FRIDAY, JUNE 12.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 107, 20 June 1885, Page 6

FRIDAY, JUNE 12.

The Auckland " Star's " own correspondent telegraphs the following interesting items : —

The Opening Pageant. Tho opening of Parliament yesterday as a pageant was much inferior to previous viceregal shows of the same kind. A great many persons were disappointed at not hearing the Bpeech, owing to the Governor delivering it a few minutes after two, instead of 2.30, as has hitherto been customary, His Excellency, who wore a complete Windsor uniform, eat while he read the speech, and wore his head covered. He was accompanied by Major Eccles, A.D.C., and Mr Pennefather ; also by local merchants got up regardless of expense in gorgeous Consular uniforms. There were 12 Legislative Councillors in their seats, and at the ataee the newlymade lords, Messrs Shrimaki, Pharazyn, Swanson, and Shepherd, who were present only as spectators, having not taken the oath of allegiance. The 39 faithful Commons who listened to the vice-regal utterance looked, as Mr Waken* eld puts ib, "as fresh and as fat as though just out of the domestic band-box." Messrs Stout and Richardson stood together in the front rank, Messrs Larnach and Ballance being imme- ' diately behind. Mr Tole, who came late, and appeared still suffering from the effects of his late indisposition, occupied a position at the rear. Lady and Miss Jervoia occupied seats near the gubernatorial dais, and bore immense bouquets of violets.

The Business in the House. After the retirement of the Governor, members of the House of Representatives returned to their own chamber, where notice was given of the appointment of Sessional Committees, and other business of a formal character. Sir Julius Vogel was present on the Ministerial benches. With the exception of Sir George Grey, none of the great guns of the Opposition were present. Mr Macandrew arrived today (Friday) and Major Atkinson is expected to-morrow (Saturday). Mr Hislop was introduced by the Premier and Mr Bryce. Mr Grigg's resignation for Wakanui was announced ; and, on the Premier's motion, the Speaker authorised the issue of a new writ. Mr Beetham gave notice of a string of resolutions dealing with the question of Federation* Mr Levestam gave notice of motion of a bill to amend the Females Employment Act.

A Government Surprise. The few members of position here look on Mr Pearson's notice of his intention to move the Address-in-Reply to-day (Friday) as a device of the enemy— in plain words, an attempt to obtain parliamentary approval of the slight foreshadow of Ministerial policy contained in the Speech before a full house assembles. The method adopted by the Government is certainly unprecedented, and they faitly lay themselves open to hostile comment. It is customary to allow ab least three days to intervene between the reading of the Speech and the moving of the Address-in-Reply. Many members of the House, especially from the North and Otago,depending on the following out of the usual precedent, had arranged to postpone their appearance at the capital till the beginning of next week. The moving of the Address- in- Reply at such an extremely early period of the session precludes the possibility of the Opposition meeting, and deciding whether or not an amendment should be moved. The " Times" to-day says :— " The course pursued of moving the Address-in -Reply today is a piece of political strategy. We happen to know it was very suddenly decided upon, and is intended as a counter stroke to an adveree move which the Government had reason to apprehend." Although an amendment resulting fromunited action is thus unlikely, it is quite on the cards that a hostile motion will be moved by an individual member on his own responsibility.

What the Premier Says. I have already forwarded the Opposition opinion of Ministerial tactics respecting the Address-in-Reply. In conversation with Mr Stout, the Premier said the assertions that the action is a party device is absolutely untrue, and he claimed that a similar course has been pursued frequently during the past 20 years. In 1875 the House met on Tuesday, and the debate on the Address commenced on the following day ; in 1877 it met on Thursday, and took the debate on Friday ; last year it met on Tuesday, and \ went to the debate on Wendesday ; and on the other occasions during the past ten years, when the Address was not moved the day following the delivery of the Speech, the reason was that a no-confidence motion I had been given notice of, or a question of tantamount importance raised, such as the , Piako swamp question, The somewhat not

unusual course of an old member of the House being selected to move the Addressinreply, is explained by Mr Stout as follows :— The person was chosen some weeks before any of the present new members were returned.

