POLITICAL NOTES

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5094, 13 September 1894, Page 1

POLITICAL NOTES-

[FROH OTJB SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, Sspr. J2. THE ALLESEO BLACK LIST. In the House this afternoon Mr J. W. Kelly asked, without notice, if the Premier would move for an inquiry to bo made into Sir B. Stout's charges against the Bailway Union and the Commissioners, either by the Eailway Committee or by a special committee. The Premier replied that if Sir R. Stout would make hiß charges in writing he would lay the matter before the Cabinet. Sir E. Stout said he would prefer to have the matter dealt with by a committee, as he desired to have the evidence of some parties whose names had not been mentioned. He did not think it necessary to put h\s charges in writing, as they would be found explicitly enough stated in Hansard. SIB BOBEBT CHANGES. Daring the debate in committee on the Government Railways Bill this afternoon, Sir B. Stout repeated that he earnestly desired that the Bailways Committee should investigate the charge he had made^with reference to the " back liat " compiled by the Christchurch branch of the Bailway Union, and given effect to by the Commissioners. Some ducusaion ensued, several members contending that the charges should be set out more explicity. Sir B. Stout said hia charges were clearly set forth in the Hansard report, and there was no need for him to lodge a separate written charge. Mr Earnshaw said, if anything, Sir Robert had been too Bpecifio in his charges ; for though no hameshad been mentioned he (Mr Earnthaw) could identify two persons who were concerned in the matter. The Premier thought it would be wrong to have a formal inquiry whenever a member chose to Btt out on a "fishing expedition." The Railway Commissioners might have a complete reply ti theßO charges, and thus there might be no necessity for inquiry. Sir R. Stout: "I will not accept their reply." Captiin Euesell thought the fishing comparison wag an unfortunate one, ag it assumed that there were fishes abjub. The Premier said, judging from the tone of the debate, members generally were in favour of an inquiry, and probably this would be decided upon. BANK AMALGAMATION. I understand that the agreement between the Colonial Bank and the Bank of New Zealand has been signed, and the terms of it have been submitted to Ministers for approval. The matter has been considered in Cabinet, but it is not yet known what decision has been arrived at. It is reported that under the agreement the capital of the united banks will be largely increased, and a strong reserve fund formed. PETITIONS. Meesra Nelson Bros., meat exporters, of Tomoana and Hawke's Bay, are petitioning Parliament for an inquiry into the freights charged for the conveyance of frozen meat over the New Zealand railways. Their petition, which waa presented to-day by Captain RuseeU, alleges that the railage rates in New Zealand are excessive as compared with those of Australia, and this places New Zealand at a d 'sad vantage in competing with' Australian frozen meat in the Homo market?. Beportingonthe petition of J. J. Gilmore, of Lyttelton, praying for compensation fdr loss of license of tho Hotel,- thePetitions Committee says that the petitioner hao no claim against the colony. The same report is made in the caees of three ex-hotel-koepers, of Dunedin, whose licenses were cancelled under the local option vote. . : Mr Q. J. Smith, in asking a question regarding the Sydenham petition on Clauee 21, remarked that t the Petitions Committee had made no recommendation on the subject. The Premier said it was impossible . for him at this &toge to state whether a date would be fixed to debate the question. The matter was not closed, aB the Government had power to consider it, and if it was found that by any inadvertence a wrong had been done, tbe Government ought to rectify it. (Hear, hear.) He promised that the Government would consider the matter, and lie would communicate its decision to Mr Smitb. Mr Smith asked if ho could thereafter bring the matter before the House, to which the Premier replied that he might put a question on the subject every day. ASB-2LTJM VISITORS. Mr G. W. Russell gave notice to-day that wbon the Lunatics Act Amendment Bill is in committee he will move that official vidtorß may be either male or female ; also that the official visitors shall constitute a Board of Inquiry to report on disputes between the attendants, or appeals against dismissal, &c, by the superior officer. Mr Russell proposes that the Board should take down evidence in writing, and eend tho evidence and its recommendation to the Minister, with whom the final decision shall rest. He considers that in this way aggrieved attendants would get their caees on record. Ebony Cbeam. — The up-to-date dressing for ladies' boots and shoes. No waste. AH boot shops. Price 6i,~ [Advt.] Bacon at Fie6t Cost.— We are now selling our own mild cure at factory prices. All uoiddlemon's profit aboliahed. — Wai dell Bros, aud Co. — J^Advt.j Chkistchubch Reserve Cobps. — The* opening of the shooting range of the Reserve Corps, which was to have taken place to-day, has been postponed for another week, tho ground still being in a damp s!a*e. Cetlindo Tea forwarded carriage paid to any railway station in Canterbury. Supplied only at Eincaid'a G.I.C.— [Advt.] .