PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 799, 10 August 1877, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

— o— July 31. To-day Mr Maoandrew gave notice for the appointment of a Select Committee to make inquiries relative to the formation of a number of branch railway lines in Otago —amongst others, the one up the valley of the Waitaki, ■one from Palmerston to Naseby,one from Waikawa to Wyndhato on the Mataura, one from Invercargill to Seaward Bush, and one to join the main trunk lino of the Taieri, going inland by way of West Taieri to the Dunstan, Cromwell, and Wakatipu. Sir George Grey gave notice that he would introduce a bill limiting the duration of Parliament to three years. In reply to Mr Rolloston, it was stated that the suggestions made by the several County Councils and Road Boards as to amendments in the Counties Act would not be printed for circulation, as these suggestions were very voluminous, hud many of them of little value. It was also stated, in reply to a question put by Mr Richmond, that it was the intention of the Government in the amended Rating Act to relieve the Road Boards from the compulsory annual Valuation, as laid down in clause C, and that the Government would not be willing to leave the Road Boards to determine when it is necessary that a now valuation should be made. The report of Mr Stafford’s appointment to the Agent-Generalship is confirmed. August 1. The Middle party caucus, which was arranged for to-day, did not eventuate. There are twelve orders of the day on the paper. The first one of importance for this evening will he the adjourned debate on the Charitable Institutions Bill. It is understood that the Minister for Public Works will bring down his Public Works Statement about Tuesday next, in order to place members fully in possession of the ‘Government proposals regarding additional works for which the new loan is recommended. To-morrow Sir George Grey will ask leave to bring in a bill to provide that all males of 51 years of age and upwards shall be qualified to vote as electors in New Zealand, and to provide that in deter, mining the numbers of the House of Representatives to be elected 'for each electoral district, reganl shall be had to the number of electors within the satoe, so that the numbers of members assigned 'to any one district may bear to the whole number of the members of the House of Representatives as nearly as may be the same proportion as the number of electors within such district shall bear to the whole number of electors in New Zealand. The Financial Statement last night appeared to be listened to With very mixed feelings. Ironical cheers and laughter were frequent, and when Major Atkinson talked of the land fund having experienced considerable relief, Mr Stevens interjected’: “You have relieved us of it, you mean.” To-day, the feelings amongst the Southern members against the policy proposed is very strong. The pretence of localising the land revenue is too transparent to deceive anyone, and the Otago members openly say they would prefer a hold proposal to make it Colonial revenue at once, rather than see it insidiously undermined. They talk of supporting a motion which will certainly be brought forward to make the land fund Colonial revenue, aftd say that this would force the Canterbury members to Separation. They also argue that Canterbury is fast realising her land, that in a couple of years it will be all gone, and that then Otago will bo sure to be occupied. The Canterbury members are also greatly dissatisfied. The Statement, in fact, has not yet been printed for circulation, but already it is evident that there will be Very great Opposition to the Government proposals. An hour and a half was wasted this afternoon over Mr Curtis’s motion to limit speeches to twenty minutes. It was of course rejected. In the debate Mr Gisborne said the very name of Parliament showed it was a place to talk in, and the House seemed fully to appreciate the statement. The following are the figures used in the Financial Statement, showing how the Provinces have beUofitted on account of their Land Funds, by Public Works and Emigration expenditure Auckland, L 957,000 ; interest paid by Colony, L 117.000; recovered L 34.000; balance, L 53,000. Taranaki, L 131,000 ; interest, 1.15,000 ; recovered, L2OOO. Wellington, 1.1,042,000 ; interest, 1.128,000; recovered, 1.5000; balance, 1.122,000. Ilawkcs B ly, 1.414,000; interest, L 51.000 ; recovered, L4OOO. Nelson, 1.231,000; interest, 1.34,000 ; recovered, LSOOO. Marlborough, LIGC,OOO ; interest, 1.20.000 ; recovered, T. 4000, Canterbury, L 1,385,000 ; interest, L 170.000 ; recovered, 1.53,000; balance, Ll 10,000. Westland, 1.200.000 ; interest, 1.25,000 ; recovered, L7OOO. Otago, L 2,136,000; interest, L 201,000 ; recovered, L42G,000 ; balance, L 215.000. August 2nd. A movement is oft foot for a Union between the Otago and Auckland Centralists