HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 71, 11 October 1884, Page 6

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, October 3. The House met yesterday at 2.30 p.m. Mr Fulton moved the third reading of the Trustees, Executors, an Agency Companies Act, 18S2, Amendment Bill, which was agreed to, and the bill was passed. On the motion of Mr Locke, leavo of absence for a week was granted to Mr Samuel on private business. Replying" to Mr Johnston, the Minister of Lands eaid ho had the matter under consideration of allowing persons to take bark from native trees for tanning purposes, but he could not grant them free right to enter railway reserves for that purpose.

Conservation of Forests. Replying to Mr Hamlix, Hon. Mr Ballaxce said the Government intended to consider the question of forest conservation during the recess, but could not; say at present whether they would purchase a block of land at Pukekohe or Waiuku for puriri plantation purposes.

"The Liberty of the Press." Replying to Mr Me Arthur, the Minister of Public Works said he could not see his way to recommend the renewal of the Press railway passes. When they vi ere discontinued, they had amounted to an almost inconceivable number, and were frequently abused.

New Bills. Four bills, of which notice "was given yesterday, were introduced and read a first time. A division was called for on Sir George Grey's bill, providing that judges of the Supreme Court shall be appointed for a term of five j'ears, and no longer, and the first reading was assented to by 31 to 26. The Otago and Gisborne Harbour Bills were discussed in Committee, and amendments ordered to be considered in Committee on Thursday next.

Bills Passed. At the evening sitting the following bills were read a third time and passed : — Mining Companies Act, 1572, Amendment Bill (Mr Men'teith), Anatomy Act Amendment Bill (Mr Fultox), Employment of Females and Others Act Amendment Bill (Mr Bradshaw), Bills of Exchange Amendment Bill (Mr Taivroa). The Town Distiicts Act, ISSI, Amendment Bill was set down for the second reading, but Mr J. B. Wiivte, the promoter of the bill, said he understood the Government had a measure of a similar nature, and ao there had boon an amendment since ISSI, he would move that the order be discharged. Agreed to.

Sir George Grey's Bills Passed. Sir Geo. Gki;y moved the second reading of the Criminal Law Procedure Bill, which he said proposed to extend to prisoners an advantage enabling their solicitors to make a statement of fact for them. Major Atkinson failed to see that prisoners were under any disability at present. Hon. Mr Tole said no harm would be done by the measure, which would set any doubts at rest. The bill was read a second time. The Affirmation in Lieu of Oaths Bill passed through Committee \\ ithout amendment, and was read a thiid time. The debate on Mr Locke's Native Land Law Amendment Bill, adjourned from 17th ult., was resumed. Government opposed the measure. Ifc was eventually agreed that the bill be further adjourned till the Sth of October. An amendment by Sir Julius Vogll for three weeks' adjournment was negatived.

Auckland Lock Hospital. Replying to Mr Thomson, Hon. Mr Tole &aid Government did not intend to take over the Lock Hospital at Auckland.

