Parliamentary.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 4 July 1901, Page 4

Parliamentary.

(OUR PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER.)

Chairman of Committees,

Wellington. This Day.

As the Hon Mr Bailee will not be a candidate for Chairmanship of Committees this year, the Hon Mr Smith will bo the Government nominee. Tho Labor section of the Council will, however, decline to support him, and an effort will be made to elect Eigg to the position. Compulsory Drill Bill. Mr A. E. Guinness has given notice of the introduction of the "State School Children Compulsory Drill Bi 1." The Surveyor - Generalship. , The Government have decided not to fill up tho Survoyor-Generalship, vacant since tho resignation of Percy Smith last year. The Lillywhite Case. John Hutcheson (Wellington) is urging the Governmrnt to compensate Charles Lillywhite, wrongfuliy arrested and extradited in England for the Cholchester murder. Debate on Addresa-in-Reply. The Debato on the Addross-in-Reply which begins tonight is expected to extend into next week as several members have expressed their intention of speaking. Returning Contingents. Messrs Collins, Hannan, Gilfedder and M'Nab leave for Invereargill on Frigay night to meet tho returning contingents by the Tagus. A Leader-less Opposition. At a meeting of the Opposition this forenoon J. W. Thomas presiding, it was decided not te elect a leader but that each member should bo at liberty to take his own course in criticism the actions of Government. Tho meeting also decided that Massey bo empowered to call the party together if at any time he thinks it akvisable to do so,

The Christchurch Seat. It is understood that tlio Government support Mr Turnbull for tho Christchurch seatThe Commandant of Forces. The successor of Col. Penton will be an Imperial officer. Bills Coming In. The second reading of that pet project of Major Steward—The Election of Executive Bill—lias been set down for the 17th hist. Thirty-nine public and private bills were introduced and read a first time this afternoon, Grand Hotel fire. The fatal fire at Grand Hotel, Auckland, forms the subject of a question which the Hon Mr Shrimski lias given notice of his intention of putting to the Minister of Education. He wants to know whether Government have offered or intend offering a reward for information leading to the conviction of tho incendiary or airy person assisting to set fire to tho place. Cadet Accommodation. Mr Meridith gave notice in the House of a question regarding inadequate accommodation provided for the Cadet corps during the Eoyal visit to Christchurch. Standing Orders. Mr Collins has tabled a motion to amend the standing orders so as to prevent any other than urgent business being transacted after midnight. Women in Dangerous Trades. The Employment of Women in Dangerous Trades Bill is being introduced by Mr Horns by. Fire Insurance. Fire Insurance Companies will learn with some concern that the Premier intends to set up a committee to inquire into premiums charged throughout the colony. The Committee will, it is understood, take into special consideration the increased rates under the tariff which came into force in the North Island a few weeks ago.