PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 856, 13 September 1878, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

(From our Exchanges.) During the delivery of Major Atkinson’s speech there was a larger attendance in the House than there has been for several days p ist. All the public gaPeries were filled, and there was a larger muster of Members than on any occasion recently. Mr Atkinson spoke from notes with considerable force, and was listened to throughout with the deepest attention. He commenced speaking at eight o’clock. During his speech, Mr M’Lean, who sits next him, appeared to make frequent suggestions to his late colleague. Major Atkinson gave notice that when in committee on the Electoral Bill he would move the insertion of clauses enabling residential electors in one district who hona'Jide changed their residences to another to he placed on the roll of such last district by obtaining a certificate from the returning officer of tlie former district and delivering such certificate or declaration of identity with the person named therein to the returning officer of the district to which the electors’ residences were changed. It is understood that the Attorney-General has no objection to this provision. The Land Tax Bill is sure to pass its second reading, but it will be severely handled in committee. The Government supporters say their chief difficulty is the absence of an organised Opposition, which prevents Ministers from judging when to press their measures and when to give way. The Electoral Bill will also be modified in committee. The Legislative Council have introduced a clause into the Juries Bid abolishing the exemption of militia officers from service on special juries ; also a clause exempting bank managers from service. Mr Ballanco, in his reply on the lhand Tax Bill, will state distinctly that the Go vornment will stand or fall by their financial policy ; and that if any amendment be made which touches the principle of the Land Tax or other important Bills they will appeal to the country. The Government position lias been seriously embarrassed by the injudicious action of some of their own supporters, who encouraged the be’ief that the Minisdy would adopt a property and income tax if pressed. Mr I’yke has given notice to ask the Government on the 12th inst. whether they propose to take any action for the amelioration of the present unsatisfactory condition of the police force in the Middle Island, and if the answer be in the affirmative, whether they will be pleased to inform the House of the nature of such action. The Daily Times correspondent savs I hear on reliable authority that the Land Tax Bill will be carried through by a majority of 22 or 24 ; that is, supposing a division is forced, which is probable, although soma of the Oppositionists would rather not see a division at all. On September the 10th Mr Pyko resumed the debate on the Land Bill, promising to accept the small measure of reform offered if more cannot lie got at present. The Native Minister has caused one of the Maoris concerned in the Opunakc robbery to ho arrested. The other has fled to the bush. They both sought protection from To Whetu, who refused it.