEE. j The Road Districts Validation Bill wa« also ' committed, and passed through Committee unaltered. The Mining Bill was then considered in : 'Committee. | Clauses 1 to 10 passed unaltered. ! Clause 11, appointment of warden. — Mr HERRIES moved in tho direction of placing wardens in the position of holding office during good behaviour. — After debate this was negatived by 27 to 17, and the clause agreed to. Clauses 12 to 15 were agreed to unaltered. Clause 16, officers not to have personal interest—Mr SCOBIE MACKENZIE moved in the direction of including Ministers in the J provision of the olause. — Negatived on the voices after a brief dibcu&uon, and the clause agreed to. Clauses 17 to 51 were agreed to. Clauso 52, Minister to determine whether land be roeumed. By 28 to 9 a new subclause, providing that no land bo resumed which is being prospectod or insured by the owner or occupier unless iho applicant for / resumption pays the owner a certain proportion of the amount expended, was agreed to, nnd Iho clause passed. The bill wa-3 under consideration in Com- . jnjltee when the telegraph office closed. OCEAN MAITi SERVICES. The Right lion. R. J. Seddon to-day gave notice of his intention to move — " That this

House do resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider certain proposals relative to the San Francisco mail service and the Vancouver mail service." TECHNICAL EDUCATION. I Some disoussion took place on Wednesday j with regard to the attitude of the Government on the Technical Education Bill. In answer to a question, the Premier said the I I measure would be proceeded "- :jl " ' • if rnem^-- --- «-*« i uils session , -j-yoiß were prepared to discontinue their ' opposition, and would promise not to obstruct the bill. Mr Meredith, who distinguished himself last session by his uncompromising hostility to the measure^ assured tho Premier that he would kelp him in every possible way in this matter, provided he eliminated from the bill every vestige of denominationalißm. The Premier, however, denied that his proposals were in any way tainted with denominationalism. Mr Pirani strongly condemned the attitude of the Government in this connection, and declared that the whole history of the bill showed that the Premier was anxious to give Stato assiutanco to denominational schools. Judging by this afternoon's discussion, the prospects of the Technical Education Bill are not hopeful. REFORMING THE UPPER HOUSE. Hon. Mr Peacock moved in the Council on Wednesday — " That it is detrimental to the best interest of the colony to any longer delay the consideration of the bill introduced for the reform of the Legislative Council." In doing so, he said that the Council had been spoilt by the introduction of the spirit of party, which had been introduced prior to the time of the present Government. He had no positive proposals to make, but he thought that unrestricted nomination was not a good system, and that life membership would be proferable to the seven years' tenure. Whatever change might be effected, ke thought that all the members of the Council should be on an even footing. The Hon. Mr Montgomery seconded the motion. The Minister for Education said that Mr Peacock had in a measure challenged the oonetitution of the Council, but he would not now enter into that largo question, because next day he would havo Ac bill placed at the top of the Order Paper with a view to moving for its diicharge and stating why it was not to be proceeded with this session. The Hon. W. D. Stewart stated that the present comtitution of the Council was anomalous and unsatisfactory. In his opinion membership should be for life, or the Chamber should bo leturned by largo electorates. A Council so constituted would probably be the best safeguard against hasty or ill- considered legislation. The Hon. T. Kelly thought that the time was not opportune for the discussion of the subject, and ho believed that the country was quhe indifferent in rag*rd to it. The Hon. W. Montgomery considered that it was desirable that the Couaoil should express its opinion because it had letuon to complain that the Government should have dropped a ia«««ure which had been mentioned, as this one had been, in the Governor's Speech. The Hon. Mr Peacock aeked leave to withdraw the motion in view of the statement made by the Minister for Education, and the motion was withdrawn accordingly. ! LICENSING COMMITTEES AND LAW | COSTS. In the Legislative Council on Wednesday the Hon. H. Feldwick raised an interesting question by moving that the Government be Tequested during the present session to introduce a measure indemnifying licensing benches and justices of the peace from any costs properly incurred by them in the performance of their duties. He said that he took that step in consequence of a case which had been brought under his notice by the Invercargijl Chamber of Commerce. The case referred to had, he believed, occurred in the North Island, where a licensing benoh had had to find costs amounting to about £30 in connection with a case in