Abolition of Gold Duty. The debate on the committal of the Gold Duties Abolition Bill was x-esumed. Mr Bucklaxd explained that instead of having a low opinion of miners, that class included some of his best friends, and he had really a high opinion of them. He opposed the abolition of duties. Mr Rollestox said if the duty Mere abolished this year there would be a cry from those distiicts next year for their reimpo.sition, or else other means of taxation for raising revenue would have to be obtained. Messrs Fergus and Siirimski supported the bill. Sir Julius Vogel said he would not oppo?e the bill if its promoters would agree that it should not come into operation until the 31st of December next year, so that it would not affect the revenue for the year. Mr WAicr.riiXD urged the goldfields members not to accept this concession, but to push the bill to a division, and they would find that they had the House with them. The motion for going into Committee ■was agi eed to. Mr Seddon pointed out that if the abolition did not come into force till December, people would not s-ell their gold until then and the counties would not receive revenue. Mr Pike urged acceptance of the concession offered by Government. An amendment providing that the date upon which the abolition should come into force should be fixed by Order-in-Council was carried by 3S to 9. The debate in Committee on thi3 clause lasted during the whole night, and was dull and uninteresting Some members, including Messrs Seddon and Fergus, thought the date should not be left open, while the majority were satisfied to leave the matter in the hands of the Government. Mr Skijoon" moved an amendment that the abolition shoxild come into force on December 3rd, 1885, but Mr Ballanok, on behalf of the Government, refused to accept this provision. Mr Cawi vv said the House had met West Coast members in a fair spirit, but if those were determined to force these views clown the throats of members* the best thing they could do was to give the bill a s>x months' quietus. At 12 40 Mr Skddon, who was apparently " stonewalling " the measure, rose to speak for about the thirtieth time during the debate. The House was nearly filled at the time, but the majority of those present seized their hats and left the Chamber, scarcely a quorum remaining. Upon a division, Mr Seddon's amendment was lost by 46 to 9. An amendment by Mr Hatch, to reduce the duty by only Gd per ounce, was lost on the voices. The amendments made by the Goldfields Committee, the principal of which was provision that the bill should only apply to the South Island, were agreed to, and the bill was reported with amendments. It was agreed that the amendments should be considered on Thursday next. The House rose at 1 a.m. Wellington, October 4. The House met yesterday at 2.30. p.m. Replying to Mr Guinness, the Minister of Public W©rks said that inquiries would be made respecting the fires which were said

to be consuming the coal soains at 10-Mile Creek on the West Coast, and if it was found that a small expenditure wouli secure their extinguishment steps would be takon in that direction. Replying to Mr Wakkfield, the Treasurer said it was not the intention of Government to amend the law so as to render property belonging to religious de- 1 nominations liable to any direct taxation in force for the Hme being. Replying to Mr White, the Minister of Public Works said arrangements had been made for the periodical inspection of locomotives. A motion by Sir Juliuj Vogel, providing that bills introduced by Government as Government measures should not bo tieatcd as local bills, was referred to the Standing Orders Committee.

Payment of Mom'bors Bill. The Parliamentary Honorarium and Privileges Bill (Sir Julius Vogel) was read a third time and passed.

The Night-Soil Nuisance. Tho Public Health Act 187G Ainondmont Bill was considered in Committee, and an amendment added on the motion of Major Stewakd providing that if cany Borough or Town Council suffers any nightsoil depot to be a nuisance or a danger lo health, any person aggrieved has a summary remedy, i.e., may bring the matter before the Resident Magistrate or two Justices, who can deal with the complaint and compel abatej ment of the nuisance.

