N.Z. PARLIAMENT. TUESDAY, AUGUST 28.

Otago Witness, Issue 2425, 5 September 1900, Page 30

N.Z. PARLIAMENT. TUESDAY, AUGUST 28.

In the Houre of Representatives on Tucfday the Premier laid on the table the report of the Royal Commission v hich inquired into the management cf the Stoke Orphanage. An Imprest Supply Bill was put through all stages. The debate on the committal of the Conciliation and Arbitration Acts Amendment Bill was resumed, but was interiupted to enable the Premier to briag down hii levi&cd tariff. _ This provides for retaining the old duty on coffee, cocoa, and matches, and for a uniform duty of 2d on all tea. Tha new duty on candles is to remain, but to compensate for this the duty is to be removed from paraffin wax. The 5 per cent, duty on dredging machinery is to ba reimposed, but agricultural machinery is to be continued on the frao list. Ironworkers receive a still further concession by the addition to the free list of nuts, belts, and other articles which are not at pieient manufactured in the colony. STOKE ORPHANAGE INQUIRY. In reply to questions, The PREMIER made a statement with regard to the Stoke Orphanage inquiry. The evidence, he said, w ovid probably be laid upon the table to-morrow, and the commissioners' report that evening. In the meantime he read the reforms he intended to be enforced, based upon the report. The punishment inflicted in the school ehould bs the same as those fixed by regulations in respect of Government schools. The food supply was to be improved in accordance with the commissioners' report, warmer winter clothing; was to be pro\ided for the inmates, jwo mariied women were to be employed in the school whose husbands should be employed upon farm work. To give boys a training in field work, there were to be competent men engaged for the farm. Mustard and water, as medicine, wjis to be discontinued. A punishment book was to be kept, in which all punishments should bo recorded from day to day. A duly qualified medical man was to bo appointed to Msit the school and keep a book recording all enses he treated whenever he visited the school. The punishment book was to be shown to him. Some of the Brothers associated with the management of the school were to be replaced brothers cf British nationality and of cheerful disposition. Classification of the children, as far as possible, was to be insisted on, and children who had been licensed out and had been returned to the school were to be kept apart from the other inmates. FIRST READING. A bill to amend the Fisheries' Encouragement Act and the Cycle Roads Bill were introduced and read a first time. IMPREST SUPPLY. An Imprest Supply Bill No. 3 for £445,000 passed all its singes. CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION. The debate on the committal of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Bill was resumed by Mr J. ALLEN, who said the powers of the act had been, greatly extended, and now included farm labourers, clerks, etc. It was useless to deny that the country had approved of the act, therefore it was no use trying to prevent the bill passing. But there were some features which he hoped would, be modified. If it were intended that farm labourers should be brought under the bill, it would be necessary for the Premier to bring in a bill regulating the price of farm produce. He objected to the provision grouping allied trades in connection with a dispute, also the provision that an a-ward would hold good after the expiration of the time for which it was made until a fresh application was filed. If it wos intended that people who, by using the very best machinery, and who had superior brains and enterprise, were to be placed upon the same footing as those who used obsolete methods and machinery, he would oppose it. Re contended also that all employees of the State should, be included in the bill, and when the proper time came he would endeavour to effect that. Mr FOWLDS. referring to the inclusion of shop assistants in the bill and preference to unionists, now imposed, pointed out that an employer might have evidence of the dishonesty of a shopman, and yet because he was a unionist, he would be compelled to employ such a person. Then as to the hours of labour, shoi^keepers who employed no shopmen would have to observe the same hours as those who did have assistants. Mr FLATMAN thought the bill went ioo far ; but still, if they felt sure that it would not bo abused, it would bo one of the best bills that had ever been put on the Statute Book. He had no objection to workers trying to benefit themselves, but he hoped the proposal to create unions in agricultural communities would not pass, otherwise the agitation would stir up strife. Mr J. W. THOMSON said the friction that prevailed in towns between capital and labour would, if the bill passed, be transmitted to the country, to the great disadvantage of farmers. Mr HORNSBY thought that some provision shpuld be made for mechanics who by the introduction of modern machinery were thrown out of employment at an advanced age. He referred to the large number of

compositors who had been thrown out of employment by the introduction of the linotype machine. Some of the employers had made a certain amount of provision for the men their machines displaced, but others had failed in that respect. He expressed a hope that neither boys nor girls should be allowed to work on such machines, on the ground that it was damaging to health. Sir M'GUIRE snid that if .such a bill had been in operation in 1886 the colony would ne\ er have turned the corner of its depression. Mr BENNET failed to see how farmers could carry on at certain seasons of the year under the bill. Mr ARNOLD .=aid the arguments brought against the bill were just the arguments that were brought against the act when it was introduced. As to the trouble that might arise amongst farmers, the conditions of labour in that industry might very well be left to the Arbitration Court. ""*"" " Mr ?£LL did not think agricultural people had anything to fear from the operation of the bill. He very heartily supported (he bill, and trusted that no such thing as the question of town versus country would be raised. Mr MASSEY did not agree that the act had been so sucesssful as pome peojjle asserted. Bo hoped that the provisions of the bill would be oxter dec! to all classes of the community, and that Parliament would endeavour in some way to lighten the labours of settlers and obtain for them better prices for produce. He objected to preference being given to unionist;. Mr MILLAR denied that Auckland manufacturers had better machinery than those ia the south. He urged that a colonial log should be insisted upon. Under the bill the bank c^erl: and agricultural labourer could, if they c'ooose, form themselves into a union end sn take ad\ outage of the act, and he thought that was j>. p,o')d feature. It was to the advantage of all classes — employer and rmnlovrio alike — t! at the wo:kers ph.tVd form t'lcms^h es into unions. THE STOKE ORPHANAGE. The PREMIER tabled the report of the commissioners on the Stoke Orphanage inquiry, ftaimg that the evider.ee would ioiiow inter in the evening, and in due course the iiou^e would have an opportunity of discussing it. INDUSTRIAL CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION. Mr MILLAR continued the debate on the convn.it; 1 al cf the industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Bill. He said an honest attempt had been me do to make the bill workable. It now included every fcrm of labotu — clerical and n 4 aiiual. He c-OTv:nencled one feature of th.9 bill — namely, that providing for experts hearing certain cases where technical knowledge would be of service. He warmly supported the bill, which, ha hoped, would reach the Statute Book. Mr LEY» r IS said while farm labourers wore included in the bill the condition of employment wa: not set forth. All that the bill did was to enable agrictvlturrl labourers to ap-prc-ach a court. As to the contention that farmers would be liable to be interfered with in their operations, he did not think that would happen, and it would have this re:-ult : that the employer who paid a fair rate of wages v, ould not be handicapped as compared with the man who paid his men an unfair vat". He concurred in the provision ior paying r.n equal tr-te of pay for equal work throughout the colony. With regard to preference of employment to unionists, he said ho did not understand why employers should object ro thai, although he quite understood non-union' .L" objecting to it. One of the mo^-i: <.pi':or,3 problems which would have to be dealt with was the stow and incompetent workmr-i 1 , and unless some provision was made for that r!a«w the Hoiwe would be brought face to face with a difficult question. Mr T. MACKENZIE said one class of the community would benefit very much by the bill. Tip referred to clerks in banks and mercantile firm', wno«e long hours was a scandal. Mr WITJiEFORD complained that the ccurls did not tit in Auckland. People interested in a dispute would have to come down to Wellington by the ea~t and west coa-'t routes. The remedy for that was the completion cf thp railway to Auckland. Mr J. HUTCHESON said the question cf the old slow and incompetent workman was not a new one. Such a workman was no worse off under the bill than formerly. He condemned the constitution of the boards, and urged that only men expert in the particular trade affected by a dispute should be allowed to determine such disputes, instead of a board appointed for three years, who, in some instances, had no idea of what conciliation meant, and whose main desire was the emolument of office. He instanced the caso of country compositor?" who worked for 30s or 40s a week, and who were afraid to incur their employer's displeasure by joining a union. Ho contended that any award made should apply to a whole district instead of - a single town. Still he looked upon the bill as an improvement, and would support it.

