WELLINGTON JOTTINGS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XIII, Issue 4188, 10 August 1892, Page 2

WELLINGTON JOTTINGS.

[By Om Own ftrraponifeitf.]

Wellington, Monday. Everyone hails with delight the close of the Finanoial debate whiob contrived to drag its painful length along for three weary weeks, This custom of dobatinn the Financial Statement for so long a period and with such exasperating verbosity on the past of each member, is one that should be more honoured in the breach than in the observance. At present only one publio Bill of any consequence has been passed—the Oyster Fisheries Bill—and with the enormous mass of work that has now banked up ns the result of all this turgid flood of eloquence, it must take at least a couple of months before Parliament can prorogue; although it is quite likely that, as usual, there will be a tremendous slaughter of the innocents in order to allow members to wend their ways homeward.

Mr Balance's reply was admirable as to matter, but the effect was entirely spoilt by his extremely rapid delivery. So rapidly were the words jerked out, that it became a matter of extreme difficulty to follow his arguments. Of course the Premier had the advantage of the last word, and was consequently able to make statements which were thus unable to be refuted; and some of his replies to the attacks made on the Ministerial policy were, exceedingly weak. The speech was, however, characterised by moderation and good taste, and the Premier, if he proved nothing else, has at least proved that be is not wanting iu the statesmanlike attributes of courtesy and consideration to others.

Sir George Grey's arrival, contrary to expectations, excited comparatively little attention in the House. The veteran is looking very fragile, but is nevertheless wonderfully active, despite his late serious illness and his great age, Apparently for the present, Sir Georgo is content to " lie low," and his future tactics as regards the Ministry will be watched with interest. Of course, the great " proconsul's" satellites Messrs Shera, Kees, and Jackson-Palmer are hovering round him in anxious attendance,

I understand that the Masterton Road Board's petition praying that they may be empowered to take a road through the Weraiti Block, comes before the Waste Lands Committee for consideration to-morrow (Tuesday), Mr W. H. Beetham and Mr W. 0. Buohanan, M.H.R. are to be examined in support thereof.

The Public Accounts Committee are now considering a petition from the Colonial Bank of New Zealand, urging that a share ot tho operative account of the Colony should be given to their institution, This petition was presented to the House some time ago by Mr Pinkerton, and its contents hava already been made public through the press in general. The Bank's contention that they are now the only real New Zealand bank doing business in the Colony is entitled to consideration, and as some five years ago in an hour of pressing necessity they raised for the Government a sum of £400,000, which the Colony's. bankers were unable to negotiate at the time, it would appear that they have a good claim on Parliament,

The Manufactures and Industries Committee which has been appointed to consider how colonial industries may be fosteredand encouraged, have, under the direction of their energetic chairman, Mr Eugene O'Conor, performed a large extent of business. Representatives of the Dairy, Coal, Iron, Woollen and Fruit-Growing Industries have been examined and a vast degree of useful information has been obtained. From what lean gather, the Committee are strongly inclined to protection of such goods a3 Woollens, Hats, Boots, and certain Machinery, and will make a report recommending increased duty on these articles'acQprdingly.

The Land Bill will bo brought down early next week, and will be referred to a (Select Committee to knock into shape.—no doubt tho Waste Lands Committee, which played such havoc with its provisions last year, will take it in hand. The Government are determined to force the measure through this session, but strenuous opposition will bo offered when it gets into committee of the whole House. The practical abolition of the freehold tenurd, as proposed'in tho Bill, does npt.afc'all' meet" the' views ' of • many firm' Government' supporters,'and there is likely to bo trouble 'ahead when the Bill comqs into Committee;

'Mr H. Wilfrid Lowson, or thjj' young man who posed undpr tlja't name, has at last dome to, grief. A welUinoffp tradesman gf tip's towp has applied for a warrant for l)in ap» prehension on the charge of obtains ing money undor falsepretenoes. This young gentleman completely deceived tho leading temperance people here and the disgust of these gnnrl f-» s g| . finding that the idol the/se7 up and worshipped has only feet of clay, after all, may be imagined, There is not tjip slightest (lo«bt no\y tljat tho young man wail an impos'ter pure and, simple,' (tying 'tp tfie"' introduction whjch this ingenious geqtlem,an ob-r under bis pseudopym of Is\y, son, he received the oniric into & good many houses in Wellington, and also to the leading dubs, "Fortunately the bubble burst before he had time to take many people in,' Kosmos,