PARLIAMENTARY NOTES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2158, 26 June 1889, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES

(fBOM OUB OWN COBBKSFONDKNT.)

Wbllinoton, June 26.

The estimates just eiroulated show very little change from the estimates of laat year. As Indicated ln_ the financial statement nearly all oadeta and email salaried officers Ret increases of £5. £10, or £15; otherwise there is scarcely any change. At a meeting of the Library Committee VrPharazyn waa elected Chairman. A general discussion took place reßpeoting the resignation of the Librarian . It was decided to leave the matter open at poeient, die feeling being that it was desirable to approach Mr Collier with the view of his accepting reappointment. A meeting of Members favoring the proposal whfoh Government made last year with regard to Labor Settlements took place this mornlug. The meeting waa oonvened by Messrs Lawry, Blake, Peraivsl, Major Steward, Dt Hodgkfnson and Mr Pyke. There were eighteen member* preient, and aeveral others wrote signifying approval of the proposal!, The following reaolotion was oarried — " That a deputation representing this meeting be appointed to wait upon Government •airing them to renew the poposa! of last ■•salon for the acquisition of land for labor ■ettlementa, and tba; It be suggested that the amount expended on any one j settlement be limited to £— -, acd that settlements be not less than — - milts apart, the deputation to oomlit of those present at tbe meeting and snob, other members as wish to teke part." Dr Hodgklnioa will Interview Government and areange that the deputation meet tbe Premier on Saturday or Monday.

The North Island members Intend ■ending a deputation to Government) to urge the extension of the isotth liland Main Trunk Line from the Boutbern end for another reotion ; thence to connect with the preient terminus of the Northern scotion by road.

Toe delivery of theFinaneial Statement was not received with any degree of enthusiasm ; indeed, In icveral dlreotions mambera might have been seen calmly sleeping thtoogh the Treaaatet'a epeeob, The only point which called forth • sheer waa the announcement of the pro* posed modification of the PropeiiyTax by exempting machinery, and allowing ie« valuations.

Mr Ballanoe, who has arrived, wss yesterday approached with the view of inducing him to ao;ept tbe leadership of the Opposition. It is understood that he Is disloolined to accept the position. A meeting of the Opposition will be held m a few days to fully dhoass the matter. It Ja likely that if Mr Ballacoe dtfialtely re* fnjer the position Mr Walker will be asked to aot In the capacity Indicated. Jdx Taylor wants tbe minimum rate of wages paid to females fixed at six shillings weekly. Mr T. Mackenzie intends to prosecute rigorously his campaign against the QaliforniaQ thidtle, aot withstanding that the measure was last year treated with ■cant courtesy by the House. The announcement of his Intention to introduce the Californian Thistle Eradication Bill was received with roars of laughter. All petitions from Natives or affecting tha Native race that were left nndealt with last session will be taken np by the Satire Committee this session at the point where they were left. The first Bill of tbe session set down for Moond reading Is Major Steward's Educational Fracchlse Bill w-moirow.

Mr Dancan has given notice to move that a Bill be introduced to provide for borne distillation of ail spirits used lo the Colony ; to make provision for the early •rsction of one or more oentrai distilleries of sufficient capaolty to produce all the spirits- oonsomed In New Zeabnd, under tuch excise regulations as shall effectually prevent smuggling or illicit distillation, wlthont rulslDg or lowering the price to Ihe QOBinmer.