which the members had merely fulfilled their official functions ; but, though sustained in what they had done, they had, on account of the other party to the suit being a man of straw, to meet the costs out of their own pockets. That was a hardship, and he thought that the members of licensing committees should in such caaes bo indemnified. The Hon. D. Pinkerton seconded the motion. Tho Minister for Eduoation said he knew of no case in which the Government had indemnified licensing committees for costs ; but in the case of justices of the peace the procedure was different, and in certain cases the Government indemnified them. He did not think, however, that it would be wise to have a general rule, because the sense of personal responsibility was a> guarantee that those concerned would perform their duties in a grave and judicial manner. The Hon. W. D. Stewart said_ it would be well to have some proviso which would render it necessary' for persons taking legal action against a licensing bench to find security for the costs connected with the consequent proceedings. The Hon. W. C. Smith mentioned a case in which a licensing committee had decided to contest an action at law because there wa* no guarantee that they personally would not have to pay ths costs, and he believed that justice had suffered. The Hon. Mr Feldwick said that he ha,d obtained what he had desired through the discussion, and he asked for and obtained leave to withJ draw his motion. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28. I The Legislative Council on Friday amended the Workers' Compensation for Accident Bill, by which compeneation for an accident was made a first charge upon an employer's property. The bill, and also the Separate Institui tions Bill, was reported. | COMPENSATION FOR ACCIDENTS. 1 The Workers' Compensation for Accident? Bill was further considered in Committee. The principal amendments decided upon were i that provision was made whereby lawyers can I appear in the Arbitration Court in connec- [ tion with claims under the act, and that the time under which an action may be commenced for the rocovery of compensation was altered from six to three months after the accident. A new sub-section was added defining the position of the principal contractor and subcontractor in regard to claims for accident. _ Clause 17 gave rise to a long discussion, it being proposed by the Labour Bills Committeo to slriko oul the (section as drafted providing that the amount of compensation to which tho worker inoy be entitled should be a first charge on an employer's estate, mine, factory, vessel, or land where such buildings may be situated. The Hon. Messrs MacGrcgor, Oliver, Stewart, Stevens, and others opposed the adoption of tho clause, holdinjr that it would place a large, indefinite burden upon pronorlies. that would have a depressing effect upon industries find trade. The Hon. Messrs Rinsr. Jones, A. L. Smith, Twomey, and the Minister for Education urged that Iho provision should be retained, but on a division the recommendation of the Labour Bills Committe was agreed to, and tho olauf>o deleted. The following is tho division list: — Nooy (18). — Messrs L. Walker, Richardson, T3onar. Barnicoafc, Stewart. Skrimski, W. C.

Smith, W. KelJy, Kenny, Bowen, MacG-regor, Stevens, Onncnd, Oliver, Johnston, M'Lean, Peacock, Montgomery. Ayes (IS). — Messrs Harris, M'Cullough, Swanson, Eigg, Arkwright, Jenkinson, Jones, Twomey, Tonioana, A. L. Smith, Reeve 3, Feldwick, Pinkerton, Jennings, Bolt, W. 0. Walker. For the purpose of defir> iV ~ Jl f n r- • «ue exact risk .j employers, ail addition was made to the nrst schedule, that in no case shall the liability for compensation exceed £500. A new clause was added to the bill containing a direction that the act shall not come into operation until the Government Insurance department is carrying on accident insurance business. The bill was then reported with amendments, and the third reading made an order of the day for Monday. The Mining Companies Bill was read a second time. A new clause was added to the Separate Institutions Bill providing that the trustees must furnish such details of the estimated expenditure as the District Board thinks necessary, the stipendiary magistrate for the district to adjudicate upon any dispute. The bill was reported, and the third reading fixed for Monday. Tho debate on the motion that the Council do not insist on its amendments in the Wages Protection Bill was adjourned till Monday. In the House of Representatives yesterday the Mining Bill was passed. The Stock Act Amendment Bill was read a second time and passed through Committee. The Kauri Gum Industry Bill passed its second reading stage, but it was being strongly opnosed in Committee when the telegraph office closed this morning. BILL PASSED. The Road Districts Validation Bill passed its final stages. THE STOCK BILL. The Hon. J. M'KENZIE moved the second reading of the Stock Act Amendment Bill, which provides for the payment of compensation for diseased stock killed by order of the Government