PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 798, 3 August 1877, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

Wellington, July 25. The Hon. Mr Fox will to-day ask leave to introduce a bill to amend the licensing laws. Mr,Mandors will move--“That it is undesirable to form now counties out of counties in existence until the system has had a further trial; that no new Road Board bo called into existence, but that the policy of this House should bo to amalgamate and otherwise consolidate the functions and duties of the smaller Boards.” At present there aro no particular parties formed in the House, and there are not likely to be any till next week, when Mr Stout arrives. In the House to-night Mr Reader Woodmoved—“ That a return bo laid before the House showing the amount of money paid, or agreed to be paid to tlie Government, by any steam shipping company on any account whatever, from the Ist of July, 1870, to the 25th of July, 1877, sotting forth in detail the respective services for which payment has been made, and whether the services were arranged for by public tender or privately. That a return bo laid before the House showing the cost of the working ex. penses of the Hinemoa and Stella during the past financial year, together with a do- . tail of the services on which they have been employed, ond the value of the stores now on board each vessel.” He pointed out that the Government boa's were a great expense instead of making a saving. Mr M ‘Lean said the Government would give the returns with pleasure, because so many absurd statements were afloat concerning the matter. July 2G. Nogociations are pending with regard to Mr Gisborne assuming the leadership of the Opposition, and he is likely to be supported by a very large middle party. He has had frequent interviews with Sir George Grey on the subject. The only question is as to whether Sir George can begot to serve under Mr Gisborne. Mr Macandrew ai d Sir George Grey have had several consultations with regard to this point. It is thought that Mr Gisborne’s departmental knowledge might be of great service against the Government. The WasteLands Bill, to be b ought down by the Government, is a very lengthy and comprehensive measure, and will repeal all the previous ordinances. It has not yet been printed. Mr Gibbs is to move that returns bo obtained and laid before the House showing the cost of assessments in the various districts of the Colony under the Rating Act of last year. July 27. A caucus of the Opposition was to have been hold to-day, but did not eventuate. On Wednesday there will be a meeting of a new party, called the “middle party,” of which Mr Murray and Mr Montgomery are active members. Their policy is not yet known further than that they will endeavor to.oust the. Government, and in this endeavor they will seek the assistance of the old Opposition. Five or six Otago Oppositionists of last year have gone or are going over to tie Government at the back of Mr Donald Reid. Among those may be mentioned Messrs Lumsden, Joyce, and W. Wood. Mr Gisborne is spoken of as leader of the new Opposition. The now Lands Bill may again split up parties when it is brought down. Sir George Grey’s party intend fighting for the generalisation of the Land Fund. The Branch Railways Bill is looked forward to with much interest, but nothing can yet be learned as to its terms further than that it is understc od the Government will guarantee loans on behalf of County and Borough Councils up to a certain amount per mile. A division took place this evening on the second reading of the Mines Bill. Mr Barff moved its adjournment for a week, but the second reading was carried by 45 to IS, a number of last year’s Opposition members voting with the Government. July 28. The Charitable Institutions Bill occupied the whole of last evening’s sitting. July 30. The latest rumor is that Mr Stafford is to go Home at the ond of the year as AgentGeneral. There was a caucus of Oppositionists on Saturday, but it was very poorly attended— Sir George Grey and only a few of the leading members of the Opposition of last year being present. As far as can be ascertained, it is believed that they will not come to any well-defined plan of opposition until the Land Bill is brought down ; then, it is believed, the Government will propose to place the land revenue under provincial control. In such case the Auckland members will go against it, and also the bulk of the Marlborough and Nelson members. It is likely the Weilington city members will vote for the Government. The Branch Railways Bill will shortly be brought down. The Otago and Southland members are in favor of the bill, but the Canterbury members are generally opposed to it. The Financial Statement has been promised for to-morrow evening, and it is believed to contain a proposal to make the members’ honorarium L3OO a year. From all that can bo gathered from members, it appears not unlikely that the proposal will be passed. It is likely there will bo a close division on the second reading of the Charitable Institutions Bill, and it is probable that it will not pass till after the Financial Statement, which may alter the aspect of affairs altogether.