Mr WILLIS said the excessive demands of labour had the effect of bringing in machinery. He instanced the case of a country newspaper, whose proprietors could not afford to pay high wages, and who had to engage boy and girl labour in. the mechanical work of type-setting. Why should Euch people be driven out of employment?

Mr MONK believed that, but for the Labour Unions and Conciliation Boards, the workers of the colony would to-day be in receipt ot higher wages, instead of being at the mercy of strawberry-nosed, blear-ej-ed agitators. While there were some of the provision's of the bill that he approved of, others he could not too strongly condemn, such as those limiting the number of boys who could be employed in a trade. As to the long hours worked by clerks, he considered that was inevitable in many rases, but he agreed that these men should be paid overtime for the hours worked.

Mr G. W. BUSSELL said the previous speaker had, through constitutional infirmity or some other cause, failed to realise that the world was moving, or that this was an age of progress. He expressed his approval of the extended scope of the bill. He could not see why the scoj)e of the bill should be confined to skilled workmen only, and why the larger field of unskilled and clerical labour was left out. The act was originally intended to prevent strikes and lock-outs, not to foster them. With regard to the contention that the wages in country newspaper offices should be as high as those paid in city offices, he believed that if that were stipulated it would result in most of such newspapers being closed, and the purveying of news would thus be thrown into the hands of large city newspapers. The real test of the value of the act ■would be found, not when the times were good, but when employment was scarce, and when, for want of work, men would be inclined to break away from the conditions imposed by the unions. THE AMENDED TARIFF. Ths Hon. J. G. WARD moved the ftdiflupa-

ment of the debate in order to permit the Premier to make a statement.

In Committee of Ways and Means, the IREMIER moved a resolution with regard to the tariff, which was agreed to, and which ccmes into force on the 29th.

In Committee of Supply on the tariff resolutions, the PREMIER explained the tariff rebolutions submitted to the House, and said the Government, had in no way receded from the tariff submitted the other night. Tbere had been additions to the free list, and a modification in the direction where the industries of the colony were concerned. Our tariff was neither protective nor freetrade. Where an industry could be assisted it had besn done, but he objected to bolstering up an industry at the expense of the people. "When he made inquiries he found that the reduction of 2d per lb on tea only applied to a few portions of the colony, and when h© put the same duty on all classes of tea, he was enabling all classes to enjoy the benefit of the reduction. Then as to cocoa, in restoring it to the original amount, he found that it would encourage an industry which employed a good deal ot labour, and in which a large amount of capital was invested. The same also applied to coffee. As to matches, he did not believe it was, a desirable industry, but a large amount of capital had been invested, and, at any rate, the tariff had been the means of reducing the cost of matches to the public, and the factories had given employment to a large amount of labour. While he made thai statement, he characterised the fact as a glaring brer.eh of iaith on the part of the Wellington company l ! )at on two occasions they imported labour and matchboxes from England. With tefertice to the candle manufacturers, he had been infoiined that under a lower tariff the manufacturers had made mousy, and he thought that ofter a five years' trial they were able to &t:md the new tariff. It had bean puggesced that if the duty was removed from ppreffin wax it would meet the wishes of the candle manufacturers; but, on the other hand, if thai Artie done, it would interfere with the Orcpnki Shale and Oil Company, which had been o^'ersd a bonus for those articles and who had spent a great deal ef money on their industry. Members would note that there was no j'ltsration in agricultural, dairy, and mining machinery, and they intended to Ftick to their guns as far as these hems were concerned. With regard to dredging machinery, the 5 per cenh duty had been reinstated. He had been informed that the foundries of the colony could not carry out their contracts for cL-euge-building : hut he found that thut was not the case, The kulu.-try was peculiarly a >"ow Zealand one. The patents of the colony had been copied by other countries, and he thought thpt, looking- at all the circumstances, the industry should be protected. It was a most ticklish thing to alter a tariff, but he cvn tended that the alterations offered a scic.iti.lc adjustment of the difficulty. Both employers and employee,? had joined in putting their views before the Government, and were in agreement with the alterations made, and he thought that a trial of the new tariff ehould bo made. Referring to other items in the Financial Statement, he pointed out that he had not gone too far in the remissions he had made. The revenue was still coming in well, and the prospects were good. Ihen with regard to the increase in tha public debt, li 3 pointed out that the increase was due to the efforts to assist settlers and open up the country. As to the charge that the higher officials had had their salaries increased at the expense of the lower-paid officials, he gave the statement a denial, and asserted that the only increiss was in the pay of the latter. As to the railways, the greater revenue required greater expenditure. He assarted that during the summer months there would be increased expenditure on reads, bridges, and railways, and he hoped that when the Houso next met it would realise that the promises of the Government would be realised.

Captain RUSSELL said he had studied the resolutions and digested the Financial Statement, snd he hoped assimilated its parts, but its want of principle was a feature of it. Some conflicting principles wera contained in the Statement, but the Premier had in time played many parts. Cculd any person read the Statement without oomine' to the conclusion that ifc \ras full of wise lav."- ard modern instances. To shode who wanted railways, railways were promised ; to ihc3s who wanted roads, roads we-ic promised. Thou there were sops to suit the Socialists, Freetraders were placated, and Piolcetionists were satisfied. Those were the features of the Statement. Under the ireu instances, looking at the changes and ehoppings about in the Statement, he had .lecided that he would be aciinsj in the best interests O1"'O 1 "' the colony by not debating the Statement until the hills came c'own.

The Hon. Mr M'GOWAN wos quite agreeable to shorten the debate 0:1 the Statement, and allow the princinal debate to lake p^ca on the bills, and with <hat jlpw he was quite prepared to bring down the bills to-mcrrow. He thought the colony was to be congratulated upon such a lirsre stvplu?, consideiirsj the lara'o rost of sending contingents to Africa io fitiht the battles of the mo ther country, and the hv?.e sums voted to the Indian famine fund and the fire at Ottawa. The action of the colony on these matters had raised it in the estimation of the world. As to federation, ha believed the colony would be' in a better position if it stood out after an experience of some vcars. The legislation of the Government, which it was thought was very dangerous, had proved of great benefit. It had beer, urgad that instead of altering tlie tariff it should have been continued with a view to a surplus being; used to prosecute public works, but the day for pursuing a public, work? policy out of the re\enup had paspad. He reviewed the progress of the mining industry, showing that the returns last yoar from that department- wera the largest f6r the past 26 years. He also read a return of the expenditure on roads and bridges in the various electorates, showing that those important matters had not been neglected, and dissipating the erj that the policy of the Government had been spoils to the victors. Tii3 moiion to go into Committee of Supply was carried on the \olces without further debate. . Progress was immediately reported. COLLAPSE OF THE FINANCIAL DEBATE. The financial debate is over. It is a record for its brevity. Captain Russell made a very brief speech in reply to the Premier, in the course of which he said Mr Seddon did not seem to be quite sure whether he was Dr .Tekvll or Mr Hyde or both rolled into one, for in his time he has played many parts. We fh>t knew him as the infant (economist), bottle-fed, mewling and pewking in his (prudent) nurse's arms ; and next the lover (of the people), with a woful ditty to his masters' eyebrow; and then the soldier (very imperial), seeking the bubble (vicariously), even at the cannon's mouth. And, now, the justice in fair, round belly, with good capon lined, with eye severe and beard of formal j*>*- (with a Budget), full_of .wise saws and_iaQ,-

