PARLIAMENTARY SUMMARY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXII, Issue 9187, 14 June 1880, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY SUMMARY.

(Evening Post, 32th June.) The Hon Mr Wilson did not get a very satisfactory reply to his query as to whether the Government intended to purge the roll of J.P.s who had "joined the majority." The Attorney-General intimated that tho Government had considered the question {this answer is characteristic of all Governments), and it was thought that if they purged the roll, as desired, they would have to go a long *way back, and probably remove the names of men who had " done the State some service." It was therefore deemed advisable to let things stand as they are, but Government would consider whether future insolvents' names should be struck off the list of Justices. The adjourned debate ou the second reading of the batch of five Native Land Bills was resumed, the second reading agreed to, and referred to the iVative Lands Committee. The Land Transfer Act I Amendment Bill was also read a second j time, and referred to a committee of | seven, after which the Council rose. The sitting of the House yesterday was not a very lively though along one. Major Atkinson laid upon the table a copy of instructions issued regarding the Property Tax, and intimated that the. schedules would be simplified, and probably the time would be extended for sending in returns. In reply to a question put by Mr George, the Native Minister said he did not intend to briDg down a statement on Native matters this session, and in reply to Mr 'DeLatour, the Hon Mr Rolleston said 130 Maori prisoners were in gaol in Dunedia and Hokitika on account of the West Coast disturbance ; one Native died in Wellington ; the prisoners have been detained in custody about eleven months, and the weekly cost for main" tenance was about £75. In regard to Mr George's question about the oft talked-of Property Tax pamphlet, the Colonial Treasurer said the matter was a private one, and he had not enquired into it, but he believed that Mr Crombie was personally at the cost, that Mr Crombiewas responsible for the sale of it, and that Mr Crombie reaped the advantage, if. any. At any rate the Government had nothing to do with it in anyj shape Mr DeLatour anxious to see that the rules of the Civil Service are kept inviolate, asked the Defence Minister (1) whether per sons in the employ of the Defence force on the West Coast were permitted to act as newspaper correspondents ; {2) whether such persons now acted as such correspondent ,' 'and (3) the names of persons to whom permission so to do is given. Mr Uryce replied to the two first questions in a positive negative; if such a contradiction of terms may be allowed, which obviated any reply to the third query. The Premier informed Mr McCaughan that the Government could not discontinue the San Franoisco mail service till the Cth October, 1883, without committing a breach of contract. With reference to Mr Woodward's acting as Public Trustee and Manager of a Trust Company, Major Atkinson explained that Mr Woodward was merely filling the former post at the express wish of Government till certain changes were effected. The Pharmacy Bill and Electors Petitions Bill passed their second reading without division The latter is almost absolutely identical with the bill of last year. During the debate, Dr Wallis made an exceedingly original remark— viz, that England was " a great country with a great population." This was to show that what might apply to the "sDUg little island" might not be applicable to New .Zealand. The debate on the second reading ofthe Corrupt Practices Prevention' Bill 'stirred 'rip' r g'o'ba 'deaUof discussion. The bill, which was introduced by the Premier, is identical with one brought down last aessioD, and is to prevent cheating, bribery, undue influence, and personation at elections. Dr Wallis spoko long and loud against the employment of cabs at elections, the absence of the definition of " agent" or " agency" from the measure, and the want of a distinction between " necessary expenses of elections and those other expenses which are not necessary." He advocated the closing of all publichouses during elections. . Of courße he divided his discourse into heads and finished with a " lastly." The flon W. Fox followed, and also spoke against employment of cabs and in. favour of closing public houses.' Here an hon member interjected, " There he is with bis teetotalism Xhe.Hon W. Fox retorted that ! -it was n'otteetdtalism, but common sense. About ten other members spoke on the bill, several voting for the closing of publichouses, and others against that course. Mr Speight differed from the Hon William Pox with regard to cab-hire, holding that cabs might be : necessary where working men Lad only a' few minutes in whioh to record their votes. He did not think friends who canvassed without remuneration for candidates, or committees acting gratuitously for such, should be classed as agents. He, however, congratulated Ministers on bringing in a fair bill. Mr Montgomery was determined to vote against legalising expenses for conveying electors to the poll. . Mr .Seddon- thought the toneof present legislation insulting to the people of .the colony. He favored closing public, houses .till after the poll. He would support the bill, but vote against extremes being gone to. Mr Tole would also support the bill. He thought cabs a necessity. ■■ He took occasion to state that "perhaps members were not aware his was the most aristocratic district in Auckland" (ironical cheers), and he said that when he stood for a seat so many private carriagos were used by'his opponents that if he (Mr Tole) had not used cabs he would have been " nowhere." Mr Reid thought the Government were riding their reform horse io death in this.measure, and Sir G. Grey, in a speech which might have been in irony or all seriousness, said he looked Forward to a good bill, judging from the moderate tone of the debate. The Premier having replied, the bill was read a second time. In reply to Mr George, who asked if there was any truth in the rumor that the A gent ~ General had resigned, the Premier said there was no truth whatever in it. The Taonui~Ab.uaturanga Land Bill having gone through committee, and passed its third reading, the House resumed the debate in committee on . the Regulations of Elections Bill at clause 11. After a large number of amendments had been suggested, and four or five divisions taken, the clause was passed without material alteration. Nothing of interest occurred till clause 16 was reached, defining the hours of polling to be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The amendments proposed in . this clause were simply bewildering in number. One suggested 8 a.m. as the hour of commencing, another 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., another 6 a.m. to 4 p.ra.y a fourth 12 noon to 8 p.m., a fifth 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., &c. Mr Seddon, who spoke bo frequently that he became almost hoarße, wanted election day proclaimed a general holiday, but the House objected, and tho motion was lost. The clause was eventually passed as printed. The committee then got down to clause 26, when progress was reported.

The Americans, like the Greeks, did delieatoly speak of. an ugly woman aa a " mistake of. the angols. 1 '