PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1932, 30 August 1888, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

(mOM OUK OWN CORRESPONDENT. J Wellington, August 29. The blook to business In the shape ol the Maori Bills has been removed from the loene, and at last this tiresome buslneti is over, and we may wind up and go! The reasons drawn up by the Home were to«day presented to the Oonnoil, who, contrary to expectation, adopted all the suggestions of the House, except upon one of their amendments, opon which they stood firm, and as a remit i> conferenoa was arranged. The apshot was that a new clause was drafted to suit the representatives of both Honses, and this being adopted, It was presented and duly acoepted by both branohes of the Legislature; The Bills, m amended, were then agreed to. Sydney Talwhtnga and his band of oompatrlot chiefs though they had to succumb to the pressure of elroumstances, are by no means beaten, and have decided, before the vice-regal assent Is given to the Bills, to wait on his Excallenoy, and make a final protest, In the hope that Sir WUUam may withhold his assent In consequence. So that there may be no mistake about the nutter Sydney has been making enquiries from the Premier as to when the Bills will be presented, and having ascertained that they will go up for the Governor's assent to-morrow, at noon, the chiefs Intend to invade the eantity of Government House en masse, aDd tackle the genial Sir William on the subjeot. The Live Stook Committee have reported that m consequence of tha late period of the session at which the subjeot of the Importation of stock was referred to them, it wan impossible to deal with it m Its importance deserves. They recommend that with a view to obtaining evidenoe on which to base legislation next session, Government shall communicate early m the recess with Agricultural and Pastoral Associations throughout the colony, seeking information as to the direction m which, m their opinion, amendment of the law is desirable. The Minister of Mines to-day made a •tatetrent to the House as to steps which will be taken by the Government m reference to the treatment of refractory oies. Early m the session he had promised Mr Oadman that Government would offer rewards for the best systems advanced, but slnoe then Mr Richardson stated he had received information on the subject from experts^and also from the Agent-General and It was probable Government would send an expert to the Melbourne Exhibition to look into means of dealiDg with refractory ores. It will depend very much now on the reßult of investigations In Melbourne as to whether rewards will be offered or not. It will be remembered that Bhottly after the Tarawera eruption, it was stated that several of the tribes who reside In the vicinity of the hot lakes had loßt all their homes and lands and were dependent on their neigoWrs for *upp«*t, -Government were urged to make provitlon for tbe sufferers then, and on several occasions since, but without avail, and the matter has «g»in been brought under the notice of the Minister for Native affairs by Mr Carroll, who has been Informed by Mr Mitchelson that be has the matter under his consideration, and as soon as the Honsei rise he will bring the subject under the attention of the Gabloet. Tbe return of the expenses of the Ministerial establishments for the five months ended 10th May, 1888, which has been laid on the table of tbe House, shows marked reductions m the figures as compared with those of the previous year. The total amount drawn by Ministers as travelling and House allowances was £307 10s 4d. The sum expanded upon repairs to Ministerial residences was £15 18s 33, and the outlay od furniture and fitting was £37 6s 3d. It is improbable that Parliament will again bt> summoned for the despatch of business before the end of June. The session just over began on May 10th, In cdnsequence of a hitch m the Loan Bill, but experience has shown that the effect of mooting so early m the year is that a deal of time Is cot to waste before the business of the country is really tackled. Tbe rnmor is revived that a change m the ptrsonnd of tbe Cabinet is probable daring the recess, the idea being that Mr Mltohnlson is still anxious to be relieved of office. Ministers will be scattering within a few days. The appointment of Ballwry Commissioners will be made, and, after disposing of a few departmental matters, some of the members of the Cabinet will leave Wellington. It is the intention oi the Colonial Secretary to leave for Auckland on Tuesday next, m order to settle come difficulty that has arisen there m connection with the Lunatlo Asylum, and the Minister for Mines has promised Mi Cad man that be will early during th< recess, visit tbe Thames, Coromandel anc Ohinemuri [goldfields. He will also inspect the North of Auckland village settlements. The Defence Mlnistei leave* for Melbourne on Monday week, acd will be absent from the colony about •is weeks. WELLINGTON, AngUSt 30. The grievances of Mokan Jones, wh< daring the whole of the session ha haunted the lobbies working up his olalm have at last been satisfactorily fixed up and that Indefatigable gentleman will, 1 is thought, frequent these balls no more The BUI, as amended m the Lower House , has passed through all its stages m botl branohes of the Legislature, and the clauses which gave Jones an improve! position before the Land Oourt have beei thrown out. He has got an assuranc from Government that they will give hie every assistance m getting bis lease, am this is to be reduced to writing. Some surprise has been expresse darfog the past day or two m consequent of the absence of Mr Hamtin from tfa chair, bat I learn that the reason is tbi the genial member for Franklin North hi been laid up with measles, and has had t ieave for home while suffering therefron Everything is virtually now over, an it U thought there will be no formi ceremony of prorogation, which will to proclaimed m a " Gazette extraordinary to-day or to-morrow. The Oonneil met at 11 this morning be finished off the remaining Bills whi< were afterwards forwarded to the Houi The Hoos* meets at noon and In additic tonoeivlng Bills from the Oouaall finish* np one oc two small matters, such i isplles to a fesr questions, etc* Boi Honses will meet finally at 3 o'olock wh< the Governor's assent to the Bills will 1 taseived Most of tbe member* have le aud th« lobbies and chambers wear a ye blank and deserted appearance.