inspectors. — The motion was agreed to after a brief debate. MINING BILL. The Mining Bill was read a third time without discussion, and paused its final stages. KAURI GUM INDUSTRY. The PREMIER moved the second reading of tho Kauri Gum. Industry Bill, to give effect to the recommendations of the Royal Commission which reported on the subject a few menths ago. He explained the provisions of the bill, which were necessary, he said, to deal with the present serious condition of the industry. There wero about 2000 Austrians employed on tho gumfialds, who sent the money they earned out of the colony as fast as they got it. The bill provided for restricting tho employment of Auslrians on the gumfields. Mr DUTHIE contended that the throwing out of employment of over 1000 Austrians would disastrously affect employment and the value of labour in the Auckland district. The price of gum could not be increased by restricting the supply except, perhaps, in the case of tho higher qualities?. Mr HOUSTON said the last speaker bad voiced the selfish demands of the Auckland gum merchants, who did not desire to have the supply curtailed. Unless tho influx of foreigners ceased, settlers who had taken up land on the understanding that they would be able to augment their incomes by gum-digging would have to give up their sections. Mr TANNER said the census returns did not bear out tho statement respecting the number of Austriana on the fields. Mr MASSEY oonsidered the bill urgently necessary. Mr BUCHANAN opposed the bill. Mr R. THOMPSON said if something was not done in the direction indicated by the bill ruin would soon stare the settlers in the face. Mr CROWTHER contended that the bill was worthless, and would not effect the desired purpose. Mr MONK was pleased to see that the revenues of looal bodies were to be increased by tho bill. Mr HOGG admitted some restrictions such as those proposed by the bill were necessary. Mr O'REGAN opposed the provisions of the bill imposing restrictions on account of nationality. Mr SLIGO gave the bill a general support. The second reading was agreed to. IN COMMITTEE. The Stock Aot Amendment Bill was committed. Clause 3, compensation for stock killed, was amended, on the motion of the Hon. J. M'KENZIE, to provide that compensation be paid according to the market value of such stock, to be ascertained by arbitration. Consideration of the bill, which was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment, was resumed at 7.30, when clause 3 was agreed to. Clause 4, amount of compensation. — After debate, the clause was amended to provide that compensation for swino shall be £2 per head.— The Hon. J. M'KENZIE moved a further amendment that compensation for sheep shall be £1. This was. after a short debate, agreed to.— Mr ROLLESTON moved a proviso that such prices shall not apply to stud stock. — Negatived by 38 to ZO, and the clause parsed. Considerable discussion ensued on clause s—the5 — the full market value be paid if the animal is not diseased. — Several members considered the effect of the bill when it became law would be to encourage persons to have stock killed which they knew were diseased, in order to secure compensation. It was suggested, but the suggestion was not acted upon, that in cases where disputes arose between inspectors and owners as to the extent of disease or otherwise, it should be decided finally by a properly qualified veterinary surgeon. — This clause and the remaining clauses were passed unaltered. The Kauri Gum Industry Bill vras committed. Clause 1, short title and commencement of tho Act.— Mr HOUSTON moved that instead of tho act coming into operation on the Ist January next it should come into operation on the date of becoming law. — In the course of the debate which ensued several members strongly objected to the bill.— Mr PIRANI moved that progress be reported, and objected to a bill dealing only with one district in the colony being considered in the dying hours of the session.— After a lengthy and discursive debate, the motion to report progress was negatived by 4-1 to 14. — A long discussion of a similar nature ensued on the motion that the Chairman leave tho chair, which was npgatived by 37 to 10. Mr Houston's amendment to clause 1 wa/ negatived on tho voices, and the clause passed. Clauses 3 to 13 were passed without amendment, except in clause 9, in which the license fee was reduced from £1 to ss. In clause 14-, provisions rolating to gum buyers and their licenses, Mr TANNER moved tho addition of a, provision prohibiting the holder of a license under the Licensing

