PARLIAMENTARY

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 7996, 14 October 1887, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY

-« POLITICAL GOSSIP IN WELLINGTON. [TELEGJBAPHED BY OUR CORRESPONDENT.] HON. MEMBERS DO NOT PAY THEIR SCORE AT BELLAMY'S. Thursday, October 13.— There were high jinks in the Legislative Council today on the motion to appoint a Joint House Committee. Mr. Holmes said that certain members did not pay for the "cuke and ale " they got from Bellamy's, nnd stated that the interest on what was due amounted this year to £170. Various honorable members spoke, more in sorrow than in anger, and eventually the debate was adjourned. It is said the amount owing is £1700. AN UNPOPULAR APPOINTMENT. The Opposition have appointed Mr. W. P. Reeves (St. Albans) to supply news to the reporters. A3 Mr. Reeves is also a correspondent, there is a good deal of dissatisfaction at the appointment among prsßß men, and a round robin will probably j be sept to the party protesting against the appointment. CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES. Mr. Hamlin was appointed Chairman of Committees to-day, without opposition. Sir J. Yogel remarked that he thought the Chairman Bhould not take an active part in party questions, or try to influence votes. This refers to an episode of last Parliament, when Mr. Hamlin was charged with influencing the Maori members. "ENGLISH AS SHE IS SPOKE." Mr. Carroll, the new Maori member, brought down the House this afternoon by a beautifully worded motion to the effect that both races should' be treated equally, and that there should be no distinct legislation. NATIVE REPORT ON TARANAKI. Among the papers presented to the House to-day were reports from officers in native districts. Mr. W. Rennell, New Plymouth, reports under date April 29th that during the imprisonment of To Whiti things were quiet along the coast, "and there was no outbreak when he returned. While Mr. Rennell thinks it would be premature to say what effect the imprisonment of Te Whiti had on the native mind, he considers it has shown the natives the ability and will of the Government to punish any attempt to disturb the peace of the district, and that no offender is safe from arreßt, wherever he may try to shelter himself. Education amongst natives is almost entirely neglected. Their health ia good, though the death rate is still larger than amongst Europeans. It is noted that a good many natives in the southern portion of the district have returned to a Christian form of worship. EDUCATION. Mr. W. P. Reeves has unearthed a puzzle for Mr. Fisher, and has given notice to' ask him whether he is still of ' opinion, as he was on May 25 last, that children under seven should be excluded from State schools.