dern instances, for to all who read it will ht found to contain advice in plenty and many hom.ilies. Captain Russell concluded by saying he wanted to get on with the business of the country, and those who worked with him did not intend to discuss the Statement. Mr M'Gowan followed Captain Russell, after which the debate collapsed, and the Housa adjourned. I am informed that the Opposition decided not to indulae in unnecessary talk, as the House is already in the tenth week of the session, and very little has been done. Practically all the important business has yet to be put through. Besides this, bills will have to be introduced by the Government to give effect to the vaiious proposals in the Financial Statement, and if the Opposition debated these questions now the arguments would have to be repeated on the second reading of the bills. They, therefore, thought it best, under the circumstances, on this occasion to refrain from speaking, and to get on with the business, in the hope of bringing the session to a close at as early a date assessable. THE TRADING STAMP QUESTION. I have already advised you how Mr Seddon's bill has been alteied to provide for the issue of trade discount stamps by the post office and, the abolition of hading stamps. The principal clauses of the new bill, as* it ccmes from the committee to which it was referred, are as follows : — No person shall.afler the commencement of the act, issue any trading stamps ta. anj- person. No person shall give or deliver any money or goods on presentation of any trading stamp issued after the commencement of v the act. Any person who contravenes any o£ the provisions of this section shall be liable toa penalty not exceeding £10. With respect to any trading stamps issued before the commencement of this act, the following provisions shall apply: — If such trading stamps have been issued by the trader to any person, t'«ie Trading Stamp Company shall be liabla to give or deliver to the holder thereof thefull face value of such trading stamps or ,i,oods to an eq-aai value, at the option of theTrading Stamp Company. In order to provide a simple means for granting discounts on cv.si purchases, the Commissioner of Stamps may issue stamps, to ba called " discount Hamps," in such form nnd of such denominations as he thinks fit, and such stamps shall be sold at their face value at such places and on such conditions as he may appoint, and. shall be redeemable at their face value on presentation at any money order pott oftiee, provided that such discount stomps rhall not h& redeemable unless the value of the stamps pi ensured rt any ona time is not less than, one shilling. ■ JOTTINGS. A few weeks ago the Walles Bros., of Gore, petitioned Parliament for compensation for injury to their business in consequence of iheWaikaka River having been declared a sludge channel. The Government offered them £750, which they declare is quite inadequate. The Goldfields Committee, who have had the application tinder consideration, recommend the payment cf £750 as full compensation. Recently Mr Donald Petrie, of Auckland, petitioned for compensation for loss of office as inspector of schools tinder the Provincial Government of Otago for the three years, ended 31st December, 1376. The Mto Z Petitions Committee has had the application under consideration, but have no recommenda-* tion to make. The Petitions Committee have no recoup mendatioH to make in regard to the petition of Alexander Fleming, who applied for compensation for medical attendance on Maoris at ileeraki. Tlie Railways Committee recommend that Thomas Patterson, injured by a railway train, near Invercargill, be granted the balance o£ compensation recommended last year. The recommendation was to give him £100, but h& only received £50 from the Government. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29. The Legislative Courcil met on Wednesday after a week's holiday,, and passed the Imprest Supply Bill (No. 3) ai:d the Abolition. of Imprisonment for Debt Limitation Bill. The Bank of New Zealand Officers' Guarantee and Provident Association Bill was read a second time. Iv the House of Representatives on, Wednesday, after some discussion on tha auestion of encouraging the manufacture of light wines from locallygrown grapes, replies to questions took up the whole of the remainder of the afternoon sitting. In the evening praptically no work was clone. The Sales by ( Mortgage Biil was under consideration in committee. The opposition to the measure developed into a stonewall, and eventually progress was leported, but not until it was too late to lake up any other business. , WINE INDUSTRY. The Petitions Committee reported upon a petition from wine manulacturers in -North. Auckland that they had no recommendation, to make. * Mr BOLLARD moved that the petition. ' be referred back to the committee, urging that the Government should be recommended to assist the industry. Mr R. THOMPSON and Captain RUSSELL supported the amendment, contending that the manufacture of light wine should, be encouraged in the colony. The report was referred back to the committee. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, Ministers said : — Tenders will be called at once for the Hamilton post office. The question of the Porirua Native School endowment bristles with difficulties, but an effort is being made with the trusteeswhereby Native children will be provided with education there as originally intended. A concession of 25 per cent, had lately been, made upon tickets for Natives travelling to tangis. • - The Government are considering the question of stationmasters' salaries, and will shortly make an announcement upon th© subject of increasing them. The. question of admitting bootmakers' sundries free is a difficult one, and the jGovernment do not wish to. interfere with thetariff unless good reason is shown, especially as no representation has been made upon the subject -by those interested. The system of book-keeping adopted by the Treasury is the simplest in the British' Empire. If anyone could suggest a better and more simple method the Treasurer would be very happy to adopt it. Competitive designs will be invited for a; medal for the South African contingents. The Government do not think it advisable

