PARLIAMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 4168, 6 July 1876, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

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Wellington, July 6. The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. yesterday. Sir J. Vogel asked the House to allow him to refer to a question of privilege—he referred to the words used by the H on. Mr Waterhouse in the Legislative Council. The substance of the statement was that a leading and very influential citizen of Wanganui told ttie electors of Wanganui that if they elected Sir J. Vogel arid Mr Bryce, and especially without opposition, they would secure LIOO.OOO for harbor works. The Premier denied the truth of such an assertion, and said he could only characterise it as malicious and an insult to his constituency. The Hon. Mr Atkinson also made an explanation, the substance of which was that his name had been used in connection with this matter to the effect that when he was at Wanganui he had made the Wanganui electors offers of. public works if they returned Mr Bryce and Sir J. Vogel. Nothing that he said upon that occasion could fairly be tortured into anything like what the Hon. Mr Waterhouse attributed to him.

Mr Orinond asked his questions with re' gard to the City of San Francisco not calling at Napier. He said the Ladybird was tendered twice that day, and read telegrams from the Harbor-master to support his statements. He wished the Government to inquire as to whether these statements were correct, and if they were, to inflict the proper penalty incurred by so wanton an act, and one that caused so much loss and inconvenience to the public. The Premier said the telegram he received from the Mail Agent led him to suppose that the steamer did not call in consequence of the bar being unfavorable; but, as he had not the telegram before him, he could not be very positive. As to recovering from the company, he was not clear that they could recover; but his own opinion was that, if the weather was suitable and the steamer did not call, a claim for damages would be held good, and penalties ought to be exacted. He had instructed Captain Edwin to inquire into the circumstances, and, if necessary, to go to Napier. He thought it would be better in future to make up a supplementary mail. As to the pilot, he thought the Colony would act wisely in bearing the expense of furnishing a pilot who had a good knowledge of the coast. The disappointment to Hawke's Bay people was very much regretted by the Government, and had it been possible to catch the mail at Auckland, the Government would have taken the responsibility of chartering a steamer for the purpose. In reply to a reference made by the Premier to the statements that these steamers had touched going in and out of Port Chalmers, Mr Maeandrew said he was informed on the best authority that there was no truth in these statements.

The Hon. Mr Richardson said, in reply to Mr De Lautour, that the Government had received advice from various sources that it would be inadvisable to bring into operation the Goldfields Amendment Act, 1875. Mr J. C. Brown asked if hw Excellency had been advised to assent to the Otago Appropriations, 1876, and if he would lay the correspendence regarding the Appropriation Extension Act of last session on the table.

The Premier replied that the Governor had duly approved of these appropriations, and he was under the impression that notification had been sent to Otago. There was no objection to lay the correspondence asked for on the table, if moved for in the usual way.