Act from holding a gum buyer's license. — In the debate which ensued, it was pointed out that the commissioners in their report had specially called attention to the necessity of protecting gum diggers from gum buyers who were also hotelkeepers. — The ime' 1 ' Inegatived by 21 to c " — »uenx was < - _ .^. v, ana the clause agreed Clause 15 was amended to provide that no payment for gum shall be made on premises licensed for the sale of alcoholic liquors. The remaining clauses were passed unaltered. The bill was reported and passed its final stages. i The Stock Act Amendment Bill passed its final stages. The Right Hon. Mr SEDDON gave notice to move that the House rescinds the motion suspending the member for Motueka. PENNY POST. The Hon. Mr Ward intends to move-^-" That in the opinion of this House the time has arrived when a penny post should be established in New Zealand, and between this colony and the countries comprised within the Postal Union, more especially those of her Majesty's British possessions." JOTTINGS. A return shows that the annual losses in connection with the Post Office Savings Bank investments amount to £929— £129 on the sale of district railway debentures and £800 in connection with the redemption of Westland Loan Act scrip. The total amount at the credit of depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank on December 31, 1897, was £+,744,924-. Individual deposits , exceeding £300 amounted to £361,736, and ; deposits not exceeding £20 each to £375,933. In the Legislative Council this evening clause 17 of the Workers' Compensation for Accidents Bill was struck out by 18 to 16 on the motion of the Hon. Mr Oliver. The clause, whioh had been condemned by the Council's Labour Bills Committee, specially provided i for securing compensation or damages to I workers in a inina, factory, building, or. vessel. i The point taken by the opponent* of the clause was that if it became law it would tend to raise the rate of interest for money advanced on all such property on acoount of the-crea-tion of this special prior claim for damages upon it. •63 naaoioo 'ivcrani/Vs The House of Represeatatives, before adjourning on Saturday morniDg, passed the Stock Act Amendment Bill and tho Kauri Gum Industry Bill. THE MEMBER FOR MOTUEKA. The Premier's announcement that he intends to moro, when the House meets on Monday evening, that tha suspension of Mi Roderick M'Keazio, the member of JVlotuelca, be rescinded, is being very freely discussed on all hands. The motion will certainly be vigorously opposed by mpny members unless Mr M'Kenzie fir&fc submits himsalf to ths. Bouse and expresoea regret, or unless the Premier is iv a pojition to assure the House that the member for Motueka is prepared tc apologise. The action of tho_ Speaker in handing back the resignation (either to Mrt iVl'lvenzie or someone else, there being some doubt.' on this point) ha 3 been the subject of much adverse comment. It "is clahneel thai tho document, the moment it was handed tc Sir Maurice O'Rorke, became the property of the House, and that Mr Speaker had do right to keep it without opening it, and btill less ri«hl to return it, as he did. Especially was this the case in vi9tf of the fact that when forcing the document on Mr Spsakei Mr M'TTenzie told him its contents. The Electoral Act says:— "The seat of any member shall become vacant if he resigns his seat by writing under his hand addressed tc the Speaker of the House." The position is quite a singular one. PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE. It is understood that the Public Accounts Committee will bring up their report in a day or two regarding the transfers from tht railway accounts to tho public works accounts, which was reported to Parliament recently by tho Auditor-general. I am informed that other transactions of a similar kind have been brought to light by the committee. These transactions are instructive, as showing ho-p surpluses are produced. A warm discussion may be expected on the committee's report, though it is only fair to state that similai methods, though such a large amount war not involved, had been employed by othei Governments. MONDAY, OCTOBER 31. In the Legislative Council on Monday the Loan Bill and the Dairy Industry Bill passed the second reading stage. A number of measures were passed, including the Government Loans to Local Bodies, Inspection of Machinery, and Workers' Compansation for Accidents Bill. As to the latter measure, however, the Premier intimated in the other Cliamber that as it should be accompanied hy the Government Accident Insurance Bill, 1 which there was little chance of passing this session, it was scarcely likely the Compensation Bill would be proceeded with. BILLS DEALT WITH. The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlements Act Amendment Bill and Dairy Industry Bill were read a second time. The Separate Institutions, Inspection of Machinery Acts Amendment, and Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Bills were pass&d through their final stagey. The Council decided by 19 to 13 to insist on the amendments made in the Wages Pro tection Bill, with which the Lower ilouse had j disagreed, the Hon. Messrs Oliver, Mac- j Gregor, and Shrimski being appointed a committee to draw up reasons. The Workers' Compensation for AccidenU Bill was re-committed, and clause 4-, which had been .amended previously by inserting the words "negligence," was restored by 17 to 16 to its original shape. The section now makes an employer liable for all accidents tc