PARLIAMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 4187, 28 July 1876, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

[By Teleobaph.l

Wellington, July 28. lii the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon, It was moved by Mr Stafford that the House on rising at 5.30 adjourn till the next day. _, Mr Stout objected, but the motion was carried on the voices. It was then resolved that Mr Whitaker's resolution be taken this evening at 7.30. Mr Swanson asked if the Government would lay before the House a return showing the class of men who are exempt from serving on juries, stating as nearly as possible the number in eaah class. The Hon. Mr Bowen said the return was already prepared, and, excepting one item, was complete. It would be laid on the table.

Mr Murray moved--'! That, in tte °j ,mion of this House, opportunity should be afforded it of considering any appointment which Government may purpose making of AgentGeneral before making such appointment." The Premier fcaid that the Government had not discussed the question yet. As Soon as they bad any information to give the House, they would be happy to do so. The death of the Agent-General was so reoent, and as the only Information they had was by telegraph, and as the business of the House had been pressing, the question had been allowed to be in abeyance. But they hoped to be able soon to take the House into their confidence. After this explanation, he suggested the withdrawal of the motion.

The motion was withdrawn accordingly. Mr Larnaoh moved that the Government be requested to make early arrangements for the establishing and working of an imprest stamp office in Dunedin, and other important principal towns in the Colony, for the purpose of stamping cheques, bills of exchange, &c, as the necessities of commerce require. The Hon. Mr Bowen pointed out that all the offices throughout the Colony were supplied on requisition ffdin tbe main office, and the convenience of the banks had been considered in as much as they were allowed to transmit their cheque books and othsr forms free of postage to Wellington and back. All they were required to do was to exercise reasonable forethought, and not allow them selves to run short. To provide the machinery asked for in the principal towns of the Colony, would involve Very serious expense, and necessitate an increase I stiff in all parts of the Colony. As the department was one requiring keen and careful supervision, it would not do to plaoe duties in too many hands, as that would endanger the revenue. 'J hey did with one stamp office for London without any inconvenience. Surely New Zealand could do the same.

Messrs Burns and Stout supported the motion on the ground that a great deal of inconvenience had been caused to commercial men through the want of a Stamp Office in Dunedin.

Mr Reynolds opposed the motion, saying if the request was granted to Dunedin, every little town in the Colony would want the same accommodation. The revenue, too, would be likely to suffer from such an arrangement. Mr Larnach thought there wefe enough highly paid Government officers in Dunedin and the other principal towns, to permit of this work being done without any inconvenience to the Government.

A division was taken, and the motion was negatived by 39 to 34. Mr Woolcockmoved- "That in the opinion of the House, it is highly desirable that the goldmining industry of the Colony should be relieved from the present exceptional taxes now imposed upon it." The hon. gentleman went carefully, and at length, into the question, to show that goldmining was heavily and evceptionally taxed, and while denying the expediency of the wisdom of it, argued that the great and standing grievance of the mining communities was that they should be treated exceptionally. Several goldfields members spoke on the motion, some maintaining that the tax was one of expediency, others strongly supporting the motion. Ultimately, on Mr Murray's motion, the question was adjourned for a week. The House rose at 5.30 p.m. ABOUT THE LOBBIES.

(From our Special Gorrespo)\de»t.) Wellington, July 28. Thore was no sitting of the House last night in consequence of the ball at Sir J. Vogel's. Ml Whitakef's resolutions are to be moved at this evening's sitting. Taiaroa has a Bill which asks for three additional Native representatives—two for the North Island and one for the Middle Island The East Coast and Eastern Maori Election Committees meet to-day. In the latter the Committee agreed to report within a week. It is understood there will be a fresh electioii, it having been proved that by the polling being held eight miles from the gazetted place, and by floods, over 200 natives were disfranchised. The evidence before the oiher committee showed that there had been a great deal of bribery and treating on the part of Mr Read's committee, but there was nothing to connect him with the transactions, or that he even had a knowledge of them. One witness said he had received in one way and another L9O to vote for one candidate, and he voted for another. It is placed beyond all doubt that the committee put Mr Read forward, and being a man of mefin» he proved a perfect milch cow. Much amusement was caused by Mr Read's examination— its frankness was perfectly touching, and when he said that, instead of furthering him, his committee had put him in a hole, the committee were fairly convulsed with laughter. It is believed the committee will report recommending a fresh election, each side paying its own costs, which are sure to be close on LSOO apiece.

The San Francisco Mail Committee had three meetings, and adjourned sine die, pending the receipt of the views of the Sydney Government, which, are expected in three weeks' time. The committee have determined to recommend the discontinuance of the coastal service. Much amusement was caused in both Houses yesterday afternoon by the Government reading a telegram from the Harbor authorities of Port Chalmers, stating that the City of New York was drawing 21it 6in, while ou the bar was of water at low tide and 20ft at high. To-day there was a 3ft wave on the bar, leaving no margin to bring out the ship without danger. . Taiaroa wants 1,6,000 placed ou the Esti mates, with interest, to be paid to Native owners of the Princes street Reserve for rents due up to the issue of Crown grant. On Wednesday Mr Murray moves the appointment of a Select Committee consisting of Messrs' Bo wen, Atkinson, Andrew, Ballancc, iiutton, Curtis, Douglas, Hodgkiuson, Hunter, Larnach, Ormond, Montgomery, Pyke, Seymour, Stafford, and Wakefield to

report (1) as to the expediency of erecting one central penal establishment for both Islands; (2) as to the most statable site j (3) ai to plan and description of buildings best adapted towards the xlwsification and diioiplne of convicts. The Otago Presbyterian Church and South Dunedin Municipality Validation BilLspassed the Council without amendment. The Eastern Maori Election Committee report that Kariatiana should take his aeat. The report is certain to cause a strong debate.

There .will not be much debate, perhaps only three days', over Mr Whitakers resolutions, the hopelessness of them being apparent. Sir George Grey was anxious to bring down an amendment upon them, but was outvoted by his party. It is doubtful whether even the separation resolutions will be forced to an issue. The Opposition are. now inclined to make finance the battleground, and, if successful, will go into office with a pledge to consider Separation during the recess. The Public P titions Committee report re the Waitepeka diversion petition that the diversion would benefit the settlers of the district, while the main line would benefit the eountry generally; and that if no branch be made the prayer of the Waitepeka petitioners should receive favorable constderation.

This afternoon Sir George Grey gave notice of Separation resolutions for Tuesday. The Works Bill is a consolidating measure of 217 clauses. Fart lis general; % deals with taking lands for public works; 3, with compensation; 4, with surveys; 5, with roads; 6, with railways; 7, witn drainage; 8, with water supply and goldfields,

It is not unlikely a division on Mr Whitaker's resolutions will be taken tonight. Mr Whitaker will be followed by* Sir J. Vogel, and the latter by Sir G. Grey. The Opposition do not intend putting up : many speakers. Anckland for the first time in Parliamentary history will give a block - vote. Many Otago members mil leave the' House when the division bell rings in order to bring about a small majority for the Government.