A Missing Dream Suit, The mover of the Address-in-Beply, Mr Pearson, found himself in a ridiculous predicament after consenting to perform that service for the Government. He disooyered that his clothes, including the absolutely necessary dress suit, had gone to Sydney by accident, He was got out of the dilemma by one of the officers of the House, who is a §ood many sizes larger than the somewhat iminutive member for Ashley, offering the use of his suit. Mr Hislop will second tho Address. Mr Pearson's selection as mover is regarded by hostile critics of the Government as another evidence of indecent haste to get over the Governor's Speech, as it can be shown that there ftra plenty of new members available.

T*UC in the Lobbies. The current impression amongst political folks is that the session will last four months. The position of Colonel Whitmore as a member of the Legislative Council and commandant of the forces is anomalous. Mr Stout, it is understood, is anxious that he should continue in the dual capacity. At a meeting of the Houee to-day, a message was received from the Governor officially announcing Colonel Whitmore's appointment, and, on Mr Stout's motion, it was ordered to be^considered when a bill on the subject is received from the Council. It is noted that official and nominee members of the Government Insurance Boards have issued a manifesto favouring the establishment of local boards, while the eleotive members are opposed thereto. Mr Smith, of Taranaki ironsand notoriety, is here. Major Atkinson has promised to obtain for him a hearing at the bar of the Houee. It is unprecedented that not a single petition was presented yesterday. The duck- egg will be broken today, as Colonel Fraser presents a petition from Mr Mcllhone, asking compensation for loss of office as Mining Inspector at the Thames. Referring to the speech, the "Times" says it is more platudinoue and tantologica than usual. It gives a general outline of the Ministerial policy in a fearfully wordy way. It is the reverse of a brilliant effort. The sale by Sir Win, Fox of hia Weetoe Estate to a publican is commented on here. The " Post wonders that he should have touched a penny gained in the traffic he has ever denounced so strongly. After all, however, there is probably no more inconsistency in selling Westoe bodily to a publican than in ueing its soil to grow barley to be*made into malt for brewing. Westoe was at one time rather celebrated for its barley. There is a certain grim irony in the fact of Sir William Fox being succeeded as Lord of the Manor of Westoe by a publican. The press representatives to-day elected Mr Morrison, of the "Hawke's Bay Herald," Chairman of the Press Gallery ; and Mr Humphries, Manager of the Press Association, as Vice Chairman, Including the Wellington pressmen, there are about twenty journalists in the gallery. Mr Macandrew presents a petition seven or eight feet long against the employment of barmaids.

I " A Refugo of Lies." There is a story going the rounds about the recently appointed commandant, which is too good to be lost. The other evening, i two members of Parliament were discussing defence matters, when one of them deplored the unnecessary expense gone to, and said ifc was a pity that instead of laying torpedoes, Government had not sunk kerosine tins as was done during the Franco-Ger-man war, and called them torpedoes. Sir G. S. Whitmore, who happened to be present at the time, and apparently greatly interested in the discussion, remarked that doubtless the defence of the colony would greatly depend on lying. " Then," rejoined one member, " the colony is perfectly safe,"

Sir G. S. Whitmore's Status. The feeling against Sir George Whitmore's appointment to the command of the colonial forces has strengthened since the I circulation of the Government measure dealing with the matter, and some members argue it is an open question whether, by hte acceptance of office, he has not already forfeited his seat in the Legislative Council. It is quite on the cards that the bill will be rejected by the House of Representatives.

The Opposition and the Governor's Speech, The Opposition are unlikely to move any amendment to the Address-in-Reply, but the Governor's Speech is certain to elicit severe criticism. One point which caused a deal of comment is that in reference to signs of the prevailing depression passing away. Some members characterise this as an absolute falsehood.

Expected Increase of Duties. The " Times," referring to the recent heavy clearances of dutiable goods at Auckland and Dunedin.says :— "As the party has always favoured -the free breakfast table platform, it may turn out that the apprehensions of increased duties on tea and sugar are unfounded, and that importers have been a little rash in jumping to con* elusion.'

Arrival of Auokland Members. The Auckland members who arrived by the Waihora at 8.30 this morning— viz,, Hon. Thomas Henderson, M.L.G., and Messrs Peacock and Dargaville, M.H.E.'s — had a pleasant trip down. Major Atkinson arrived overland on Saturday, and members continue to arrive by every steamer, so that there will be a strong muster of legislators at to-morrow's sitting.

