PARLIAMENTARY TELEGRAMS

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 244, 14 July 1874, Page 6

PARLIAMENTARY TELEGRAMS

(From the Dunedin Dailies.) Wellington, July 7. Mr Wales, of Otago, took the oath and his seat. Mr J. L. Gillies gave notice of his intention to ask the Government whether they took any steps to investigate the charges made against Judge Chapman contained in telegrams published in the Otago Daily Times, purporting to be copies of telegrams sent by Judge Ward to the Premier, and whether the Government object to laying telegrams and correspondence relating to the subject on the table. In reply to Mr T. L. Shepherd, the Premier intimated that it would be inadvisable for any Postmaster to have the power to compel the attendance of a subordinate to deliver mails on Sundays, and generally it was not desirable to make any change in the present arrangements regarding Sunday. In reply to Mr O’Neil, the Premier said the Government did not intend introducing a Goldfields Bill during the present session. He thought goldfields legislation was more properly the function of the provinces. If the bon. member chose to take charge of such a Bill, he hoped the session would be long enough to give him the opportunity to have the subject ventilated. The address in reply was moved by Mr Wales and seconded by Mr Gibbs, both being well received. The address will be cons£ dered to-morrow. Mr Waterhouse suggested that, at the commencement of the session, all Bills should be in the hands of members at least a week before their second reading. July 8. In the House of Representatives, Mr Yogel, replying to Mr Gillies regarding the charges made against Judge Chapman in telegrams published in the Otago Daily Times, said there was little doubt that the telegrams were not genuine. He was assured by Judge Chapman and Judge Ward they here only a certain resemblance to the original telegrams, and their publication had not been authorised by themselves. He was sure the Government were not responsible for their publication. The Government had not taken any steps to investigate the matter, nor would they, of their own choice, produce the telegrams and correspondence relating to this matter, but would, in compliance with the wish and right of the House expressed in a formal resolution, lay them on the table. Mr Vogel moved an Address to Her Majesty offering congratulations on the auspicious occasion of the marriage of the Duke of Edinburgh, as being a matter of special interest to the people of New Zealand—His Royal Highness having twice visited this Colony—and expressing an earnest prayer for the welfare of the Royal pair, and renewing the assurance of devoted affection and loyalty to Her Majesty’s throne and person. Some discussion ensued upon Mr T. L. Shepherd moving for leave to introduce a Bill to amend the Otago Waste Lands Act, 1872. Mr Gillies opposed the introduction of the Bill until the arrival of Messrs Macandrew and Reid. Mr Shepherd explained that he had telegraphed Mr Reid that he would delay the first reading of the Bill until hearing from him, in case he would also have a similar Bill prepared. Leave was given on the voices to introduce the Bill,

Mr Waterhouse’s Marriage Amendment Bill not only legalises marriage with a deceased wife’s sister, but is intended to legalise, within the Colony, all such marriages already contracted elsewhere where such marriage is legal It is expected that Mr Thomas Russell, in recognition of his services in connection with the mail contracts via California, will be called to the Upper House and made Post-master-General.

July 9. In the Council, Mr Waterhouse carried a motion in favour of the Assembly dealing with confiscated lands, and. not the Government, who opposed. In the House of Representatives, on meeting, Mr T. L. Shepherd called the attention of the Speaker to the fact that a certain telegraphic correspondent of a paper— Auckland Star —had sent to that paper a very personal and offensive telegram regarding a member of that House. If that kind of thing were allowed to go on, members would have to provide themselves with heavy horsewhips. The Speaker said the reporters’ gallery was under the control of the Hansard Committee. Had the power been in his hands, he should certainly have excluded from the gallery the author of such an offensive production. Members ought to be protected from such insults. The matter then dropped. Mr Steward asked whether the attention . of the Government had been directed to the

d ifliculty which has arisen on the Marowhenua Goldfields, and the case pending as between Messrs Borton and M‘Master and Howe and party on the subject of water pollution of streams by mining operations 1 Also, whether it is the intention of the Government to bring forward a Bill during the present session for dealing with the question of Riparian rights I Mr Yogel answered that it was not the intention of the Government to bripg in such a measure during the present session.

Regarding the Ward and Chapman telegram affair, the Daily Times' own correspondent telegraphs as follows : “ A committee will probably bo moved in both Houses to fully inquire into the circumstances, and it is considered probable the matter will eventuate in addresses from each House for Judge Ward’s removal. A feeling is very strong amongst the members for proving to the utmost such a serious judicial scandal, and that if, as Mr Vogel stated, the Times telegrams were substantially correct, Judge Ward should be removed from the Bench. The motion will lead to the re-in-vestigation of other scandals in reference to him. His denouncement of the telegrams as 1 impudent forgeries’ is much commented on.”