tinder the present libel law' to give local bodies power to establish and control municipal newspapers. Certainly the press of the colony had not so fully represented the views of the Government as might have been done, but the time for the establishment of a State newspaper had not yet arrived. The Government could not promise to establish this year an experimental fruit farm y in Nelson district. If those who were sanguine that the vaile system of railway fares would be profitable to the colony would take the responsibility, the Government were quite piepared to make the experiment on thet Auckland- Waika to and Auckland-Helensville lines. They would require a deposit of the amount of the estimated loss on adoption of that system. . A proposal has been made to the Government for the collection and preservation of ■unrecorded Maori names and places, folk lore, and mythology, and a sum will be placed on the Estimates for the purpose. A Fair Rent Bill will be introduced- -next [Week. Carriages are being specially built for the Convenience of ladies on long distance trams. . Efforts are being made to fix the postage late on newspapers at a uniform rate of one j penny, irrespective of weight. - The rate of the proposed postage for England to come into force on the Ist- January •would be one penny for the first ha If -ounce and one penny for each subsequent halfounce.- . - ! . Alterations will be made in. railway .regulations co a3 to allow porters, signalmen, etc., to rise to the position of slationmasters. The Government have under consideration the question of State farms connected with prisons. Tho Egmont National Park Bill will be introduced next wesk. The question of removing the quarantine on vessels between Australian ports and New Zealand is under consideration. The Government are not aware tnat samples of butter passed by their graders in the colony had been recently sent from England as a proof that fishy butter from New Zealand found its way to the Home market. The fact that only two boxes could be obtained last season in London, to test tlie statement that euch butter v/r.s sent Home was an answer to the complaint. The Hon. Mr WARD, in reply to a question, said that a tender, amounting to £1,856,GQ0, had been received from the Telegraph Construction Company for laying the Pacific cable, which was only ££6,000 more than the estimate, probably accounted for by the increased price of iron. He thought the tender was very satisfactory, and so far as New Zealand was concerned he would advise the acceptance of the tender. SALES BY MORTGAGEES. In committee on the Sales by Mortgagees Bill, Clause 2— Mr TANNER moved, as an amendment, that, with a view to proper publicity, an applicant for the sale of a mortgaged property shall state in writing the amount of arrears of interest, and the amount advanced, in addition to the value at which he estimates such security.— Mr WILFORD opposed the amendment, pointing c.v that the practice | at present pursued in forced tales of property was already that proposed in the amendment. Mr WARD supported the propo.-al, and considered, further, thai the siun advanced should only be against the properly, not the individual.— Mr T. MACKENZIE deprecated tho principle that money should bo advanced on the value of a security only, without taking into consideration the character of the individual. — Mr NAPIER moved to report progress. He contended that the proper way to achieve the object of the bill was to add a new clause to the effsct that no personal covenant could be relied upon as a remedy, and that tlie mortgagee should rely upon the property only to recover the amount advanced. The motion to report progress was lost by 35 to 21.— Mr W. ERASER thought it would be monstrous if the bill had retrospective action. The result would be to greatly increase the rate of interest and amount of margin. — Mr TANNER considered the principle of the bill was a good and safe one, and in the interest alike of mortgagor and mortgagee.— Mr WARD thought that if the retrospective feature of tlie bill was withdrawn the bill would be useless. — Messrs HANAN and FIELD opposed tho retrospective aspect of the bill.— Mr O'MEARA characterised the bill as a most obnoxious one, and moved that the Choirma.ii leave the chair. At 11.10 the PREMIER urged the House to come to a decision upon the subject, so that other business might be taken before midnight, after which no fresh business could bo taken. — The motion to leave the chair was lost by 33 to 13. — At midnight a motion tor report progress was lost by 28 to 23. — Mv Tanner's amendment was carried on the voices. " At 12.35 a further motion to report progress •was carried by 18 to 17. RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION. In the couree of his speech on the Financial Statement last night, the Premier said that the Government; had not gone too far. and if they had erred at all. they had erred on the side of safety, and the Estimates would be framed with due regard fo' 1 economy. A total of £2,339,000 was available for public works. Pressure had been brought to bear upon the Government, to compel them to expend large sums of money, especially in connection with the North Island Main Trunk line. The Government proposed" to greatly increase the expenditure on railways, and. if possible, even to double it : but the North Island Trunk railway would be placed in exactly the same position oh the other railways in the colony, neither better nor worse, and if this was not satisfactory to *he House and the people of the country the sooner eomeone else came and occupied the benches now occupied by him the better. It is needless to tay that the Auckland members are very dissatisfied with this statement by the Premier, though.it certainly has the merit of being quit? clear and definite. As an Auckland member put it to me, it means at +he most a vote of £140,000 for the North Island Trunk line, and at this rate it will take eight years to finish tha work._ If, at the present time, when, as the Premier says, money is plentiful, and ho has £2,300.000 available for public works, this is oil this 3ine is to get, what can we expect in the ■future when the Government will probably have less money at their disposal? HEALTH OFFICER. The Medical Association have advised the .Government to send to England for the chief health officer to be appointed under the new Public Health Bill. A NICE LITTLE QUARREL. The quarrels between Messrs Witheford and Napier, the two Auckland members, are having far-reaching consequences. It appears that Mr Napier wrote a lettei to an Auekl~nd paper, in whiih he criticised Mr Withe-f-fgd's action as a member. This is considered

a breach of parliamentary etiquette, and as Mr Napier has made himself unpopular in other ways the members generally have taken the matter up, and have sent a joint reply signed by 50 members, to Mr Napier's letter. The Speaker and Ministers were not asked to sign. „ A MARE'S NEST. In a speech delivered in the House last night Mr G. W. Russell said there was a man ccunected with the House who worked from 94 to 95 hours per week and got only 10s per day. The member for Riccarton added that he thought jnembers should put their own House in order before they looked outside. The Minister of Lands interjected, "Make short speeches, ->nd we will get home earlier." To this Mr Russell rt-torted that they would get home btill earlier if Mr Duncan's comparative silence v/ere severally emulated. At a later stage the Speaker asked Mr Russell to supply him with the name of the over-worked officer, to whom he had referred, as he was unknown to the House Committee. Tho matter was referred to today by Mr Speaker, who said tho man was the mailman, who carried the letters to tho House, and who on Sunday mornings ptarted tho fires. The man had the easiect job of a'iy mailman in the country. The man had not made any complaint to Mr Russell, but the latter had by questions elicited the information from him. — (Hon. Members: " Oh ! ") He (the Speaker) had asked the man if he would like to be relieved on Sundays, but tho man refused ; he received 10s extra for hi? Sunday work. — iLaughter.) A STATE NEWSPAPER. To-day Mr Fidier <-.sked the Premier whether he would seriously consider the advioableness of establishing a State newspaper, or next session introduce a bill conferring upon municipal bodied authority to establish and control municipal newspapers, to be conducted in tho interest of the general body of the citizens. Mr Fisher said ho could not claim originality for the idea, as it h-"-d been first mooted by the Hon. W. P. Reeves. Mr Seddon confessed that the necevity for such a paper existed, and the tune might come when they should ealanlish a Staie newspaper. Meantime there ware other i.-jore ncccssary reforme, and the first of the-e should be, in his opinion, a State coalmine. NEWSPAPER POSTAGE. Mr Ward is favourable to a universal newspaper penny post within the British Dominion, lie is c.l present coir.mtmieatin;* with London and other places in regard to this matter, and hopes it will hnve a successful issue. SERVANTS' HALF HOLIDAY. | Mr Barclay's Domestic Servant?' Half-holi- j day Bill has been twice -cached on the Order I Paper, but, unfortunately, on both occasion.? after 12 o'clock, when, owing to the rule? governing the business of the House, il could j not come on. H» is now moving to have it mide an Order of the Day for September 5. STOATS AND WEASELS. Mr Rhodes asked the Minister of Lands whether he would amend " The Rabbit Nuisaace Act, 1882," in the direction of allowing residents in non-infected districts to destroy stoats and weasels without being subject to the penalties under that ltd. Mr Duncan raid this wotild do more harm than good. He could not agiee to the suggestion. He urged that stoats and weasels were comparatively harmless. He cl:d not believe that a stoat or a weasel had ever killed a tame fowl. Air Napier : " They nearly killed a boy in Auckland." Mr "Duncan: "Well, he was a very poor boy." Mr Napier: "No; he wa&uiearly vi-i big a* you." Mr Duncan continued that there were hundreds cf thousands of acres of land in Canterbury +hat would be uninhabited at the prc=ent day were it. not for the stoats md weossls. Tndeed, bub for them the Government would r<ot be getting Is rental for a lot of tlie rocky and iraccossible country in that province. Hon. Members: "It is not wanted to kill them in such country." Mr Duncan said if permission were granted in one place the animals would be killed all over tho province. Mr Rhodes said the Minister evidently did not understand his question. It only referred to non-infected districts. Mr Duncin said he understood the question well enough. NO OPPOSITION. Mr G. W. Russell gave notice this afternoon of his intention to ask the Government if, in view of the hearty manner in which their financial proposals had been accepted, they would take steps either to enlarge the Government's whips' room or to remove the present name fro*m the Opposition whips" room and replace it with the words " Government whips' room No. 2." Captain Russell suggested that "Boxers' room might be more appropriate. The. Speaker, however, said it was a burlesque, and disallowed the question. WINE LICENSES. The Public Petitions Committee reported to-day on the petition of John Wilkins and 29 others praying that the manufacture of pure and wholesome wines may be encouraged, and that the present licensing law forbidding the sale of wine in smaller quantities than two gallons be amended. The committee had no recommendation to make. Mr Bollard moved that the report be referred back to the committee. He thought that instead of having no recommendation to make, the committee should have referred the matter to the Government for consideration. The wine industry was assuming large dimensions in the North of Auckland, and the Government should do all they possibly could to encourage the industry. It would be a considerable help if the Government altered the lav/ in accordance with the request of the petitioners. Mr R. Thompson strongly supported Mr Bollard. He said those who made wine wore compelled to sell it to the wine and spirit merchants, who got the profits instead of the grower. The grower could not sell in quantities of less than two gallons. One-half the wine sold in the Auckland province had never seen a grape. It was made in large quantities in the drug stores. He thought something should be done to protect the vendors of genuine grape wines made in the colony. Captain Russell also said a word in favour of New Zealand wine?. There were now several vineyards in the Hawke's Bay district, and in the Wellington province there was one vineyard that was turning out at the present time an uncommonly good claret in his idea. He should popularise the light wine of the colony, which was much more wholesome than some of the wines made in the distilleries at Home. A first-class claret could no doubt only be produced after a study, not of a few years, but of generations ; but the colonial claret was much preferable to many of the imported wines or the spirits which people used so largely. Mr Lewis expressed a similar opinion. Mr Bollard's motion was agreed to, and the report referred back to the committee. THE LIQUOR QUESTION. Mi* Oarroll presented) a petition to-day

