Parliamentary Notes.

Colonist, Volume XXVII, Issue 3939, 18 September 1884, Page 3

Parliamentary Notes.

[By Electkic Telegbaph.] [feoh oob own cobrespondent.] Wellington, September 17. Everyone who talks politics at all has today been discussing the Treasurer's Financial Statement. The supporters of the Ministry are in high spirits, and there is no doubt that it has greatly strengthened the position of the Cabinet. The large reductions to be effected by. the abolition of the sinking fund, and by the inscription of stock, whether brought forward now by Sir .Julius Vogel for the first time or partly anticipated by Major Atkinson, as that gentleman's supporters assert, are generally regarded as both sound and very beneficial. , '■ ■-, .'■-.- The Hon G. M. Waterhouse.asserts that the Statement last night was the best eyer madefy, any Treasurer in the Australian Colonies, and that it was far superior even toSir Julius Yogel's celebrated speech in 1870 in introducing the public works policy. Some people go so far as to contend that the Opposition are now go thoroughly beaten and demoralised that they wont fight the question any further, but I do not think it likely they will throw up"tbe sponge at present and merely, wait for some new chance of a blunder being made. la the House this afternoon Mr Levestam gave notice that he would ask the Government if they would impose a duty oil preBirved fruit.

- In reply to Mr Levestam Mr Richardson stated that the railway guards were supplied with uniforms once a year, and if they did not get them it was their own fault for not applying. Mr Fulton surprised the House by jocularly asking the Government if they would appoint a Committee composed ; wholly of North Island members to report "on the proposed railway between the East and West Coast of the Middle Islands t Mr Holmes gave notice that be would ask the Minister for Public Works if he would make provision for giving work at a fair rate at any time to all those who may be out of employment. . . Iv reply to Mr Hursthouse the Colonial Treasurer stated that he will not introduce a Bill this session granting the franchise to women. In reply to the same gentleman .the Minister of Mines stated that it was under the consideration of the Government whsther they will cause a sum to be placed, on the Estimates to complete the road from Collingwood to Karamea via the Gowland Downs and Heaphey Valley; In reply also to Mr Hursthouse, who wished the Minister of Public Works to encourage local industry by instructing the railway department to use Keoghan's terra cotta paint for rolling stock, Mr Kichardson said tbat New Zealand paint is already used where practicable. The Commissioner of Telegraphs in reply to Mr Hursthouse, said he thought the Government would shortly extend the telegraph line from Motupiko Valley to Sherry, though it would cost £250. This evening Mr Shrimski's Pensions Bill was carried by a majority of 5 on' the third reading. It will probably become law, as the Council having already thrown it out twice when sent up to them by the Lower House, would most likely not care to do so again.