Parliamentary Gossip.

Thames Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 6917, 25 June 1891, Page 2

Parliamentary Gossip.

[By Telegeap h. —Special Correspondent.] Wellington, This day. Most of yesterday afternoon's sitting was taken up with a debate upon the Engineership iv Chief. A proposal of a motion by Mr Fergus for the adjournment of the House was made in order to complain of what he considered the disorganisation of the department caused by Mr Seddon's late reductions. Mr Seddon warmly defended his action, and then for the space of two hours the storm raged around the question as to who was to blame for the loss of the services of Mr O'Connor, who has accepted a lucrative position in Western Australia. If rumor is to be believed, it wat rather a tactical move on the part of the Opposition to stare off the resumption of the financial debate until the evening. Anyhow, the greater part of the sitting was given up to little else tban a party discussion, each side heaping the blame on the other.

Both Chambers will adjourn immediately upon meeting this 'afternoon out of respect to the memory of the late Capt. Fraser, M L C.

The Education Department is in com* munioation with Professor Thomas and Mr Murphy, F.L S. (Canterbury), with the object of arranging in the school syllabus systematic instruction in agricultural chemistry. This subject is to receive more attention in future than heretofore, and is also to be given more prominence in teachers' examinations.

Mr O'Connor strongly argues for an enquiry into the working of the Gorernment Insurance Department, and says that he has receifed a dozen letters asking for it within the last few days.

Ministers cannot legislate this session on charitable aid, but promise to reconsider the whole subject during the recess, and especially giro attention to the numerous suggestions that the revenue from the proposed tax on the totalieator shall be directly appropriated to the purpose.