N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 237, 9 April 1897, Page 2

N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. (Per Press Association). Wellington, April 7. In the Council, the Hon. Mr Baillie was elected, unopposed, Chairman of Committees. The Hon. Mr Ormond gave notice to ask, whether, on the report of the liquidator of the J, G. Ward Association, the Government intended to take any steps in respect to the position of the officer at present President of the Bank of New Zealand and representing the colony in that institution ? Hon. Mr Pinkerton moved the Address in-Reply, declaring it devolved on the colony to send the Premier and a sufficient force to worthily rep resent the colony. The Hon. Mr Kelly seconded the motion. Hon. Colonel Whitmore supported the handsome representation of the colony. Hons. Ormond. Kerr, Swanson, Grace, Shrimski, Stewart, Olliver, and Kelly also spoke. After several other members had spoken the address was carried. This Day, | Tbe Legislative Council met at eleven. Replying to Mr Ormond as to the number of Crown Land settlers in arrear in the (-rown land district of Wellington tbe acreage held, etc., the Minister of Education said tbe information would be furnished as early as possible. Mr Reeves gave notice to ask if, during the recess, the Government would con> aider the desirability of subsidising direct steamers to West Australia. The Council concurred in the resolution that the Premier would represent the colony at Home, and adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, April 8. On resuming at 2,30 the Hon Mr McKenzie moved, Tbat the House heartily appreciate the opportunity ofthe colony being represented at the public celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne, and cheerfully approves of the Premier's acceptance of the invitation of the Secretary of State to take part in such celebration. Tbe Hon Mr Carroll seconded tbe motion aud urged that they should rise to the occasion and recognise the importance of their Empire. His aspiration was to see the native and colonials properly represented at the Queen's celebration. Mr H. S. Fisb was sworn in. Capt. Russell supported thafc they should send a representative to England and that the Premier should represent the Colony. One matter, however, he would like to understand was that the absence of the Premier be not unnecessarily prolonged and that the ordinary Parliament should meet nofc later than would allow of matters being fully discussed before Christmas. There was, he said, a tacit understanding between such members ofthe Opposition as could be got together and the Government that Parliament meet not later than 15th September. He read the correspondence with the Premier re the proposed visit to England, and afc the latter's request came to Wellington and discussed the matter. Capt. Russell urged that supplies be granted ouly until August 31st, but subsequently September 30th was agreed upon, and tbis would enable Parliament to be convened by September 15th. Mr Seddon said, what he told Captain Russell was that ha would refer matters discussed to his colleagues. He said Captain Russell must have misunder stood him, and be could assure the House thafc he never agreed upon Parliament being convened not later than September 30. He said it was in the interests of the colony tbat matters of great importance should be fully discussed, and pointed out that the dis cussion would render his stay in the colony for a time which would not permit au early session. The Pacific Cable was of the utmost importance, and it was desirable that tbey should have a cable on British sail. Another great question was that the producers of the colony were suffering injustice, and both sides would agree that when Home he should move in having some altera tion made. He declared New Zealand was paying twice the freight for produce as Australia. Wben the Colonial Premiers were at Home they could as a body move iv the direction of abating many disabilities under which the producers^now suffer. He contended it was quite necessary that tbe Premier should be present at the opening of Parliament so as in the speech from tbe throne he could place the proposals of tbe Government before tho colony. Sir R. Stout said, in referring to the great freedom possessed in England, tbat every act of the present Ministry was in direct opposition to what had attained such freedom. Spoils to the victors was a watchword of the Ministry, and ifc was useless for anyone to aspire fco a position or advancement in tbe Civil Service unless he was of fche right political colour. He thought the Premier should accept the invitation to represent the colony at fche celebration . They were, however, not sending him to discuss the frozen meat question. Replying to Sir R. Stout, the Premier said the present resolution only referred to hia visit to England, and not as regards the military contingent. What Government would do in the matter would be decided later on. Mr Fisher thought it was not a fitting occasion on which they should have to listen to the vitriolic speech and outpour* ings of a disappointed man. Before the dinner adjournment the Premier gave notice he would move tomorrow that Mr A. Guinness be elected Chairman of Committees. Mr G. Hutchison twitted Mr Fisher with his change of front and quoted from his previous speeches to show how in former sessions he bad been most distrustful of the Government be was now supporting. He moved an amendment that the contingent to accompany the Premier would not comprise more than 30 men. At 10 o'clock the moyer replied, thanking the House for the manner in which the motion was accepted. He denied that the Premier domineered over the Cabinet as bad been said. Sir R Stout had eaid that the present Ministry was the most corrupt ever in the colony, bufc brought forward no facta to substantiate his statement, and he warned the hon. member to be more careful in bis remarks in the future. Mr Hutchison agreed to withdraw, his amendment if tbe Premier would give the assurance that he would submit the question of the contingent going Home in the House. Mr Seddon said be would submit tbe proposal to the House to-morrow, and thereupon Mr Hutchison withdrew bis amendment.