Westport and Greymoxith Loans. Sir Julius Vogel moved the second reading of the Westport. Harbour Bill, which provides for a loan of L 500,000 for harbour construction purposes. Tho -Standing Orders were on his motion suspended in ordor that this and tho Greymouth Harbour Bill should be taken as Government measures. He urged that tho development of the coal resources of the colony vas a work of colonial importance, and he failed to sco uhy with proper encouragement Westport and Greymoiuh should not take up the pamo position as coal-supplying ports as is now occupied by Newcastle in New South Wales, and even grow to the same extent as the large exporting towns of England. Ho said the export of coal from Newcastle (New South Wales) last year amounted in value to L 600,000, while during the last live years this colony had imported coal valued at LS6S.OOO. He explained that it was proposed to givo up revenue amounting to something under LSOO. This -« oukl make the starting-point on which money might be borrowed to commence tho construction of works. There was a provision in the measure that the Government might at any time take over the woiks with the consent of the llouf-e. Mr SniuM^Ki opposed thebill, and pointed out that no mention had been made by Sir Julius Vogel of the fact that already several hundred thousand pounds have been spent in this district. He reterred to the fact that the people of Oamaru, who had contributed more than a million to direct revenue, were taxing themselves now for what ■uas a work of colonial importanoc in their own district. He considered that the West Coast should be made to pay a proportion of the cost of such works. He asseited that a large proportion of shares in tho Company which would be benefitted by this work were held by members of the Legislature, Mr Olliver holding 1,009 L 3 shaies, Mr Reynolds 234, Mr Campbell 759, Mr Miller 1,475, Mr Gillies [ 2,335, and Mr Larnach 1,494. Major Atkinson supported the work as one of great colonial importance, and deprecated the action of Mr Shrhnski in imputing corrupt motives to members. While agreeing with the general object of the bill, he did not coincide with the mode suggested of carrying it out. He was opposed to a guarantee as leading to a bad precedent, which would render them liable to demands from all parts of the colony. He would like to sco the railway given as security , and a Trust appointed. A Board mi^ht "easily be constituted to carry out the 3 work under control of the Government. Mr Macandklw suggested that the royalties might perhaps bo given a& security for the money to be raised. While ho was of opinion that something should be done this session, he considered the best course would be to refer it to a select committee. He understood that an expenditure of LGO,OOO would give 16 feet of water, and he considered this sufficient for the present. MrO'Coxxoii spoke strongly in favour of the bill, while Messrs Turnbull and Rolleston supported the proposal to refer it to a select committee. Mr Roller-ton objected to tho mode of borrowing proposed, and thought they should be careful to see that the resources of the district justified the loan. He asserted that at Kawakawa LOO, OOO had been spent in taking the railway to deep water, but the results of coal-mining in the district were such that they had very little to look forward to. Mr Montgomery said there was no doubt in his mind that tho money should bo spent in the district, but the question that troubled him was whether a board should share in the spending of the money. He thought the Government should carry out the works themselves,and provide for them in the Public Works Statement. Mr Shepherd stiongly supported the bill, and Mr Bryce considered that if the money were laised the works should be cariied out under the management of the Government. Sir George Grey considered tho works were of great colonial importance, and would do much to develop the coal export trade of the colony. The benefit of mooring vessels coming to these ports to coal and refit would be felt all over the country. He, however, agreed with previous speakers that the money should be spent and the works carried out by Government. Ho pointed out that even apart from the assistance rendered to coalmining at Kawakav\ a, the railway at that place had opened up a great part of the road to the fertile district of Hokianga. The Company there had spent large sums to open the mine. Col. Trimble denounced the bill, and considered that tho eyes of the people should be opened to the magnitude of the borrowing which was being done in a piecemeal way. The debate lasted all the evening, but the speeches were of no interest to Auckland readers. Many of the Government supporters recommended the bill being referred to a committee. Eventually Sir Julius Vogel agreed to this course if the Committee could meet on Monday and report on Tuesday. On his motion the following were appointed a committee : — Major Atkinson, Messrs Bruce, Cad man, Guinness t Macandrew, O'Connor, Shopherd, Sutton, and the mover. Both bills were then read a second time, and referred to this Committee. Wellington, October 7. The House met at 7.30 p.m. The Married Women's Property Bill, Otago Harbour Board Bill, and Foreign Companies Bill were received from the Legislative Council with amendments, which were agreed to. The Pensions Bill received from the Upper Hou?e without amendment waB received with cheers. The following bills were brought down from the Upper House and read a first time :— River Boards Act and Timber Floatage Act. »