and portion of the Canterbury members tn oust the present Ministry, on an agreement that the question of Separation is not to lie raised, that the land fund is to bo generalised, and that the administration is to bo improved. It is Said that Mr Stafford has intimated Ids intention of supporting the generalisation of the land fund, and that this is coftain to be carried. The overtures to Sir William Fitthcrhcrt to quit the chair and take tho load of the Opposition have been resumed, and if a sufficiently strong party can be formed there is little doubt ho will comply. _ Mr Maoandrew Isas given hotice of a question whether Sir Julius Vogel’s services as Agent-General arc to bo dispensed with at the end of the year, and Mr Stout of a motion that the Governor should bo elected by the people ot the Colony. August 3rd. In the Ilouso to-day, on the second reading of tho Impounding and Fencing Bills, there was quite a lively discussion. The

Government ottered to refer the Bills to Select Committees. This did not satisfy the Opposition, and sorao very lively sparring took place, Mr lleid being especially twitted in a very severe manner with his having quitted the Opposition and joined the Government. Mr Gisborne was especially severe, and Mr Reid hit back pretty warmly. Mr Sharp has given notice of motion to rescind the motion under which railway passes are granted to members, Messrs Gisborne, Sir G. Grey, Sheehan, Montgomery, Bunny, Travers, Maeandrew, Stout, and other leading members have agreed on a common platform, which is to the following effect Ist. That the waste lands of the Colony should be developed by the State, and then sold, and not in blocks to be afterwards developed by State funds ; 2nd. That Customs taxation on necessities of ordinary consumption should bo relieved ; 3rd. That property should not be improved by expenditure out of borrowed money, but by local taxation ; 4th. That hospitals should be supported by contributions from State aided by local endowments ; j>th. That Separation bo abandoned. They have communicated those to Sir W. Fitzherbert, and asked him to lead a party formed on this basis. He has not yet replied, but will certainly accept if the support is sufficient to ensure success. The Press Wellington correspondent, telegraphing on the 2nd instant, says Nothing important occurred this afternoon. Mr Stout’s notice of motion as to an elective Governor was received with applause. There was also applause on the House risinoat half-past live without remark, the Opposition members thinking an adjournment would be asked for on account of Mr M‘Lean’s ball. _ Messrs Reeves and Roberts, the deputation from Dunedin, this afternoon met fifteen Otago members to ascertain the amount of support the Strath-taieri line would receive, and to ask them to back up the efforts of the deputation with the Government. At first, a difference of opinion existed as to the rival routes, which, before the meeting closed, settled down to support the Strathtaieri, not as an alternative line, but with the view of also asking for a railway rip the Waitaki “Valley, to open up the Mackenzie country. The general desire is to open up the interior by arterial lines of railway. Great cordiality finally prevailed, though at first the Ofcmaru members exhibited jealous feelings. Mr Maeandrew, as chairman, urged unity of action in railway matters, which was agreed to, Dr Hodgkinson alone dissenting. Parties have not yet Consolidated. The Opposition compact will not move unless certain of success, and no caucuses have now been held for some time. A middle party has sprung up, and is making overtures to the Opposition. The Government are numerically weak, and in debate they appear to feel their position shaky. The Hon. D. Reid is losing heart and looks repentant, and, it is believed, regrets deserting his pkrty for office. A member of the Upper- House to-day caused a little commotion at Government house by sending the following reply to the Marquis of Norman by “ Invitation to dinner.—Mr acknowledges the receipt ot an invitation from his Excellency the Governor to dinner, and declines to accept Describing the debate on the Charitable Institutions Bill, the correspondent of the Auckland Star Telegraphs : - Mr Travers delivered an able speech. His style is good, but he regarded the Bill from a Wellington point of view. He condemned the mere voluntary _ system. The country is tro young for it. It is evident from his speech that Mr Travers Will be a strong opponent of the Government. During his speech Mr Stafford awake from a. pale studentary air, and condescended to take a languid interest in Mr Travers. Mr Stafford is a politician in a very interesting stage—be anything, he_ something wonderful. He appears to think, “After me the deluge.” Ho faces his old opponent Mr Pox with his chronic pugnacity. The old see-saw game of alternate Premier-ships is not possible now.