Political Gossip.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 4551, 23 November 1887, Page 2

Political Gossip.

(By Telegraph.) (from our own correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 22. A deputation re relief of Crown tenants and those of school commissioners, waited on the Premier and Minister of Lands last night. The following are the names of those present:— Dr Menzies, M.L 0., Messrs Cowan, McKenzie, Valentine, Cadman, Merchant, 'Hodgkinson, and T. W. McKenzie. After members had urged the cause of the tenants the Premier said that he and the Minister of Lands thoroughly understood the urgency of the case, and would in a few days inform the deputation what course of action the Government intended to pursue in the matter. DEFENCE EXPENDITURE. Mr Maoarthur has given notice of the following question, which should qguse some interest :—• ‘ Whether Government intend to take any steps with regard to the action of the late Minister of Defence, the Hon. Mr Ballance, in incurring £46,000 of liabilities in Defence without any authority from Parliament, with a view of deterring the present or future Ministers from similar action, and to re-assert the power of control over the public purse possessed by the popular branch of the Legislature.” The portion of the question which is quoted is .a gentle satire at the expense of Sir Julius Vogel, who used the phrase in recording his disagreement with the proposals of Government to have their reductions passed en bloc. SIR JULIUS VOGEL’S TARIFF RESOLUTIONS. The House is getting so inured to surprises during the present session that they were not thrown out of gear to-day by Sir Julius Vogel’s promise to bring down resolutions traversing the Government policy. Some surprise, however, was experienced when Major Atkinson rose and demanded that the resolutions should be moved at once, and later on (after Sir Julius, at the request of his friends, had withdrawn his motions) when he challenged the Opposition to fight the matter out, and threatened to have a resolution moved which would bring about the issue desired by the Opposition. This challenge evidently took the fancy of members, and is regarded as a very clever tactical move, as, if the resolution the Premier proposes be agreed to, there can be ho possible excuse for keeping back the business. The whole thing was so unexpected that members have not yet made up their minds as to what will be the outcome, but it appears that in the haste of the moment tho Premier forgot that to-morrow and Thursday are still private members days, and cannot be taken by Government unless by 'previous resolution. The lobbies are very quiet considering the momentous issue pending. RAILWAY WORKMEN. Mr Moss, who has always some little hobby in band, has been enquiring into tho position of railway labourers, and nas intimated his intention of asking Government to morrow if it is correct that men employed at day wages on the railways have only to receive a week’s notice from Government and give a fortnight’s notice, and if so will Government take steps to prevent this anomaly. brief mention. In the Council to-day Dr Menzies presented petitions relative to Bible reading in schools, and Colonel Brett in favour of Roman Catholic school claims. The Premier to-day characterised Mr Moss as “virtuous and innocent,’’ but the member denied the soft impeachment. In the Council Mr Stevens has introduced a Bill dealing with the Sheep Act. The Government intend to push on the Pharmacy Act this session. Mr Joyce is anxious to have tho report of General Sohaw on the defences of the colony, and is urging Government to bring it on. Mr Valentine wishes Government to incorporate in their Land Bill a provision for abolishing land boards and school commissioners. Mr Ballance has given notice to move for a return showing the cost of harbour defences for the year ending 30th September last. Mr J. Joyce wishes to know if Government intend to curtail the strength of the permanent artillery, or volunteer force, and to reduce.the capitation. Mr Merchant is again urging Government to” use firewood for locomotives on Government lines. The Opposition will hold a meeting to discuss the position in regard to the No Confidence debate to-morrow. Sir Julius Vogel to-day remarked that members came to the House to represent men and not sheep, and should therefore go on with the business. '

PUTTING ON THE BRAKE. A sensible recommendation was made by the Reporting and Debates Committee to-day, which is, however, not likely to b?

agreed to by the House. Tt is ns follows : “ That having in view the desirability ot keeping the cost of Hansard within reason* , able limits this Committee recommends the House to remit to the consideration of the Standing Orders Committee the question of framing a Standing Order limiting the time ' during which members’ speeches may be reported. •