Bloving the Address in Reply. The Address-in Reply will come on for discussion immediately after the formal motions for the introduction of bill?. That the postponement of the debate on last Friday afternoon was decided upon only at the last moment was clear from the fact that the seconder evidently knew nothing about the change of plan until he came to the House, for he put in an appearance in that "full fig" of evening dress which is de rigueur on the part of the mover and seconder on these occasions,

Government Legislation. TheLocal Government Bill and Charitable Aid Bill will be the first measures brought down after the disposal of the Financial Statement, A Press Association telegram says:— "A day or two after the disposal of the debate on the Address-in-Reply, the Colonial Treasurer will deliver the Financial Statement, and immediately afterwards the Local Government and Charitable Aid Bills will be presented to the House."

Whor« is tbe Coptic. Ministers profess absolute ignorance re whereabouts of the defenoe steamer Coptic. They state thatthearrangement was entered into between the Imperial authorities and, Admiral Tryon. ;

Alleged Division* in th« Atklnion Party. A prominent member of the Opposition informs me that the relations between Major Atkinson and his former Ministerial colleagues are muoh strained in consequence of Major Atkinson's endeavour to arrange a oompaot with Sir Julius Vogel last session. Both MrBryce and Mr Conolly told roy^ informant they were muoh displeased with their late ohief. Be that as it may, I met the Major along with Mr Kolleston (who looks as young as ever) on the Quay this morning.

Savings Bank Returns. The Savings Banks returns laid on the table of the House show the total amount of deposits received in 1884 was £1,227,009, with one exception the largest yearly deposit since the establishment of the Postoffice Savings Banks; the withdrawals during the year were £1,195,031, as against £1,295,719 for 1883. The deposits and withdrawals for the principal towns were : —Auckland: Deposits, £199,693; withdrawals, £195,745. Christchurch : Deposits, £269,014; withdrawals, £255,639, Dunedin : Deposits, £208,737 ; withdrawals, £212,456. Wellington : Deposits, £189,761 ; withdrawals, £171,889.

University Endowment. An estimate of the capital value of endowment for aecondary and University education returns the total at £55,710, producing an annual income of £1,862. Otago, £636 ; Auckland, £515.

Colonial Liabilities. A summary of liabilities for 31sfe March last, prepared by the Comptroller-General, shows the Consolidated Fund, £218,387 ; Public Works Fund, £1,202,970. Grand total, £1,421,357.

School Statistics. A return giving the approximate value of school buildings, furniture, and teachers' dwellings in the several educational districts of the colony shows ;— Buildings, £466,761; furniture, £42,250; dwellings, £160,627. Value of school buildingB in the four principal eduoational districts is as follows : Auckland, £83,932; Wellington, £26,493; North Canterbury, £124,871; Otago, £100,580. The average daily attendance of scholars in the last quarter of 1884 for the colony was 76,832. The number of schools open is 987 ; number of teachers, 2,247. Average school attendance in leading districts : Otago, 17,915 ; North Canterbury, 14,210 ; Wellington, 5,678 ; Auckland, 14,686.

Federation Resolutions Mr Beetham's Federation resolutions for June 25th are as follows :— (1) That in order to secure the permanent unity of the Empire, some form of federation is essential ; (2) that no scheme of federation fhould interfere with the existing rights of local parliaments as regards local affairs ; (3) that any scheme of Imperial Federation should combine on an equitable basis the resources of the Empire for the maintenance of common interests, and adequately provide for the organised defence of common rights.

Exemption to Government Contractors Kecently Auckland Harbour Board received a circular from the Otago Board pointing out that under the Harbour Act contractors were exempt from dues on material used for Government contracts. Mr Stout informs me that the Government consider that the objection to the clause is well founded, and they will endeavour to secure its repeal.

The Address in Reply. It is understood that in the House this afternoon Mr Stout will intimate that if the House desires it the moving of the Address-in-Reply will be postponed till Monday. The matter was considered in Cabinet this morning.

I Colonel Whitmore's Appointment. It is understood that the bill to be introduced by the Government, re Colonel Whifcmore will validate his holding the position of commandant without prejudicing his position as a Legislative Councillor under the provisions of the Disqualifiation Act. Colonel Whitmore is unable to draw salary as commandant, and the Bill will entitle him to draw salary from the day of his appointment. It is probable that the salary will be £800 a year.

Sir George Grey and the Local Court Bill. As mentioned yestecday, Government intend re-introducing the Local Courts Bill, and Mr Tole has promised to confer with Sir George Grey concerning the advisability of incorporating the principle of the member for City East's Enforcing of Judgments Bill with the Government measure.

