POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1114, 7 September 1883, Page 3

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Thruajk oar Jixcnuuyen. The celebia’-ed ease of George Loighurat, which has hoea several ■ imea before the Houso on previous sessions, again occupied nearly the whole of I hursday afcuraooa sitting. The debate arose on the report of the Public Petitions Committee on a petition presented lately hy Geo Longhurst, who prayed for his release from gaol on the followinggronnds : —That he was imprisoned for alleged rape on the 9ch Apiil, 1880, and that in Jane ISS2 ho was advised that certain additional evidence had been discovered which raise i a strong presumption that he had been falsely accused j his accusers having also been trio 1 and found guilty of conspiracy auainst him. The Committee on Thursday reported that they were utiaolo to enter into the whole of the evidence owing to the late peiiod of the session at which the petition was presented, but they referred the matter to the Government for consideration. A very lengthy discussion ensued on Mr Shaw’s amendment, that the petition ho referre Ito the favourable considoratlon of the Cabinet, ami it was carried on the voices, their evidently being a strong feeling in the House on the subject. Mr Hutchison then proposed an addition to the amendment, to tlio effect that the Royal prerogative should be at once extended to Longhurat, and this was received with quite a storm of “ayes” from the Opposition side of the House, eyen before the Speaker had time to put the question. Mr lie ban tour at once rose, and, speaking under considerable excitement, implored the House not to pass any such resolution as that moved hy Mr Hutchison, urging that it was of a most dangerous character, and liable at any time to defeat the en Is of justice. Mr .vlont'o* mery also suppor ted Mr Du Lautour’s view of the matter. Mr Hutchison was finally induced to withdraw his amendment, and Mr Shaw’s motion was carrier I without further debate. During the discussion, Mr Shaw, who is a strong Ministerialist, said if the Government refused to release Longhurst, after the unanimous expressions of opinion that had just been given the Houso in that direction, they would have the whole country against them. The report of the Daigaville Committee ended, as I anticipated, in smoke. The evidence, which is very bulky, is in my possession, but as it would be of very liUlo interest to Otago people 1. refrain from sending it to you. Mr Swanson has received the following telegram from Auckland in connection with the Adulteration Prevention Act •* Thousands of the working classes should thank you for what you have done iu the matter of the short-weight-loaf and adulteration, a game which has been played at so long by the bakers of the colony. This is practical leg s a’.ion, and honest men must appLud the effort. I will not fail, to tell others of hj -w you worked to got the clauses filled iu which give pr-per weight and quality to the working man,” I may state that Mr bwanson’s action re the Adulteration Bill found an active supporter in Mr Barron. The report on the petition of Angellque Therasse gave rise to an animated disen-sion this afternoon. Mr Petrie made the most spirited speech lie has yet delivered in the House. Mr Kish also spoke well on the question. Mr Joyce commented in sir ng terms on the action of tie Government, ai d his remarks were endorsed by MrLevestam. The report of the Dunedin Gaol Commission brought several Otago members to their feet to protest against the recommendations contained therein. Mr Couolly promised to take into his favourable consideration the enconiums passed on the chief warder officer by the members who had spoken. In the evening a deputation consisting of Mr Maoandrew, Driver, Pish, Bathgate, Bracken, Larnach, and J. M‘Donald, waited on Mr Conolly, and urged him to reconsider Mr Flannery’s case. The Minister promised that he would do so, and that in a few days he would communicate the result of his decision to Mr Bracken. The Lords have thrown out the Land Bill, and Mr Rollestonis in a frightful state of indignation. The personal unpopularity of the Minister of Lands had more to do with the Council’s action in the matter than any real objection to the principle of the Bill. Mr James M'Kenzie has given notice of the introduction of a new Bill to-morrow, in which the dummy clauses are embodied. The Speaker has expressed a doubt as to whether the introduction of the measure is allowable. Mr Roilestou thinks that a new session must be summoned, and there is some talk of proroguing for twelve hours, in order that such a course might bo adopted. Mr MJKenzio and other Liberals have expressed their determination to use every legitimate means to have the dummy business dealt witb before the membeia separate. The Council have been obstreperous again. They have, hy 17 to 7, thrown out the Otago Loans Consolidation Bill, on the recommendation of the Committee. The Hon. Mr Holmes has been one of the most determined opponents of the measure, ami according to his doctrine the Bill would prove disastrous to the interests of the people of Otago. The whole evening has been taken np with the discussion on the insurance irregularities which have been brought to light by the Public Accounts Committee. Sir Goo, Grey made a long and powerful speecli in condemnation of the loose method in which the Government have been managing the finances of the country. The Supplementary Estimates contain nothing of importance to Dunedin except the L7OO for the Gaol Commission.