from James E. Paterson and 618 others that ' the House vvill refuse to pass any legislation , which Avoukl abolish the triennial liceiihing poll, or which would give fixity of tenure ' to the licenses, or any legislation which would i amend the i present laws for the regulation or control of the liquor traffic. JOTTINGS. The Petitions Committee have no recommendation to make regarding the claim of J. S. -Neave, of Gore, who asked for the pay- i ment of la,w cost? incurred by him in cormec- i tion with the prosecution of William Lambert ' for perjury. | THURSDAY, AUGUST 30. The Legislative Council sat for seven minutes on Thursday, and passed the Supreme I Court Judge Appointment Bill through the '' second reading stage. In the House of Representatives on Thursday an Eight Hours Bill was introduced. There was a slight discussion on the question I of legalising the sale of intoxicating liquor in ' the King Country, but it was eventually ad- \ journed. The evening wa3 devoted to tho I second reading debate on the Customs Duties Act Amendment Bill, and this was proceeding ' when the telegraph office closed at 2 o'clock \ this morning. FIRST READING. On the motion of Mr Mr G. W. RUSSELL, the Eight Hours Bill was read a first time. •. The bill propoces to extend the eight hour*' | system to Government employees, clerks, and ! farm labourers. ! LIQUOR IN THE KING COUNTRY. Mr HEKE moved th.pt the report of the Native AfiViro Committee on the petition of '• 300 Natives arkrng that licei^es be granted . i.i ihe King Country, to the effect that the ' question, being one of policy, they had no re- \ commendation to make, ba referred back to ' the committee for further consideration, fie ' contended that the only way to deal with -the , quOction satisfactorily vas to grant license-, ' thus stopping an illicit and immoral tiade in alcoholic liquor". j Mr LA WRY feconded the motion, urging leaving to the people the question whether or not licenses should bo granted. j Mr HOP.NSBY thought the question at j issue was not one of issuing liceriie*:. but j whether the lav/ to.be oh c <?rved in pro- j venting sly grog-selling. He considered that j it would be a crime to the Natives to allow ; liciuor to be cold in the King Country. i Mr J. ALLEN moved the adjournment of the debate. . i Mr R. M'KENZIE objected on the ground that grave reflections had been made on certain perscoi, which should be answered. The PREMIER urged that the question was , so important that the discussion should proceed. The motion for adjournment was carried by 31 to 30. THE NORTH ISLAND TRUNK RAILWAY. On the report cf the Petitions Committee : on an Auckland petition, praying for the early i completion of the North Island Main Trunk ; railway, that it be refeirad to the Government for favourable consideration, Messrs Mas^ey, Witheford, Bollard, Wilfcrd, and Napier urged the claims of the line to special treatment. Tho Hon. Mr HALL-JONES replied that he hoped, if the money was voted to him, and ho believed il would be, to see the line completed in four year?. Messrs LETHJ3RIBGE, MEREDITH, and LAING continued the debate, which was adjourned. THE TARIFF. The Right Hon. Mr SEDDON moved the second reading of the Customs Duties Act Amendment T3ill. Ho said it would not be necessary to ray much, as a great deal more would bo taid in committee. It could not be said that he had taken the liouse or country l>y surprise, as the alteration in the duty had been before both since last year, and the sooner the matter vas settled the better, so that importers would know where they were. As for {lie importers" objection that no warning had been given them, he Eaid that when tho duties were increased that objection was not laised, so that they must take their chance of such changes. He also paid that the alterations had been foretold in the Financial Statement, and as the Government always kept faith with its promises, people ought to have been on their guard. With respect to the reduced duties on the necessaries of life, he reviewed the alterations in the tariff in detail. It had been Laid that the tariff must not touch industries, yet, with respect to the reduction in kerosene, he said it touched an important industry at Orepuki. which was developing kerosene and other oils. Under the circumstances, and in the interests of consumers, he could not see his way to give time for stocks to bo reduced before remitting the tariff. Then, with respect to patent medicines, it had been feaid that one firm alone had lost £34-,000 by the new tariff. How that could be he did not understand, as the total amount of duty for the colony on these articles amounted to only £14-, 000. He would be sorry if thcf-e merchants had been hit heavily, but the loss on this occasion should be put against the gain which they obtained when the tariff was raised in 18E9. The total amount of remissions was £156,700, but there had been a halfpenny per pound put on paraffin wax, which would amount to about £3000, and which should prove a fairly good protective duty for both the shale company and candle manufacturers. He hoped when tho bill was in committee no amendments would be moved. If so, the Government would have to iake a firm stand, as such action would strike at their financial policy, which they would not permit. Members as a whole had received the proposals very well, but there were some peor>le who were never sa tisfied. Mr MASSEY complained of the sudden way in which the bill had been brought down. His sympathies were with Freotrade, and ho said that duties should only be made for revenue purposes, not for protection to industries. He asserted that with the advent of federation we would have to still further reduce the customs and place taxation in other directions, otherwise the expenditure would have to be reduced. The duty on paraffin should have been abolished, and if the bonus was not enough to keep the Orepuki company going it would "be better if it succumbed. He believed in the policy adopted by Mr Gladstone — that was, that prior to a reduction of duties, due notice was given. Mr T. MACKENZIE opposed the duty on matches. The country was now paying a high tariff for a very inferior article. He warned the Premier against dealing with such a question as direct and indirect taxation. He advocated that in view of the Freetrade