The New Legislative Councillors. Hon. Mr McLean is arranging a meeting of Legislative Councillors to consider the recent wholesale appointment of members to the Council. Some of the blue-blooded old members express great annoyance of the Government's action. While conversing with a Minister re this matter yesterday, he hinted that Govern, ment created the new "Lords" inconsequence of the treatment which Government measure received in the Council last season.

A New Champion of Temperance. Mr Wakefield has been selected by both sides as the standard-bearer of the temperances party in the House.

Leave of Absence. On Tuesday a month's leave of absence will be applied for on behalf of Mr Castor, and a week for Mr W. F. Buokland.

Amendment of Mercantile Law. Hod. Mr Stout's Mercantile Law Act Amendment Bill repeals clauses 57 and 58, and provides instead that in ease of bank' ruptcy or insolvency, the lender of money at rates of interest varying with the profits shall not rank with other creditors.

North Island Tronic Railway. Hod. Mr Richardson this morning informed me that plans for the next section of the North Island Main Trunk Railway are ready, but he was unable to give the date when tenders are to be called.

The Public Works Statement. All the material for the Public Works Statement is ready, but, of course, it will not be printed until Government see how their financial proposals are received.

Meeting of the Cabinet* Ministers went into Cabinet at 11 this morning to consider the legislative work of the session. It is understood they contem- ! plate introducing several new policy bills,

JExouraions Already Commenced. Members made a trip in the Hinemoa to HatBwell Point this afternoon to inspect the fortifications.

Colonel Whitmore's Appointment. It is probable there will be some adverse criticism in the House of Representatives when the bill re' Colonel Whitmore comes down from the Upper House. Several members with whom I have consulted state that they object to , the course pursued, and point out that the Disqualification Act should be strictly adhered' to and no exceptions made. They; do not consider the circumstances of Colonel Whitmore's appointment sufficiently pressing to justify the course

of aotion taken. The Colonial Secretary (Hon. Mr Buckley), in the Legislative Council, introduced the Bill, qualify* ing Colonel Whitmore to accept his seat, and proposed that the bill should be read a eecond time on the next Bitting day. Mr G, McLean protested against a question of such importance being hurried, through in that way, and declared hie intention to demand " a call " of the Council, so as to compel every member to record his vote. If this course is taken, the honourable gentlemen who are now absent from duty will have to come up.

The New Government Measures. Mr Stout has been good enough to explain to me the prinoiple of the Government measures introduced yesterday. That dealing with the reform of the Legislative Gounoil provides that the newly-appointed members shall hold office for ten years, and that leave of absence can only be granted to any member for one season, The Patents Amendment Bill is devised to protect exhibitors at the Exhibition, it having been recently held in a Division Court that the exhibition of an invention might deprive the inventor of his patent rights. The Canterbury and Ofcago Marriage Bill is to legalise certain marriages contracted in these provinces in the early days by persons not properly qualified. The legality of some of these marriages has recently been questioned. The Administration Amendment Act is to remedy a defect in the law affecting married women's property.

Appointment of Waste Lands Committee. In the Ministerial motion for the appointment of a Waste Lands Committee there is more than meets the eye. Up to four years ago, the appointment of the Committee was always made on the motion of the Ministry Its functions were the consideration of all land bills, these measures being reported on by the Committee before they could be discussed in the House. It will thus' be seen that the Committee had virtually the power of retarding the progress of any measure affecting lands by merely neglecting to report to the House. In the session of 1881, I think, Sir George Grey, then in Opposition, complained in the House that one of his bills had been wilfully delayed by the Committee, and such a fuss was caused about the matter that the House amended the Standing Orders in the direction of depriving the Committee of a power which common sense showed to be objectionable. The motion of which Mr Ballance has given notice proposes to suspend the amended Standing Order, No. 178, in order that the Select Committee might "consist of twelve members to be appointed to consider all bills and petitions that may be introduced into the House affecting the waste lands of the Crown, and to report generally upon the principles and provisions which they contain, with power to confer or sit together with any committee which may be appointed by the Legislative Council, and to furnish a joint or separate report, and have power to send for persons or papers and records, three to be quorum." The motion is thus an attempt to return to the objectionable practice, and I understand that when the Committee are on for consideration on Tuesday next this will be strenuously opposed by Sir George Grey. As three of the leading members of the Ministry — Stout, Vogel, and Ballance— were not in the House when the Standing Order was amended, it is just possible that they are not aware of the objectionable nature of the proposal they seek to introduce. Sir George Grey considers it wrong in principle that a quorum of three should usurp the function properly belonging to the whole House.