a worker in his employ, unless serious and wilful misconduct on the part of the latter can be proved, negligence not entering mt*. the consideration at all. On the motion of tho Hon. W. DOWNIE STEWART, clause 20, which had been struci out, was re-inserted, its effect being to repe.il the sections in the Mining and Coal Mines Ads, which made all mining accidents pnma facie evidence of negligence on the part of the proprietors. The bill was then passed through its final stages. , , . r . Tho Pharmacy Bill was considered in Committee, 45 clauses being passed without amendment. Progress was then reported, anc leave given to sit again. The Leases and Sales of Settled Estates Act. Amondment Bill was put through its final stages without debate. In the House of Representatives on Monday evening the slaughter of the innocents took place, and the Premier indicated that he hoped the session would close on Friday night. The I motion suspending the member for Mofcn«ka

was rescinded after a lengthy debate; and then some dozen or so local bills were passe,cu FIRST B-^2"^, The Worj-^ Compensation for Accident* mil Was received from the Legislative Council, and read a first time. . With reference to this measure the Right Hon. Mr SEDDON pointed out that the Government Accident Insurance Bill was a necessary adjunct to it, and he did not wish the Legislature to pass one measure without the other. The Insurance Bill was now before a committee of the House, which was taking evidence upon it. Under these circumstances, at this sta«e of the session, it was not, in his opinion, feasible to put the measures on the Statute Book. The Separate Institutions Bill was intro- | duced from the Council, and read a first time. BUSINESS TO BE DEALT. WITH. I In accordance with a promise made to the leader of the Opposition, the PREMIER intimated the business which the Government considered necessary to pass and desirable in the interests of the colony before the prorogation, of Parliament. With respect to the Law; Practitioners Act Amendment Bill, he understood that the opposition to it would be_ withdrawn, if it were made to apply to solicitors who have been continuously in practice for a certain period. In respect to the Technical Education Bill — (Members: " Strike it out.*') — the Government were on the horns of a dilemma, and he objeoted to be impaled. He intended to restrict the bill to making provision for doubling the amount of subsidy at present payable, and provision would be made on tha Supplementary Estimates for the necessary finance. He moved, and it was agreed to, that the following bills be struck off the Order Paper : — Shorthand Reporters, Cemeteries Act; Amendment, East Coast Native Land Administration, Local Government, Voting Reform, Noxious Weeds, Orchard and Garden Pests, Native Interpreters' Classification, Lunatica Act Amendment, Lnirugration Restriction, Eight Hours, Adulteration Prevention Acts Amendment, Companies' Vv mding-up, Payment of Jurors, Slaughtering and Inspection, Municipal Corporations and Local Authorities. This leaves 20 orders on the Paper. ! With re»peet to other business, the Premier said he would confer with the leader of the i Opposition respecting bringing down resolutions in connection with the control of officers of the House. The debate on the Publio Works Statement would be taken to-morrow | afternoon, when the Standing Urders would be suspended in order to permit a debate on the motion to f?o into Supply, but in case the House would not agree to this proposal, he would leibVQ Wednesday open for the dabate on the Public Work* Statement. On Thursday the mail resolution? would be brought* down, and on Friday the Supplementary Estimates would be diicussed. With the assistance of the House, he saw no reason why memI era should not bo allowed to leave for their homes on Saturday. BILLS DEAL! WITH. » "averal loc*l billi wore committed. The Potone Corp nation Lighting and Sanitation Lo*ns Empowering Bill and Wellington Figh Lovolg Tramways Bill pasasd C<>mlnifctee and their final sta^e-. Eleven other looal bills passed their final stagae. The Admiralty llouso Bill and the Cemeteries Act Amendment Bill passed t'neir finol stagas. RECONSTRUCTION IN THE RECESS. The Cabinet reconstruction which several months ago I adviued you was imminent 13 now semi-authoritatively announced as likely toUke place during the recess. The Premieir was very much afraid of an adverse motion, regarding the Ministry as at present constii tuted, which it iras rumoured an independent j member would move, and which might be supported oven by some of Mr Seddon's own following. He has, however, now cut the ground from under the feet of the Left Wing by a promise of Cabinet reconstruction during the recess. The chances are that Mr John. W'Kenzie will resign his, portfolios owing to ill-health, and that Mr Unompson will resign his portfolio of Minister for Defence. Mr M'lSlab is likely to be one of the new men, and amongst the other candidates for Ministerial honours are Messrs Carncross, Graham, Morrison, aad