PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1924, 21 August 1888, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

(from our own correspondent.) Wellington, August 20. General regret is expressed m the , lobbies at the death of Dr Menziea, MJj C, who was the oldest and one of the most respected of the lords. Dr Menziea was called to the Council on 28th January, 1858, and he had thus hold his seat, for upwards of 30 year-, being 'father" of the Council, bb Mr Macandrew was of the House. Majir Baillie, who was called m 1861, is the next m point of seoioriiy and then cornea Sir (-k vVhitmore, who was called to the Council m 1863, The cairplimentary banquet to Mr Lama oh on Saturday evening is said to have been an unqualified eucoess. There were over 30 members of the Legislature present, and several invited guests. The Chair was occupied by Mr R. J. Seddon, who was supported on his right by the guest of the evening, and on his left by Mr G. F. Bichardson, Minister of Mines. The toast of the evening, the health of Mr Larnach was proposed by the Chairman, who eulogized Mr Larnach's services to the colony during his many years connection with Parliament, and wished him every success m his new home m Australia. Mr Larnach responded suitably, and subsequently proposed the health of the miners on Woßt Coast, who lately presented him with a testimonial. Congratulatory telegrams from the Inangahua County Council, and from other mining oentres were received. * At a [Cabinet meeting this morning it was decided to ask the House at 2.30 to adjourn till this evening m respect to the memory of the late Dr Menz'es. It was also deolded to make the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act Repeal Bill the first order of the day for to-night, and the Premier states that the House will sit till It is right through. In refereooo to this I learn that the West Coast members have offered an alternative compromise tv the Government, to the effeot that Government shall either subsidise to the extent of 10s m the & the gold revenue of the West Coast Counties, or else grant each of the counties a subsidy of £2000 for the next two years, leaving the whole [question of the repeal of the Bill to be decided by the next Parliament. If one of theie propositions Is not agreed to, I have the authority of one of the West Coast members for saying that they will obstruct the Bill, and can count on a party of twenty-six members to carry out the threat. Wellington, August 21. After the sudden collapse of the anticipated stonewalling of the Crown and Native Lands Bating Act Repeal Bill, it is generally considered that the real business of the session will be completed this week and the prorogation take place, say on Monday or Tuesday next. There is bound to be a a warm debate over the Pubiio Works Statement and one or tiro other matters, but the only obstruction to business now, is likely to be over the Harbors BUI, which practically takes over the Thames, New Plymouth, Waltata and Patsa harbors with all their present! debts and great liabilities and make these ! part of the National debt, and In effeot permits them to borrow to pay the interest. There will be • most determined opposition, if not stonewalling! over this Bill, but the general opinion seems to be that there is a m»jority against it, A meeting of the Opposition was held this morning, at whioh there were 28 present, including Mr Yerrall, the new member for Ashley, who reoently deolaced for Government. In the absence of Mr Lance, who was ill, Mr Walker oconpled the ohalr. After a good deal of discussion it was resolved that In the opinion of this meeting. of the Opposition the Public Works Statement is unsatisfactory. I believe that it is not intended, en account of the late period of the session, to table any hostile resolutions, but the statement will bo warmly criticised. Some fun Is said to have been caused at tbe meeting by Mr Verrall who trotted out his State Bank business and afforded a large amouDt of amusement, members "taking rises" ont of him all round.