Supply. Marine and Harbours,L33,9B9; examiners of masters, engineers, and mates at Auckland, one at LlOO and one at L7s.— Mr Macandrew objected to these payments when the examiners at Dunedin only got L5O each. —The Minister ov Marines explained that there was more work in Aucki land than Dunedin.— Mr Macandrew denied this, and Mr Peacock maintained the truth of the assertion. — Hon. Mr Ballance quoted figures to show that 41 passed last year at Auckland, and 29 at Dunedin. — Amount retained and vote passed. Miscellaneous Services, L 6,000. — Hon Mr Ballance said Government would probably ask for an increase of the vote. - Mr Dargaville asked if the increase would be in consequence of the pleasure trips of members, and was replied to in the negative.—Mr HußbTiiousE moved that the item, Hinemoa, L 2,500, be expunged. He characterised the vessel as a useless piece of furniture kept for tho pleasure of members in session time. — Sir Julius Vogk defended the item, contending that the vessel saved a great deal of money in departmental work, and was useful in cases of emergency. He hoped in courso of time to replace her with a more euitablo boat, but for the present she was suitable.— The amendment to strike out tho vote of L 2.500 for tho ninewas lost on division by 60 to 13. Class 7, Stamps Department, L 7,341. Passed. Lands and Deeds Registry, L 19.625. — MiHolm ks objected to the increase from L 350 to L37<"> to the Deputy Registrar at Auckland. — Mr Whytjs (Sydenham) opposed the item, Examiner of Titles, Auckland, L 200; but Mr Ballance said this official was necessary becauso tho Registrar was unablo to do tho work. — Mcssis Peacock, Moss, and Dargaville defended this and the previous item. — Motion to reduce Deputy Registrar to L 350 lost on division by 45 to 15. Voto passed. —Class 5, General Post Office, L 7.463 The Postmaster-General explained that reductions were being made by the employment of cadets instead of clerks. Voto passed.— Chief and sub offices, L 114,905. Mr Bucn vnan 7 advocated larger salaries for country postmasters. — Replying to MiFulton, Mr BALLANCKsaid provision would bo made in the supplementary estimates to compensate telegraphists who were compelled to work extra hours a day under the new arrangement. Voto pas&od. — Maintenanco, etc, L3S,O7C ; telegraph cable subsidies, L 5,350 ; conveyance of mails by sea, LOG, 140. Mr Ballance oxplaincd that the increase of Sue/ service, LS.OOO to Ll(>,000, was due to extra charges consequent on the diversion of mail matter from the San Francisco to the Brindhi route. — Replying to Mr Peacock, the Premier said tho withdrawal of the San Fruncisoo route would not increaso our subsidy if an allowance were made by the United States Government ; it would make the subsidy payable by New Zealand lighter. Conveyance of inland mails, L 26,38 5; carriage of mails by railway, LI, OOO. All these votes passed. Class S, Education : Head oflice, L 2,55 1; public schools, L 256.235. Passed. Native schools, L 5,000.— Mr Hukstiiou.se, w ho did not see v hy natives should bo dealt with exceptionally, moved that this vote be expunged. Vote retained. Industrial schools, L 15,921. — Replying to Mr Peacock, the Premier said the boarding out system had proved advantageous. Vote passed. Deaf and Dumb Institution, L 2,265. Passed. Higher educational, L2,600.— Mr Guinne.ns moved that this be reduced to LI,SOO. — Mr Hursthouse supported it, and considered the time had arrived when all educational votes should be devoted to primary education.— Special objection was offered to the item of Ll,ooo for Girls' Hi^h School at Auckland which Mr Peacock defended. He drew attention to the much larger percentage of fees in Auckland than in Christchurch. —A lengthy discussion took place on the question of higher education, some Southern members opposing tho votes. — Messrs Stout and Gillies supported the item, the latter pointing out that by doing away with secondary education they were closing the avenues to advancement against the children of poor parents. — Mr llolleston also supported it, and said if they refused this vote to the North Island, did they think their reserves in the South would be left as at present. Mr Hatch, to test the feeling of the House on the matter, moved that the amount be reduced by one-fourth, viz , L 650. The Committee divided— Ayes, 17; noes, 35. The item then passed. On the motion that miscellaneous sources, L 4,000, be agreed to, Mr Hursthouse moved that the vote be omitted. The Committee divided on the original motion : — Ayes, 41 ; noes, 5. Amount passed. This being the last item tor the Education Department, progress was reported. The House rose at 2.50 this morning. Wellington, October 8. The Speaker took the chair at 2.30 yesterday. Replying to Mr Taiaroa, the Premier said it was not intended to reduce salai-ies of native schoolmasters, but they were classified and paid partly according to qualification, and partly according to attendance. At present they were paid more, instead of less, than European schoolmasters. Replying to Mr Fergus, the Native Minister said it was their intention to finish tho sanatorium at Ohinemutu as soon as possible. Replying to Mr Locke, the Native Minister said that the Land Court at Otago Bay had been adjourned till November, and the natives asked for a further adjournment in order that they might be able to get in their crops. Replying to Mr Garrick, the Premier said it was desirable that the Married Women's Property Bill should become law at once. If a clause were introduced providing for the succession of a married woman dying intestate, then the bill would have to be held over to await Her Majesty's pleasure.