policy of the Home country a system of preferential duties should be adopted in favour of that country. He also urged that the Imperial authoi'itios should be approached with a view, to a zollverein being established between all parts of the British .Empire. Mr G. W. RUSSELL congratulated the Premier upon his amended tariff, believing that it would prove satisfactory to the country. He thought that, the House havingsoffered an inducement for the establishment of a match factory, it would have been unwise to have reduced the tariff. He commended the impost of 5 per cent, on dredging machinery, believing that it was only right that shareholders in these companies should contribute something to the State in the shape of taxation. His desire was to see a tariff that would provide employment for the people of the colony, and although the bill did not provide all that he would like, still it-showed a reduction of £160,000 in taxation, and that was satisfactory. Mr BUDDO alto approved of the amended tariff proposals generally, instancing the 5 per cent, on dredging machinery as only a just concession to the enterprise of the manufacturers of -the colony, to whom was due the credit of perfecting the machinery. As to match manufacture, he doubted whether the industry was worth considering. It was an unhealthy occupation, low wages were paid, and a poor article .was turned out. He thought ihe young" "people working there would be better employed in domestic service. Mr R. M'KENZIE objected to the mining industry, which ought to get some considerate treatment, being saddled with 5 per cent, duty, and would support any party, no matter who composed it, that would reduce the taxation on the mining industry. Mr GTLFEDDER said he approved of the proposal to reduce the duty on the necessaries of life, but he would oppose proposals to extirpate an industry that promised to do much for the colony. He referred to the Orepuki Shale Company, vho, under the promise of a bonus and a duty of 6d per galJon on kerosene, had been induced to embark a very large amount of capital, and were. at present expending £50,000 annually ill labour. It was no use training the youth oc the colony in technical education if employment could not bo found for -them on account of manufacturers having to compete against foreign goods. Mr WILFORD referred to the duty on tea, fondles, machinery, and kerosene. There was no doubt that a good deal of benefit would bs derived by poor people from the remission of duly on kerosene, and for that result {he amended tariff was to be commended. As to ohs duty on candles the industry had hitherto been encouraged to the extent of 2d per lb. They found that one of the lesdintr manufactories in Auckland had, during 17 years, averaged only 6 per cent, on ito capital, which was not excessive. It was the duty of colonials to build up and support local manufactures, but he was sorry to say that there was still a prejudice against colonial manufacture,". He urged the Premier to reconsider the question of the duty on candles, believing that if that were done it would give great satisfaction. Mr COLLINS said it was very gratifying that the colony was in such a sound financial position as to permit of a reduction iii the customs tariff. He hoped, however, that the Government would exercise care that colonial industries would not be injured. Members should bear in mind that the proposals now before the House wero not those of the Go- \ vernment, but those suggested by a certain section of the House. He was afraid, however, that the present buoyant state of colonial finances would not always continue, ; and that ths inevitable reaction would set i in. Looking at the demands likely to be j made upon the finances of the colony shortly, he thought it would have been better to have, for another year, retained the former tariff. A reduction by 25 per cent, on patent mcdi- ■ cines was one of the wort't features of the i proposals. Mr MILLAR characterised the proposals as veiy beneficial to the workers of the colony, who, if they, had constant employment, had no objection to pay a moderate customs duty. He approved of doing away with the duty on kerosene, but thought that if the Premier had had that idea in his mind he should not have offered to continue the bonus of Is per gallon for the production of kerosene. Mr WILLIS referred to the duty on biscuit machinery, which could not be manufactured in the colony. This duty, he considered, should be. remitted. In other respects he approved of the proposed tariff. Mr LAURENSON congratulated the Premier on being able to reduce taxation to the extent of £300.000. The reduction would be greatly appreciated by people in receipt of small wages. He condemned the reduction on patent medicines. They were mostly injurious in their effects, and their exclusion from the colony would hurt no one. Mr MEREDITH said the Government were to be congratulated upon their tariff proposals, with which he entirely agreed. He approved of the suggestion that had been made, that there should be a differential tai-iff with the old country, and would go the length of putting an impost of as much as £5 per ton on fencing wiro imported from any country other than Great Britain. Mr HORNSBY said the most harmful rubbish was sold in the shape of patent medicine, and ho hoped the Treasurer would see hiy way to make the duty on these articles the same as formerly. As to the duty on candles, he asserted that manufacturers had made large profits. Protection never increased wages, it merely increased the profits of manufacturers. He believed that it would be infinitely better for the colony if they opened up the back blocks of the country instead of bolstering up tinpot industries. Mr FLATMAN generally approved of the I amended tariff, but objected to the preferj ential duty on candles. J Mr HANAN was strongly opposed to any ' tariff that would interfere with the development of colonial industries. These were at present in their infantile condition, and required nursing. As for patent medicines, he thought their component parts should be designated on the wrapper. Their effects were often injurious, and they should not be used unless under medical advice. Mr ELL was pleased that what the people had been asking for during a long period was at la&t to be granted — a. remission of duties. He believed that if it was necessary for revenue purposes the exemption tinder the land and income tax should be reduced. Mr M'LACHLAN condemned the reimposition of 5 per cent, on dredging machinery, and asked why such an industry should be bolstered up. Mr GRAHAM thought the highest compliment paid to the Treasurer for the tariff proposals came from the Opposition, who, by their silence, indicated their approval of new customs duties. Mr M'GUIRE approved generally of the altered duties.