Hogg. WORKERS' COMPENSATION BILL. In the Council this afternoon the Workers' Compensation for Accidents Bill was recommitted, when the words " negligence or" were struck out of clause 4, and clause 20 was reinstated, contrary to the wish of the Ministerfor Education. The bill was read a third time and passed, but it is not likely to be heard of again this se»sion, as it has been generallyunderstood that it and the Government Accident Insurance Bill should become law together, and the last-mentioned measure is still hung up in the Public Accounts Committee. t THE BUN TUCK MINE. In view of the denials that the Premier was ' ever a partner with the Chinese in a mining claim on the West Coast, the following document is in the filed records of the "Warden's Court, where it can be seen to this day: — " Kumara, May 6, 18S2. To the warden. This is to certify that I have this day sold to Richard John Seddon all my right, title, and interest in certificate for creek diversion and erection of embankment, the number of such certificate being 18,04*5, and such diversion is upon Turn Sum's party's claim, in the Greenstone Creek, near the Three-mile Creek, the consideration being £5, which said sum has been duly paid. (Signed) Sum Turn (X, his mark). I accept the said transfer. (Signed) Richard John Seddon. Witness (signed), Joe Tie. (Signed) R. Dandin." THE SLAUGHTERED BILLS. Shortly after the House met this evening the Premier announced the abandonment of several of the bills still on the Order Paper. With regard to the Technical Education Bill, he said the Government wore on the horns of a dilemma — (laughter) — but he objected to being impaled. They ought to consider- ths rising generation in this colony. They could not deal with the wholo >jiu this session, but they might pass a measure to double the subsidies under the present act and deal with the financial aspect of the question. — (An Hon. Member: "Confine it to the public schools, and there will be no opposition.' — Hear, hear.i The Promicr said the money was there, and he hoped to meet hon. members in the way he had suggested, leaving the larger question to be settled next session. With regard to* the question of the Lyttelton- Wellington feteam service, he had promised to give an opportunity for discussing it this session. The committee appointed, of which Mr Wright was chairman, had done good work, and ho regretted that the House should not have an opportunity of considering their report and discussing the question. If, however, the House would take the responsibility off his shoulders he would be quite prepared to strike the question off tho Order Paper.— (Cries of " Out it goes," " Strike it out.") The Premier : Well, I move to strike it out. — (Laughter.) With regard to the adjourned debata on the Police Commission, they were also on the horns of a dilemma — (laughter) — but h»

• would not in the meantime move to strike .this off. He had promised to givo an opportunity of discussing the question of tho control of the officers of the House, and he would consult the leader of tho Opposition on the ■point. The debate on the Public Works State- ' munt might be taken at 2.30 p.m. to-morrow, and the mail service question about Thursday. On Friday they could take the Supplementary Estimates, and he hoped to see members well away on Saturday. A PETITION. Miners and labourers in Palmorston nnd Dunback district have sent a petition to Uiu Minister for Mines regarding block VI I, Moeraki. The petition sets forth that Messrs .William Brown and party aro engaged in mining for gold on freehold land thovo without having obtained any authority from tho Crown, or any license or authority from any warden. This, they stato, appeal's to bo contrary to the provisions of "Tho Mining Act Amendment Act, 1896," and the general principle that all royal metals belong to tho ■Crown. As this involves a loss of incomo to the Crown, they ask that action be taken to have the law complied with. THE WEST COAST MAIL SERVICE. Mr Rolleston to-night referred to the recent advertisement calling for tenders for the oarriage of mails between Christchurch and Kumara. The advertisement, he said, contained an entirely new provision, as it provided that the successful tenderer should take over the working plant and horses used by the outgoing contractor at a valuation. He asked what was the meaning of this new provision, and what was the necessity for it. It would give the present contractor a continuancy of the oontract, and allow him to secure a renewal at his own figure. Why, he asked, should not the contract be an open one, and were^ there any other contracts with a similar provision? The Premier, in reply, said that the contractors for these large mail services saddled the colony in tendering with a large sum for contingent losses should they not again be the successful tenderers. The Government anticipated they would get the work done cheaper. The principle was, he said, on 6ound_ business lines. A similar provision existed in the contracts for the railway service cartage of goods.