Course of Business. It was agreed, on the motion of the Premier, that Government business should have precedence on Wednesday after tho Orders of tho day. The Premier promised at the same timo that one of the Friday evenings would be devoted to private bills. Waikato Confiscated Land.

Hon. Mr Ballancje moved the second reading of the Waikato Confiscated Land Bill, which he said was to extend the operation of the present law for a further period of two years. He said that so far the Act had not been very successful, the hapas shwing very little inclination to settle on the lands. Mr Hamwn said the measure would simply remain a dead letter, as the land surrounding these reserves had been taken up by Europeans with whom the rebel natives were indisposed to come in contact. Second reading agreed to.

The New Governnmet Insurance Bill. Sir Juwus Vogel moved the second reading of the Government Insurance Association Bill. He referred to the length of time the Department had been in existence, and

pointed out that at present there were 20,400 policies outstanding. The accumulated funds amounted to nearly a million, while the annual income was L 230.000. The business required to be placed on a better and more independent footing, and it was proposed to incorporate the institution and provide for boards partly nominated and partly elected. There would be local boards in the principal towns of the colony. At present Government wore guarantors to the insurers, but it was now proposed that onetenth of the profit should be put away till the accumulation roached about L 1,000,000,, 000,000, which would form a guarantee fund, and Government would bo relieved of the charge. There was also a provision in the bill for the extension of the business to other colonies and to Great Britain, while in a short time business insurances would also receive attention. Mr Leyestam objected to the resting of the business in irresponsible boards, while Mr Barron did not think they should extend the business to other countries where the insurance rate is higher than in New Zealand. Mr J. B. Whyte urged the adjournment of the debate, as the bill had only been circulated. Major Atkinson supported the second reading. The bill entirely met with his approval, as it really meant placing the Department under a board instead of under the Treasury. Ono present difficulty of the Department was the inability of placing its money at mortgage without assistance Mr Moss regarded the whole insuranco policy as a mistake. Instead of the Department being in existence for the protection of the public against bogus companies, it was established and was being pursued as a business. He commented in strong terms on what ho called the bad securities in which funds had previously been invested. The Pkeimikk said if the second reading of the bill wore cairied, Government would give members a full time to consider betore it went into Committee. The- Treasurer said it was of vital importance that the bill should pass this session. The second reading was agreed to on the voicos, and committal fixed for Friday ne-\t.

Bills Advanced. The lload Board Bill was brought down from the Upper House, and read a first time. The Napier Harbour Boards Bill was reported from the Upper Houso with amendments, and these were agreed to. Tho report of the South Sea Island Commission was submitted, and the Colonial Treasurer gavo notice of tho first reading of a bill drafted by tho Committee for tomorrow. It was agreed, on the motion of Mr Rolleston, that the report and minutes of the Committee be printed. Sir Julius Yogel moved the committal of the

District Railways Bill. Several members spoke strongly against i%, but tho motion to commit the bill was carried by 47 to 39, and some progress was made in Committee. Progress was reported at 1.30, and the House adjourned. Wellington, October 9.

Yesterday's Business. The business in the House yesterday may bo very briefly summarised. Sir Julius Vogol introduced his South Sea Trading Bill, of which I sent you an abstract yesterday, and it was read a first time.

