PARLIAMENTARY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6482, 27 September 1892, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FRSiM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Wellington, last night. If the Electoral Bill ia dropped owing to the amendments made by the Council Ministers will have themselves to blame for it* for not one of the important changes has been carried by a majority of nine, if, therefore. Ministers had been content with the Governor's offer to make nine appointments they could have carried the Electoral Bill in its entirety. The fact proves most conclusively that twelve appointments were not necessary to give them a fair degree of strength in the Council. The House spent this afternoon discussing the Naval and Military Setters Land Grant Bills, which passed the second reading, and the Mining Act Amendment Bill and one or two other unimportant little measures in Committee. Wellington, to-day. The Mining Act Amendment Bill was considered in Committee last night until the supper adjournment. Upon the motion to go into Committee of Supply a debato of two hours' duration took place regarding the question of calls to the Council. The leader of the Opposition asked for further information regarding the cablegram which had been received, also as to whether any communication had been received from the Agent-General, who, there was reason to believe, had been hanging about the doors of the Colonial Office endeavoring to arrange negotiations as to the decision to be arrived at. This matter was of great moment to the people of the colony as to whether they were to have responsible government, or not.

Sir George Grey made a strong speech, urging the House not to sit patiently with the scanty information which had been afforded them on a question which so closely related to the liberties of the people. They should pass a resolution that the Secretary of State had abrogated his functions and interfered in a matter in which he had no power to interfere, and which should have been decided by the representatives of the people in Parliament. Ho thought this matter would be a step in the direction of elective governors. Mr Seddon, replying, said when the Government were prepared to answer the questions which had been asked they would do so. They had not Been his Excellency's telegram, and could give no information regarding it more than that the Earl of Glasgow had said he was prepared to waive his opposition to granting twelve appointments. He contended that the decision upheld the liberties of the people, for it permitted the wishes of a great majority of the people to be given effect to. After an hour's discussion as to what progress should be made with the estimates, the Oppositionists refusing to proceed with the work until the Government gave an assurance that the House would not be driven to an unreasonable hour, good progress was made with the estimates, the Colonial Treasurer's, Public Trust, and Lands Departments being passed. Some discussion took placti on the taxation assessment vote, members stating that the valuations were radically wrong, being very unequal. The Minister in charge said the Premier was considering an improvement in the future. The House rose at 3 a.m. The Premier passed a very bad night, vomiting repeatedly. His medical advisers this morning forbid him to see any of his colleagues, and it is questionable whether he will see the House again this session. The Public Works Statement is to be delivered either this afternoon or evening. This Afternoon.— The Premier is worse than at any time during his previous illness. It ia still feared he will- not be able to take his place in Parliament again this session. The Postmaster-General will take the Land and Income Assessment Bill in Committee to-morrow evening in the absence of the Treasurer. The Bill provides for debenture capital invested on mortgage being exempt from Income Tax. An effort is being made to get the same class of capital invested in fee simple treattd on same terms.