POLITICAL GOSSIP IN WELLINGTON.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8241, 14 August 1888, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP IN WELLINGTON.

[TELBGBAPHBD BT OUR CORRESPONDENT]

NAVAL AND MILITARY SETTLERS' BILL. Tuesday, August 14.— The action of the Legislative Council in rejecting the Naval and Military Settlers' Bill is unpopular in the House. Mr Marchant has given notice to move for a Committee to search the Journals of the Legislative Council with a view to ascertaining what has become of the Bill. Mr Fraser also gave notice to ask the Government what steps they intend to take in the matter. NATIVE LAND CLAIMS. An extension of one week in which to bring up their reports was yesterday granted to the Middle Island Native Land OUims Committee. OOEAN MAIL SERVICES. The ocean mail services are to be discussed to-day, the Premier having given notice that if the Native Bills are d sposed of be will move a resolution on the matter. ? SENDING QUARTZ FROM NEW ZEALAND. Sir Harry Atkinson yesterday explained the tenor of the letter received from Mr Whitwortb, respecting the Melbourne Exhibition.' He urges the Government to send three tons of- quartz to Melbourne from certain mines in Coromandel (which he names) which will cost altogether £1000. He will arrange to get it crushed in Melbourne, and as a proof of hia bona fidt» he offers to give £100 towards the cost. The Premier promised to consider by to-day whether this should be referred to the Goldfields Committee. This Committee conld not report yesterday as it was a day set apart for consideration of Government business only. NATIVE BILLS. It is observed that Sir Hairy Atkinson has now taken charge of the native bills. I hear that in the event of further stone walling being apparent, an effort will be made to put the oloturo in force for the remainder of the session. MEMBERS WANTING TO GET HOME. Should the Government propose this, the Opposition will probably largely support the motion, most members being anxious to get away. KILLING CATTLE ON THE RAILWAY Mr Ward has given notice to ask the Minister of Publio Works on Wednesday, if be does not consider it is a stigma upon the colony that a regulation should exist prohibiting the railway employees from ending the misery of cattle, etc., maimed i beyond recovery by collision with the trains, and if he will alter the regulation bo that cattle, etc., so maimed may be killed outright by the employees. Also to B6k the Minister of Public Works if he does not consider it desirable that a record should be kept by the Railway Department of all cattle, etc., maimed or killed on the railways; and, if so, will ho instiuct accordingly. MILES OF RAILWAY FENCED. Mr Ward will move for a return on Wednesday, 15th August — (1) How many miles of railway in the oolony are already substantially fenced; (2) how many milot of railway in the colony are fenoed in an inferior manner; (3) how many miles of railway remain to be fenced: (4) how many miles are urgently required to be fenced owing to danger from trespass by cattle, etc.