Workmen's Wages Bill, Amendments v Inch had been made in the Workmen's Wages Bill were agreed to, and the Bill was read a third time and passed. Mr Gillies unsuccessfully endeavoured to have J^the bill re-commifcted in* order that an amendment might be made to avoid confliction of clauses respecting before-hand payments for material. Sir George G!rey urged that re-com-mittal would endanger the bill, and said if allow ed to pass now, amendments could be made afterwards, and Mr Stout, admitting that the amendments aeked for were im« portant, promised to see what could be done to introduce them subsequently. Newspaper Postage.

Tho bill introduced by Sir Geokge Gkky to abolish postage rate on newspapers met with .strong opposition from tho Premier, who said it meant a loss of £8,000 a year to the revenue, and it was thrown out on the voices.

Bill to Legalise Sweepstakes Rejected. Mr Fitzcjkrald was signally unfortunate with his bill to legalise sweepstakes not exceeding i' 2. Advantage was taken of the absence of many supporters of the measure, and the bill was thrown out by 29 to 26, on Mr Fulton's amendment.

Justices of the Peace. Sir (iEO, Gkev succeeded in carrying an important measure in the bill to provide that two Justices of the Peace instead of one should sit in indictable cases. It went through Committee without question, and was read a third time and passed.

Distriot Railways. The debate on tho District Railways Bill was resumed in Committee at the evening sitting, and lasted during the whole of the night. The feeling of tho minority against the bill was very strong, but, strengthened by the consciousness of a majority, the Government pushed the bill on. There was a great deal of discussion on the basis of valuation. Sik Julius Vouel said the Government were satisfied to leave the mode of valuing to the Committee. They did not desire to pay a penny more for the railways than the cost of construction. A long debate ended in the House agree ing, on the voices, to an amendment proposed by Mr Downie Stewart, providing that Compensation Courts, to dotermine the value of railways, should be prosided over by a judge of the Supreme Court, and that an arbitrator each should be appointed by the Government and the Company. It was further agreed, on Sir Julius Vogel's motion, that the cost of arbitrations should be added to the valuation. The words " auditor" and "Controller-General" were substituted for Minister throughout the bill. Mr Tuknbull endeavoured to have the Waimate railway struck out of the schedule, giving the names of five railways which should take advantage of tho bill. The ground of his amendment was that the Government had taken over the line sometime ago, and that the Company had subsequently resumed the management. Tho amendment was lost on division.

Kamo-Kawakawa Railway. Delegates are expected this week to urge the construction of the Kawakawa and ICamo railway, but it is very improbable that the mission will be of any use. Mr Hobbs has been urging the construction of the line in question, but in vain. Mr Mitrhelaon has telegraphed to the Whangarei people that he is opposed to the proposed line. He believes railways should be extended northwards from Helensville, and he interviewed the Government with the object of urging the construction along this route. They, however, refused to undertake the work.

Questions to Ministers. No less than thirty questions were put to Ministers yesterday, and the following information was elicited :— By Dr Newman : That Government could not allow post cards to bo sent to England at a lower rate than newspapers. By Mr Moat : That the Government did not intend to provide thissessionforanexporbduty on baulk timber. By Mr Trimble : That there are reasons which rendered it undesirable that the Government should take steps "to lift snags out of the Mokau lliver. By Mr Locke : That the Government would consider the quastion of the production of kerosene from New Zealand petroleum, with view to renewing the bonus offered in 1874. By Mr Peacock : That the Government intend to introduce a Special Towers and Contracts Bill this session. By Mr Te Ao : That the Government is not prepared to relax restrictions for the supply of ammunition to natives.

San Francisco Merchants and the Mail, j A memoi'ial received by the Government from the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce relative to the continuance of the San Francisco mail service was laid before the House yesterday. It runs as follows :— Tho Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco desires respectfully to express its earnest wish that the present mail steamship service with iNew Zealand may be permanently continued for the mutual benefit of the communities interested. This Chamber is well aware that your Government has done more tlmn its share in this , respect, and it has been a source of regret to us that the laws of the United States have not permitted special contracts to be made for the carriage of ocean mails. The law has beon so changed, however, that such contracts are permissible in future, and in this view of tho case we can consistently urge the Government of New Zealand to continne the service until the Congress of the United States meet in Decem - bey next, when every possible influence will be used to second your efforts on behalf of this important ocean mail sorvice, of so great mutual benelit to the colony of New Zealand and the Pacilic coast of the United States.