Adoption of Children. The Adoption of Children Bill to be introduced by Mr Stout was drafted by Mr Tole, who will probably pilot it through the second reading and subsequent steps. At present district judges only have the power to make orders for the adoption of children ; but it is proposed to confer this power on resident magistrates.

Projected Judicial Reforms. Legislation will be introduced this session greatly extending the powers of resident magistrates, enabling libel and slander actions being heard before them. There is now a better class of resident magistrates, and it is not improbable that the District Courts will be entirely swept away.

The "Post" on the Governor's Speech. The " Post " says the Governor's Speech bears the appearance of having been cut down at the last moment. There are one or two rather remarkable omissions, no reference being made to the complete success thathasattended the establishment of the direct mail service,and the action of New South Wales in despatching a colonial contingent to the Soudan. Some further allusion might also have been expected to the negotiations which took place as to the annexation of Samoa, and kindred communications from Fiji, As to the announce* ments in the Speech, none are of a startling or unexpected character. The Local Government and Native Land legislation will evidently be made subjects to be dealt with, and on both these the Government must expect that their proposals will be violently assailed, severely criticised, and vigorously opposed. The announcement that it is proposed to establish a parcels post, ana to introduce a very useful system of postal notes, is highly satisfactory, and ip t perhaps, the greatest surprise contained in the Speech; for of all Departments of the Government thePostal and Telegraph is the moatf ossilised, and the one which resists innovation or improvement the moat steadily. The " Evening Press " says if it be the object of the Governor's Speech to record nothing, announce nothing, explain nothing, and commit the Ministry to nothing, it is the ablest speech that was ever put into the hands of a Governor by his responsible advisers. It is quite an arduous, intellectual exercise to toil through the wordy dulnees of this interminable rigmarole in search of some solitary indication or suggestion of political disclosure. As to the Native Lands Bills, it thinks that, as Mr Ballance happens not have the remotest acquaintance with the question of native lands, the measure will be dropped, or else will upset the Ministry, The Speech as a whole is little better than verbiage from beginning to end — verbiage unrelieved by a single straightforward or tangible declaration of policy,

Mr Stout and the Agricultural Company. An Auckland paper recently attacked Ministers for their connection with the New Zealand Agricultural Company. Mr Stout informs me that his sole connection with it is of a professional character. His firm acted as agents for the English solicitors to the Company, and there the connection ended.

Mr Booth's Standard-bearer,' , The"Post,"inaspitefuHittle article on Mr Wakefield'e appointment by Mr Booth of standard-bearer in Parliament to the Blue Ribbon Army, says: — "No one can be better able to depict the evils and temptations of Bellamys than the hon. member $ and if be Will follow the example of bN cbtef, and, only construct a etory of

personal experiences, it will, no doubt, be found almost as interesting as the thrilling biographical sketch given bo admirably by Mr Booth himself a few nights ago, in seeking to emulate the virtues of 'the good young man who died.' We hope he will escape the premature fate of that estimable youth."

New Zealand and the Sydney Contingent. In the Legislative Council this afternoon the Hon. George McLean will give notice of a similar motion to that by Sir George Grey in the House of Representatives on the subject of the New South Wales Contingent.

Government and the Licensing Fees. The statement that the Government purpose making the publicans' licenses colonial revenue is authoritatively denied.

Hon. Mr Larnacn's Report. New I Mining Legislation. The|Minister of Mines will submit to the House this session a report on the mining in - I diistry, containing the results of his recent visit to the goldfields of the colony, and probably important alterations on the mining law will be recommended, including [reduction of rent license and miner's right fees, also abolition of gold duty. It is suggested, however, that power be conferred on the local bodies to impose a royalty for goldfields works. Mine owners will be required to keep books showing the mineral output of their property, which will enable Government to ascertain more accurately the amount of gold and other minerals raised in the colony. At present, in consequence of the gold duty, Chinese and others smuggle a large quantity of the precious metal out of the colony, so that the record of output got from the Banks and Customs is inaccurate.