Mr PICKER ll'ovgU tKt if farther considoration could bo given in committee to the candle md: slry he hoped thai, it would be done. He defended the match factories as being a useful industry, giving employment to a considerable amount of labour. The Right Hon. Mr SEDDON, in reply, said it had fallen to the lot of few Colonial Treasurers to receive so many congratulations on tariff proposals. He claimed that lines had been laid down in the proposals which, if continued, would tend to further the prosperity of the people of the country and give a stimulant to greater productive power. He referred to the Opposition's failure to criticise the tariff, and taunted them with being lacking in initiative and their hereditary tendency to increase rather than decrease the taxation on the necessaries of life. He warned the Opposition that if they touched any of the remissions proposed in the bill, he would not reduce the mortgage tax ,and, failing that making up the deficiency, he would increase the graduated land tax. As to the preferential tariff in favour of British goods^ he said nothing would give him greater pleasure than to adopt such a tariff, and he hoped to give the House an opportunity of expressing an opinion on the subject. The bill was read a second time on the voices. THE TARIFF DEBATE. ' The tariff debate to-night was very dulli very little interest being taken in the discussion by members. As the evening wore on the speakers had to address empty "benches, and most of those who remained in the Chamber passed the time in reading, conversing, sleeping — anything in fact but listening. The concessions to the "Boxers" and others, and the fact that the Opposition to a very considerable extent agreed with the proposed remissions, did much to disarm hostility. Mr Millar, talking to-night in favour of Protection, referred to the proposal to make kerosene at the' Orepuki works. Mr Carncross interjected : " They won't make kerosene for years." Mr Millar: "Why, they have made it now." Mr Carncross : "Yes, about half a pint. "-—(Laughter.) A BRUSH WITH A "BOXER." The discussion on the Tariff Bill was responsible for a passage of arms to-night between 3lr Thos. Mackenzie and Mr G. W. Russell. Air Mackenzie, referring to the Rusfcell interview in the Chrislchurch Press, chaffed the member for Riccarton with having terrorised the Premier, and made him tremble in his position on the Treasury Benches. Mr Russell retaliated by stating that Mr Mackenzie, on his return from London, had coquetted with the Premier and the leader of the Opposition, and had sat on a rail for weeks and weeks until the recent Waihemo election took place. They did not know on what side of the rail he was going to fall. They found that he supported the policy of the Liberal party, but opposed Mr Edwards. — (Laughter.) Now ho had come half-way round to the LiberaL benches and was the leader of a party of one. Mr Mackenzie here interjected: "I don'fe boast about having a big party like you," and! there was laughter at Mr Russell's expense. At the conclusion of Mr Russell's speech Me Mackenzie, by way of personal explanation, denied that he had coquetted with the Premier and Captain Russell. That statement, he said, was somewhat "rickety."' He had asked the Premier to bring in a bill to allow him to qualify for the election, but he -had! never geon the leader of the Opposition at all. His position was that he intended to support measures rather than men, and principles rather than party. MORTGAGE BILL. A new principle is being advocated by many Government followers — namely, that the security shall be the land only, and not the personal reputation of the borrower, and! this doctrine appeared to meet with the approval of Ministers, whereupon the member lor Waihemo, Mr T. Mackenzie, at onca quoted a reply sent that day by the Advances to Settlers department, which showed the reverse to be the rule with Government advances. He quoted the case of an Otago Central farmer applying for £100 on a £200 security, so valued by the Government "Valuer, and the applicant was refused because the department heard -that the applicant had nob liquidated some trifling interest which waa denied by the applicant. Mr T. Mackenzie said it seemed that the real cause was that tha Government were short of money, but this Mr Ward denied. MEAT EXPORT COMPANIES. The Government intend to Set up a select committee to inquire into the question of meat freezing, manufacturing, and exporting, and the purchase of sheep and cattle ; to examine into the _ affairs of the companies carrying on such businesses as to their profits, and as to> whether there have been mutual understandings, agreements, or compacts as between tho companies to the prejudice of breeders, farmers, producers, and dealers ; also as to the profits of the said companies during the last three years, and how such profits have beea disposed of. The committee is to -consist of Messrs Field, Etogg, Bernsby, Lethbridge, Lewis, Massey, T. Mackenzie, M'Nab, O'Meara, and the Hon. Mr Duncan. THE CANDLE INDUSTRY. The representatives of the candle factories are &till in Wellington, hoping to secure a further modification of the customs duties affecting their industry. The contention of those engaged in the candle industry is that a halfpenny the one way or the other makes all the difference between a paying and a nonpaying business. Whether that halfpenny is taken off the duty on paraffin wax or is added to the duty on imported candles is apparently a matter of indifference to them, but without the halfpenny in some shape the industry, ife is alleged, must go to the wall. DIVORCE. A return Las bean presented to the Legislative Council showing the number of petitions for dissolution of marriage filed since the, coming into operation of '• The Divorce Act, 1898"— i.e., Ist June, 1899. The total number of petitions is 159, and of these tha husband was petitioner in 52 cases and the wife in the remaining 107. Adultery of tha wife formed the ground of petition in 21 instances, and adultery of the husband in 28 ;i desertion was the cause of complaint in 77| cases, drunkenness in 19 cases, while desertion combined with drunkenness were the grounds of the petition in two, other causes being responsible for the remainder. Dissolution of marriage has been granted in 88 cases and refused in five. Two cases were withdrawn, and there are 64- pending. JOTTINGS. John Kilgour, of Dunedin, is petitioning Parliament for compensation for injuries sus-

fcained while acting as an attendant at Seacliff Asylum. J. M. Graham and E. A. Graham are petitioning Parliament for a reward for proving the value of the Mataura Eiver in connection with gold dredging. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31. In the Legislative Council on FriiLy the Government Valuation of Land Act Amendment Bill was read a second time, while the Supreme Court Judge Appointment Bill passed its final stages. GOVERNMENT VALUATION OF LAND. T-he Hon. W. C. WALKER moved the second reading of the Government Valuation of Land Act Amendment Bill. Ihe Hen. Mr ORMOND considered that stipendiary magistrates were unsuitable persons to decide objections to valuations. The second reading was agreed to. The bill was referied io a committee, consisting of the Hons. Messrs Bolt, Johnston. M'Lean, Ormond, Stevens, W. C. Smith, Pitt, .&. JL. Smith, ana W. C. Walker. In tha Housa of Representatives on Friday the Premier announced that the evidence taken by' the Stolce Orphanage Commission had been placed in the hands of the Commissioner of Police, and he would decide whether further action would be taken. The tariff, as emboclie.l in the Customs Duties Bill (which pasved its second reading before the Horse roso on Friday morning), was then considered in committee. All hoFtile amendments were rejected up to the- time the telegraph office closed. The Premier made a slight concession to candle manufacturers by reducing the duty on paraffin wax. A bill to amend the Land and Income Tax Amendment Act; was introduces}, by Governor's me&sage, and was react a first time. THE TARIFF. The House Avent into committee on the Customs JLtuties Act Amendment .Bill. Mr WITJtiEFUKD at^cd if the reduction in customs would result ia the stopping ot the prosecution of punlic works, li so, he could not support we bill. — The i±cn. Mr > i --ij.%D replied that aiaple provision had been mads for public works apart from the reductions in tiie tariff. — _Ur aLONK said he believed thai m the north 01 Auckland, at any late, people did not relish the reouctions m the tariff if they were to be made at the expense of roads. Ha hoped the Minister would give an idea of the amount they mte~Hed to expend on roads and railways. -ne question of differentiating the tariff between British and foreign manufactures was discussed on the item matches ia the schedule. — .Mr GRAHAM moved to insert the words "of .British manufacture " alter matches.— Lost by 22 to 27.— Mr BUD DQ Eaid he made no seci et of his intention to endeavour to close up match factories as an unwholesome industry, and moved that the duty on plaid vestas be 9d, instead of Is. — Mr (JRAJiAM pointed out that under the 9d tariff it would still mean a differentiation of 4-0 jier cent., and if tv local industry could not live under such a tariff, the sooner it collapsed the 'better.— Mr \V. FRASSR, although at Freetrader, would not be a party to injuring any industry that had been established under the inducement of a protective tariff.— The- PREMIER pointed out that the reduction would simply have the effect of closing the factories.— Mr J. HUTCHE3ON could not support the reduction, although on principle he was a Freetrader. The industry was here, and the difficulty with employees had been adjusted. With such sanitary precautions a3 were now insisted, on, it could scarcely be said the manufacture of matches was unhealthy. A reduction in duty would simply mean flooding the colony with cheap, but inferior, foreign matches. — Mr MlutlEDiTH supported the amendment. — Mr ELL thought the use of white phosphorus in the manufacture of matches should be prohibited, and wooden matches encouraged. — On a diviBion, the duty of Is was retained by 44 to 11. Patent Medicine.— Mr COLLINS moved to insert that the ingredients be specified on cover. — Lost by 38 to 14. In committee on the Customs Duties Bill, Mr BOLLARD moved that the duty on patent medicines do not come into force until Ist January, 1901.— The Hon. Mr WARD considered such a proposal would be wrong in principle as applied to one item only of ihe $raif£ proposals. It might be applied to the whole schedule.— Mr T. MACKENZIE did not think the merchants would lose such a, great deal over the new tariff coming into force at such short notice, and remarked that those who made thousands of pounds by the increase in the tariff in 1895 did not think of returning their profits to the Treasury. — Mr ATKINSON agreed that a post dale should not apply to one item only, but to ths whole schedule. It was a mistake to say that the loss would be confined .to wholesale houses. Many retail shops holding considerable stocks would also be sufferers.— The Hon. Mr M'GOWAN contended that if it was right to give notice of a reduction in the tariff, it was also right that notice should be given of an increase.— Mr WARD pointed out that, as the law now stood, in case of a contract entered into, for the supply of goods affected by an increase or decrease of duty the vendor was protected by a provision that the extra duty should be added to or the decrease subtracted from the contract price.— Mr FISHER, while regretting that notice of reduction had not been given, recognised that it was now too late to effect that object.— Mr SEDDON said the question must be dealt with purely upon business principles. There was no precedent for giving notice either of a reduction or inciease in the customs duties. — Mr J. HUTCHESON doubted, looking at the cost of freights, if it would t:ay to shit) kerosene to Australia, reship it, and then claim a rebate.— Mr Eollard's motion was lost by 33 to 23. Mr R. M'KENZIE moved to strike out the item 5 per cent, on steam engines and parts fcherof, including boilers therefor, imported specially for mining, gold-saving, or dairying purposes, with a view to putting them an the free list.— Mr J. ALLEN supported the amendment. He asserted that the whole of the foundries were chock full of orders, and •people wanting dredges built could not get them within a reasonable time, and had either to go outside the colony for them or do without. — Mr SEDDON said it was not correct to say that dredges could not be supplied in the colony in a reasonable time, and that he knew of foundries that would be willing? to take orders at the present time. — Mr BENNET advocated a remi-sion of the duty on dredging machinery. The amount involved comes to only about £600 per annum, but the principle of encouraging mining was at atake.— Mr M'NAB contended that there was no industry in the colony that was so hampered as the mining industry. There would shortly be required for riparian rights of

