PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2199, 14 August 1889, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

(From oub own Oobeespondbht,)

Wellington, Auguit 13 THE LOOAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM,

The committee appointed last week to report on the method of Improving the local government system held a meeting tbis morning.' The only business done was the appointment of a eub -committee consisting of Dr Hodgkinaon (chairman) Mess™ Tanner, Jones, and Hoa G. Ev Biohardfoa to make recommendations as to the nature of the report to bo brought before the House. THE OTBKAIKS BUNS SOANDAI. Mr Dnncan is not at all satisfied with tbe explanation unwillingly vouchsafed by the Minister in connection with what ii known cb tbe " Otßk tike runs scandal " and to-d y gave notice to ask to-morrow if Government will tetvp a committee to enquire into all the oiroumstanoss cmneotei with the ea'e cf the lease of runa 28 and 28a, Otakaike, to Bobert Campbell and SonsTHE POOS MUBDBBS. Replying to questions in the Legislative Council thia afternoon Sir F. Wbitaker said that enquiries were still being prosecuted by Government in the direction of verifying the statement made by Halra Te Firi in his confession prior to his execution for the Pook murder near Gisborne. THE BEPBEBBNTATIOM BILI» In the Legislative CounoU thin afternoon the Representation BUI was read a seoond time nithou!|dlvlaloh, There appeared to ba a good deal of opposition to the one-mail* one-vote plaaie, bat a general feeling that the Oounoll should not disturb tbe deoiilon of tbe House, wbfoh should know what suited it best. Several members however stated that they were determined to oppose the olanse by every means in the!* power, . HOT A HAPPY FAMILY. It Is rumored that the Btllway Oom* missloners are not by any means a happy family, »nd that Me Maxwell is trying to rale the roost. THE PBOPBBTY TAX DBBATE. The debate on tho Property Tux BUI was resumed this afternoon by Dr Hodgklnson who was followed by Messrs Cowan and Taylor. Both speakres made strong party speeches, apologetlo when not laudatory, of almost every act of tha Government. Of course somebody mast' talk during the afternoon sitting bat tha Ruperts of debate are holding their hands nntll to-night when the galleries of the House' will be fall, »nd proceedings this afternoon have been of a very dreaiy description. Wellington, August 14 THE WABD HISLOP COMMITTHfi. A meeting of the Committee appointed by tbe Legislative Council to enquire Into the oiroumstanoas conneoted with the Ward-HUlop correspondence met this morning and appointed Hon Mr Wilson ohalrman and adjourned. THE STATE 017 PABTIBS, All day yesterday there was a simmering discontent at the views expressed by Mr Ballanoe on Monday nlgbt, especially those with referenoe to the Property Tax, whloh he wbb expected to condemn thoroughly. The Opposition are very sore, for they think, and not without reason, that they lost a chance that may not occur again for some time. Tha Government majority Is on the Increase, last night It was reokoned at 5, this morning it is quoted at 7. Sir John Hallt Mr Dodson and Mr Mills are absent from Wellington, but will probably retorn In time for the division whioh Is cot likely to be taken before the early boors of tomorrow morning or to-morrow night. It Is said the Opposition are refusing p»ln but that fs only the usual kind of thing a«td at such times with the objeofc of throwing discredit on the other side.