Opposition to the Vogelian Policy. There is still a very strong feeling amongst a minority in the House against the District Railway Bill and other of Sir Julius Vogel's measures. Speaking to a prominent member on the subject to-day, he described the Railways Bill as one of the biggest swindles that was ever sought to be perpetrated on the country. He described Sir Julius Voxel's Trading Bill as a " South Sea Bubble," and said if careful calculations were mado, people would bo astounded at the amount of borrowing and expenditure which the next three weeks of session is likely to involve.

District Favouritism. Another instance of favouritism in Inangahua is disclosed by a return showing the amount of moneys granted for prospecting purposes within five years. The total amount was £6,869, of which Inangahua got exactly one-half ; the Thames got £769 ; oromandel, £58 ; Piako, £31 ; Waitemata, £42.

* That Petition Again The paper asking the Government to close the session on tho 24th was the subject of a lively squabble just before the House adjourned yesterday morning. Sir Julius Vouel complained of the opposition to his bill, when at the same time members were asking them to bring the session to an early close. Mr Thimble asserted that tho paper con taining this request emanated from the Ministry themselves, and that it had not been signed by the Opposition. Mr Holmes defended the Government admitted the paternity of the document, and wound up with the assertion that the paper, which had not been presented to tho Government yet, was signed by two-thirds of the Opposition, who were asked. The squabble concluded by the Premier asserting that they would sit till Christmas rather than sacrifice any bills which they had brought down or intended bringing down. Colonel Trimble and others of the Opposition declared themselves equally willing to sit till Christmas, rather than allow any important measures to be hurried through.

Auckland Petitions. The following petitions of Auckland interest were presented : — From Robinson Spencer, asking for a refund of the amount paid for medicines for the natives of Hokianga above allowance of .£4O (Hobbs). From 301 settlers in the Bay of Islands, praying for tho construction of a railway from Kawakawa to Kamo.

Sir George Grey on the New Zealand Press. Sir George Grey appears to have an excellent opinion of the press of the colony. Speaking on the newspaper press as an educational medium yesterday, he said that in no part of the world where ho had been were newspapers conducted in such a high tone as this colony. It was very rarely, he addod, that one would take up a newspaper which he could not lay on any drawingroom table in the world.

Jottings. It is considered that the Government are unwise in going out of their way to oppose Sir Geo. Grey's bills, seeing that their existence depends on his pleasure. After experience extending over eight years, Colonel Turnbull says he does not believe there is such a thing as political honesty. Sir Maurice O'Rorke was absent from his place in the House yesterday in consequence of illness, and his place was taken by Mr Hamlin. Mr J. W. Thomson (Clutlm) acted as Chairman of Committees. The Colonial Treasurer has stated in the House that the Government does not intend to make any alteration in the tariff this session, Sir Julius Vogel yesterday had his Coal Supporting Ports Management Bill discharged from the Order Paper. The Government were at first so determined to push the District Railways Bill through on Tuesday night without delay that it was understood they would insist on it being finished before the House adjourned, even if it moant a twenty-four hours' sitting. Even supporters, however, were not equal to the ordeal, and the idea was abandoned. Temperance people should be easy in their minds respecting Mr Stewarts Licensing Bill. It was last but one on the Order Paper yesterday, and exactly thirtyeight bills preceded it. The question of the Waiuku railway was not considered at the Cabinet meeting yesterday, although a promise was given* to Mr Hamlin that it would be. I A Southern paper, referring to the recent row between Messrs Seddon and Hatch, said the latter triumphed with the aid of a Samsonian weapon.