Further information with regard to the endeavors to capture Winiata was given by The Native Minister, who read a large number of telegrams that had passed between himself and different Government officers and Native chiefs in the Waikato. It appeared from these that Winiata was within five miles of Auckland for fourteen days ; that the general character of Winiata was bad even amongst his own people, and the general opinion of the chiefs communicated with was that the King Maoris would not screen him, as they, as well as other Maoris, were shocked at the atrocity. From the numbers that had been enlisted in the search, and who were on the look out for the miscreant, he had every reason to hope that Winiata would ere long be captured. Sir J. Vogel in moving that a Select Committee be appointed to consider and to report to the House what alterations or modifications, if any, it is desirable should be made in the contract for the Californian Mail Service—such committee to consist of thirteen members, viz., Messrs Carrington, Curtis, Grey, Hunter, Macandrew, Ormond, Reynolds, Seymour, Stafford, Rolleston, Whitaker, Woodcock, and mover—pointed out that in reality the amount voted originally for the service, viz., L 40,000, was now reduced by L 12.000 a year, received through the Imperial Government, collected on postages. Papers laid upon the table also showed that the Californian service, as compared with the Suez, had not involved any considerable extra cost to the Colony, the excess being about L 15,000. This amount was liable to be reduced by the extra cost of carrying mails from Victoria, and by the additional population in the Colony, while the increased use of the Puez meant au increased cost to the Colony. Nothing but the consideration of these things prevented the Government from recommending that the service should be discontinued. The service had occasioned a great deal of trouble, and the Postmaster- | (General, in so far as the route of the steamers f was concerned, had been converted into a sort of unattached director of a company. The service was now getting into good working order, and it must be admitted that the mails were being carried by magnificent boats, and for this Colony it meant a great saving of time on the carriage of letters. This Government had suggested three alternative routes, but the Sydney Government had not yet made any answer. A late Syduey Government, supported by the Imperial Government, wished to countenance the Fiji route, .vbicb was unsafe, unworkable, and unreliable; but the present Government seemed inclined to relax from that position and entertain the question of an alteration in this shape : that instead of the mail steamers doing the coastal service the Bay Islands should be made a port of call for this Colony, which would save some 200 miles, but no provision was made for the coastal service. This was in accordance with what was known as the C. Service, under the original tender without a coastal boat. That service with the coastal boat was L 75.950, whilst the accepted tenders for the service via Fiji was L 90,000. The present idea seemed to be to do the ooastal service with smaller boats, but the company said nothing about a reduction of subsidy. Since this deaire to do away with the coastal service was expressed it was a aingiilifr coincidence that they heard complaints by the company of the danger of the coastal service and entering and leaving Port Chalmers. So the matter stood at present, and the Government thought it better to ask for a select committee to consider , f yhat changes ghould be m:>de in the contract, and on what terms. The Government would be guided by the advice of the House in ae]ej3t.ing a. goinjnjttee. He had chosen two members from &Mk $ t-h? l* r ff e Provinces of Wellington,

Auckland, Otago, and Canterbury, and we member from the other Provides. «'tether or not the House approved of Kni.. *> he Government had done in the past the GoveiCment had endeavored to do the best it could in the interests of the Colony, and were of opinion that if the service can be kept up it will be a great advantage to do so. The motion was then agreed to. Mr Stevens is to be substituted for Mr Holloston, Mr Macfarlane for Sir George Grey, and Mr Maeandrew has given notice that he will move an addition to the committee of Mr Joyce's name as representing Southland. The House adjourned at 5.30 p m. The House resumed at 7.30. SirG. Grey's motion —"That the House ask the Governor to oauee L4OO to be placed on the Estimates for an essay on grasses and forage plants likely to prove useful in New Zealand " —was agreed to without a dissentient voice.

The Premier moved the second reading of the Registration of Electors Act, 1870, Repeal Bill. Owing to defects in the Act, considerable confusion arose as to its interpretation, and a great many ratepayers had been struck off the roll in consequence in several parts of the Colony. It was therefore thought better to strike it off the Statute Book at once.

This led to a long discussion. The majority, while agreeing that the Act contained many imperfections and had been mischievous in effect, thought the principle was sftll good, and that it would be a pity to repeal it unless a more maturedly considered measure was brought down in its place. A number of members agreed to vote for repealing the Bill if the Government would pledge themselves to bring in a proper measure embodying the principles of the present Act and remedying its defects. If not, they would prefer to assist in amending the Act. Other members suggested that some clauses should be introduced into the repealing Bill with the object of remedying the defects complained of.

The Premier said they felt bound to take into consideration such a strong expression of opinion, and if the House would take the second reading of the repealing Bill he would posipone its further consideration for a fortnight, and promise that during that time the Government would carefully consider all the objections raised, and suggestions offered, as to the present Registration Bill with a view of meeting them in some way. The House adjourned at 9.30 p.m.

ABOUT THE LOBBIES.

(Fiwn cvr Special Correspondent.)

The Abolition Commissioners say tea! not btiviug been able to make personal inquiries in Otago they are unable to make any recommendations for specific reductions re railways. They recommended in the event of their being brought under Colonial management that the heads of the Constructed Railway Departments in "Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago should meet and report as to the form 6f accounts to be ndopted, including a system of concurrent audit. They should be aided by the advice of an experienced accountant, totally unconnected with, and not wedded to any groove established by too closely following the Home system of management.