streams in his district a sum of not less than £10,000 in the interest of dredging, and it \i as necessary thai there should be some impost on ihe industry to iecoup the State for the outlay. — Mr HERRIES condemned the impost of 5 per cent, on dairy machinery, contending that if any industry should command consideration that industry was the dairying. Mr BANAN protested against the duty being taken off machinery, as the result would bo to injuriously affect the foundries of the colon}'. — Mr M'Kenzie's amendment was lost by 29 to 25. Candles.— The PREMIER explained that between the candle manufacturers and the Orepuki Oil Company he was in a difficulty. By reducing the duty on paraffin wax he encouraged the former, but injured the latter. As a compromise he proposed "to reduce the duty on paraffin wax to a halfpenny, and give the company a bonus oi: a halfpenny. — Mr GILFEDDER opposed the reduction on either candles or paraffin wax. These industries had grown up under the piesent tariff, and so long as the present Ministry ranained in power they hod a right to expect that such a tariff would remain in foice, for a time at any rate.— M=- SEDDON moved to reduce the duty on paiafrln wax to three farthings per pound, instead of one penny. — Agreed to on the voices. Air WILLIS moved to add 10 per cent, duty on all machinery not otherwise enumerated.—Mr PIKANI contended that all machinery that could not be made in the colony, and which was naccssary to manufacturers, should be admitted at a lower rate than at present. — Lost en the voices. Mr R. M'KENZIE moved to include dredging machinery in ths free list.— Lost by 52 to 15. The pcheduls as printed passed without amendment. On the motion of the PREMIER, the following were added to the free lift: — Confectioners' moulding starch, chamfering, closing, and dowling machines, dyeing acids, all agricultural maohinei: r , bags made of New Zealand tow or flax, machinery exclusively for tlie purpose of the manufacture of beet root sugar. Mr ELL proposed to include paper-ruling machines. — Lo=t by 29 to 14. Mr MASSEY pioposecl that rick covers be included. — Jjosl by to 15. Mr RHODES moved to include stonecrushcrs. — Lost by 27 to 15. Mr MASSES' moved to add mineral oil for carrying purposes. — Lost on the voice?. Mr NAPJLKi! moved to include hopper and bucket dredges tised by harbour boards exclusively. — Lost by 29 to 5. Mr PIKANI moved to add flannelettes of all descriptions. — Lost by 24- to 14-. The bill was reported with amendments. On the motion for the third reading, Mr J. HUTCHE3ON commented upon the duty of 20 per cent, on all material tor the repair of vessels'. Mr G. W. RUSSELL complained of the ruling oi ihe C; airman, which prevented him moving a resolution regulating the removal of goods from bond. Mr PIItANI said it was usele.-ss for any member lo move an amendment to the tariff if the Premier oppssad it. -Mr LAURENSON admitted there were j many incongruities in the tariff, but he be lieved if the Premier had given way on one item it would have opened the door to a flood of remissions. Mr MONK urged that more consideration should be given to locol manufacturers. Mv MASSEY said the whole discussion of the bill showed the necessity for a revision of the tariff. The Right Hon. Mr SEDDON asserted that the additions to the free list moved by the Opposition were meant only for platform effect. He admitted that, with, regard to suggestions as to the free list, there was some force ; but blamed members for not bringing the matter . before the House earlier. The tariff had heen framed primarily in the interests of the consumer, and with a view to encourage the industries of the colony. The bill was reacl a third time and passed. JOTTINGS. Mr Thos. Maokei-zie has presented petitions from Arch. M'Williams, Hampden, for compensation for loss of 30 horses killed by an engine on the railway at Kartigi. The gross amount of revenue received by the Railway department for the carriage of rabbits last year was £64-54-. For the carriage of timber for making packing eases for rabbits they got £886. The department has no means of ascertaining how much coal was carried for the rabbit-freezing works. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1. A SLUMBERING MINISTER. The snores of an occupant of the Ministerial benches on several occasions interrupted the remarks of the Premier during his speech on the third reading of the Customs Duties Bill in the early hours of Saturday morning. "It shows the interest some of my colleagues take in the matter," bitterly remarked Mr Seddon on one of these occasions, while on another he muttered, '" I'm about sick of it." The offending Mini»'tsr snored on blissfully, unconscious of the anger if his chief.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3. THE TARIFF. Much dissatisfaction has been caused by the way in which the tariff proposals were rushed through, and letters and telegrams received by members from various parts of the colony show that the tariff needs a thorough revision. It seems that after the Premier had agreed to make certain concessions to the Boxers there was an understanding among the party that no further amendments should be agreed to, and this arrangement was, with one or two exceptions, strictly adhered to. This method of the Government by caucus prevented the question being thoroughly threshed out on ihe floor of the House. The consideration of the matter has, however, brought to light many absurd anomalies in the tariff. The representatives of several more or less protected > industries, ■puch a=* farm implement manufacturers, have pointed out that they -would have no objection to the reduction of the duties, provided their raw material was admitted free. It is felt that much might be done in this way to help local industries. During the discussion the Premier admitted that anomalies existed, and s-aid it might be necessary to further amend the tariff nexf. year. Tf this is to bs done, it is to be hoped that the Government will, as far as possible, remove the duties from the raw material used by promising local industries. MAHUTA TO VISIT WELLINGTON. A short time ago a number of prominent Maori chiefs from all parts of the North" Island interviewed the Premier on the question of Native land administiation, and were favourably received. They have now, it is .understood, come to some definite plan of action, and in order to make it completely effective have decided to bring King Mahuta

to Wellington to discuss matters with '■the Premier. Some of the chiefs have gone to the Waikato io arrange for ..the early visit of the Native King to Wellington. '