TO-DAY'S PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 4065, 12 June 1882, Page 2

TO-DAY'S PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

[from a correspondent.] LOG-ROLLING COMMENCED. A preliminary but influential meetiner of Canterbury, Westland, Nelson, and Marlborough members was held to-day, to consider railway matters in connection with the suggested new loan. Mr. Shepherd oocupied tho chair. On the motion of Mr. Weaton it was resolved to postpone all action until after the Financial Statement was made, when, if any reference was made to the proposed loan, Mr. Shepherd was to call the meeting together immediately thereafter, to consider what steps should be taken to complete tho Southern trunk line. It is understood that several Wellington and West Coast members will co-operate with the Southern men, with a view to defeating the Auckland-Taranaki scheme. A large deputation of members waited on the Minister of Public Works to-day, j urging increase of pay of ballaHtmen from <»s. per day, on the ground of the muny wet days when they cannot work, and the long distances they have to travel. Mr. Oliver promised to favourably consider a rise to 6s. Gd. per day. The Lalla Rookh arrived in Waitara from Manukau yesterday, and left on her return trip to-day. The s.s. Kennedy, from the Manukau, for Waitara, owing to the strong southerly gale blowing last week had to take shelter under the Cape till Friday last, when she made for her port of destination. She left on Saturday for Opunake and Southern Ports. She is expected back on Monday next. At Adelaide lately an elderly man sued the Government for £400 damages for the neglect of railway officials. The train, after stopping a short time at tho platform, moved forward a considerable distunco. The plaintiff, walking over the rails, slipped and broke his knee-cap while endeavoring to catch the train. A verdict was given for JE2SO.