Tno Stamp Amendment Bill is mostly technical. It provides that officers of the Government and managers of banks may sell stamps in certain cases without being licensed. Appeal from tho Deputy Commissioners is allowed, and the latter may refer doubtful points to head-quarters. Mortgage debt on charge to be deducted when assessing the duty on the value of property settled. The 65th section of last session's Act repealed. The duties on duplicates or counterparts fixed as when it does not amount to 2s 6d the same duty as the original instrument; in other cases 2s 6d." Banker" letters within the Colony and letters of credit granted here for sums payable out of the Colony are exempted ; as also are fire and life assurance policies. Bills of exchange and promissory notes payable at sight or on presentation to be deemed payable on demand. By the Coroners Act of seven clauses every R.M. is to be a coroner. The number of jurors at au inquest is not to exceed seven. In special cases, as of a difficulty in obtaining seven, four will do and if it is impossible to obtain a jury, power is given to do without one, in which case the Coroner has to transmit a statement of his reasons for holding an inquest without a jury. Coroner's fees are to be abolished. It is intended by Mr Pearoe to move in the direction of making it compulsory to hold to inquests as to fires. Sir J. Vogel has giveu notice of the appointment of the following committee to consider what alterations it is expedient to make in the Disqualification Act:—Messrs Ballance, Button, De Lautour, Lusk, Moorhouse, Macandrew. Montgomery, O'Eowrke, Kees, Stout, (Seymour, Sharp, Whitaker, and the mover.

All the papers here condemn this morning's proceedings. The 'Argus' says:—" Everyone in the House knjw perfectly well that it would be passed. The Premier was evidently unwell and had actually appealed to the House for indulgence, yet Messrs Stout and Rees kept on nagging until twenty-six minutes past three in the morning. During the night Messrs Bees and Stout addressed the Committee twenty-seven times between them, and with their band of sixteen followers divided the committee twice. The tyranny of a minerity over a majority has rarely been more completely exemplified. From Mr Roes no other conduct could possibly be expected, but* Mr Stout is allowing his political feelings to overcome his discretion, and will hereafter have bitter cause to repent if he places himself on a footing of even political equality with Mr Rees. The ' Post' remarks:—" Both sides of the House claim the credit of having satisfactorily concluded the work—Opposition by having modified the motion to the extent they did j the friend 3 of the Government by having carried it without postponement and with effect, as they alleged, of exhibiting the unworthiness and weakness of the would-bo leaders of the Opposition. To-morrow Mr Manders will ask (1) whether any correspondence has taken place betw» en the Governmeut and the Provincial authorities of Otago as regards the construction of light railways in Otago and Southland} (2) whether there is any objection to lay such correspondence before ■he House ; (8) if the consent of the Government has been obtained under the Extension of Provincial Appropriations Act, 1873, for the payment of any sums of money out o 3 Provincial revenue receipts since 31st March last upon these lines; (4) if the Government has any information as to the charaoter and efflcienoy of these lines and their cost, and as to whether they are likely to be of permanent value; (5) if the Government is aware of the costly arbitration suit proceeding between the contractors and the Provincial Government, and of the cause requiring sueh arbitration; (6) if any amount be sanctioned in excess of the Provincial rate for completing the Mosgiel-Oufram Railway. The following increases affecting officers in Otago appears on the estimates:—Deputy.Coninmsiouer of Stamps, Ll5O (clerk reduced to L 140); DeputyRegistrar of Supreme Court, L2O; District Judge Dunedin, LSO; Chief Clerk to same, LSO (with the salary attaching te the clerkship of the Resident Magistrate's Court this officer's, galary % r %} (rht "P to M2s >: Besidont "Magistrate Port Chalmers, LSO; Chief Postmaster, Dunedin, LSO (chief clerk reduced to L 275); Postmasters at Albany street nud Oduiarn, LlO each • Lettercarrier, Port Chalmers, L 5; Cadet, Milton, Lls. blight alterations ure g vcu to several telugiaph officers. The Provincial Estimates were adopted for tho Provincial services,

{Per Press Agency.)

One point in the policy of tho Goveruaieut is understood to be that where the interest and working expenses on any railway works are not covered by the receipts from the same the deficit will he made good from the laud fund of tho Provincial distnot iu which suoh deficit may occur, nud that the land fund of one Provincial distriot will in no case be applied to the relief of any other.