Customs Revenue, The Customs revenue for the financial year ended 31st March was £1,544,771. Of this, £351,191 was collected at the port of Auckland at a cost per cent, of £2 18s ; Wellington, £247,044, at £2 5s 7d,« Dunedin, £424,654, at £2 0s 3d ; and Lyttelton and Christchurch, £223,007 at £2 17s 4d. The average cost of collection for the whole colony was £2 lls 6d per cent. ; the previous financial year, £2 Is 4d. In 1881 the cost in the United Kingdom was £3 12s lid. The gum export for 1884 was valued at £342,151, as against £336,606 for 1883.

Amendment of Licensing Act. Mr Steward has not yet decided whether he will or will not introduce his usual bill to amend the Licensing Act. He has a bill prepared, and its main provisions are to substitute an electoral roll with female ratepayers added, and roll of residents including all females, instead of a ratepayers roll on which elections are now conducted. Also, to make it necessary for the committee to take a poll of electors to confirm any decision to close a house for any other cause than misconduct. Mr Steward will not introduce the bill unless he first gets a pledge from those members who flooded it last session, with additions in the interests of extreme publicans, and so cancel its defeat.

Native Land Legislation. Mr Ballance is understood to have considerably modified his Native Land Bill, chiefly with a view of protecting negotiations being entered into or inchoates agreements fairly made. No particular are yet known, but a member of the Opposition informs me that this alteration will be very beneficial to Government supporters in the Urroer House.

The Reform of the Um>er House, The Hon. Or, McLean informs me that his " call " of the Legislative Council is for the purpose merely of discussing the measure for the reform of that august body, and it is probable he will move in the direction of limiting the number of appointments which the Government may make one year, and also of fixing the number of members of which the Council shall consist. It will thus be seen that the original intention of the hon. gentleman of criticising the recent appointment has very sensibly been abandoned. The call will be made for 30th inst., which will give absent councillors, not on leave, a fortnight to be in their places, failing which they are liable to a penalty of £50. Mr McLean was anxious that the call of the Council should be for the purpose of discussing the Disqualification Bill as well as the Legislative Council Keiorm, but Government insist on pushing the former measure.

Shorthand Writers for Courts. The Hon. Mr Tole's memorandum to his colleagues regarding the appointment of shorthand writers for Courts recommends the appointment of two reporters to each Supreme Cpurt Judge. They will report civil, criminal, and Chamber business. Their services will not be required in the lower Courts,

New Bills. A number of bills were introduced, including the following ".—Patent Act 1883 Amendment Bill (Sir J. Vogel), a Bill to amend the laws relating to Fire and Marine Insurance Companies and Foreign Companies (Sir J, Vogel), Inventors' Protection Bill (Sir J. Vogel), a Bill to Abolish Plurality of Voting at Election of Members of House of Representatives (Sir G. Grey), Bill Relating to Encouragement of Fisheries in New Zealand (Sir J. Vogel), Bill Relating to Establishment of State Forests in New Zealand (Sir J. Vogel), Bill to Regulate the Admission of Persons to Practice in the Courts of Law (Sir Geo. Grey), Bill to Provide Facilities in Courts of Inferior Jurisdication (Sir Geo. Grey).

The Adjournment of the Address. Mr Stout, in moving the adjournment of the House, eaid Mr Bryce had mentioned to him that it would be desirable, as many members were not present, that the discussion on the Address-in -Reply be not taken this week, while the Government were quite ready to go on with the business, ana at the same time they did not wish to prevent any member being present and taking part in discussion, and were quite agreeable that the motion should stand over till Tuesday, in which direction he moved. Mr Bryob said that personally he would rather the motion went on, but he did not think it quite fair to- members who were absent — and in a certain sense reasonably absent— under the belief that the motion was unlikely to come on. Judging by the practice in previous sessions, he believed that the Government had exercised a wise discretion in considering the convenience of members absent under the belief that the usual course would be followed. Mr Stout having denied that the usual course was for the Address-in-Reply not to be moved the day following thedelivery of thespeech, MrMACANDBEwdeprecated the course adopted. He said he was delighted on arriving in Wellington to find the debate coming on to-day, and thought that business was meant, and there was to be an end of trumpery formality. It was the duty of members to be present. (Hear). Mr Wakemeld also regretted the debate had not been gone on with. He hoped it would notbe understood thatthey were going back to the old practice. Members should be in their places on the first day of the session unless they were going to obstruct the business of the colony, (Hear,) The Sous© then adjourned,