Parliamentary.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 23 September 1901, Page 3

Parliamentary.

(OUR PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER)

Wellington, This Day. Parliamentary Holiday.

A number of members left on a short visit to Napier this morning. Ward was the only Minister who accompanied the party.

The new Sergeant-at-Arms. Major Shepherd, who is said to have a considerable service as au Imperial officer in India, and more recently was attached to the Auckland volunteer district, is the favorite candidate for the position of Sergeant-at-Arms. The Estimates.

As soon as the House meets on Tuesday the consideration of the estimates will be resumed.

Vacancy in Hansard Staff.

There is a vacancy in the Hansard Staff caused by the resignation of W. Crow who was appointed to that position some two months ago. The Solicitor-General having advised Crow that he forfeits his rights to a pension as a civil servant by beoomming a member of the Hansard Staff, and the Cabinet having confirmed the opinion, Crow decided to return to his former position as Private-Secretary to the Minister of Customs.

Ship Offices’ Bill. It is reported in the Lobbies that the Hon. Mr Walker the Ministerial Representative in the Council, is averse to risking the fate of tho Ships’ Offices Bill by persisting with the measures in its present form,|ltis believed some new clauses will bo dropped leaving tho bill in the position of a consolidation measures and sending it down to the House.

Gaming and Lotteries Bill, The Gaming and Lotteries Bill, thrown out yesterday by the Legislative Council, was a short measure introduced by Mr Reeves to legalise lotteries and sweepstakes conducted under license from the Colonial Secretary. Shorthand Reporters. In answer to Mr Fisher, the Premier stated to-day that the only thing remaining to be done to give effect to the Shorthand Reporters Act of last session, providing for the appointment of reporters in the Law Courts, is to appoint examiners to conduct the examinations of candidates.

Mining Act Amendment. Mr McGowan’s Mining Act Amendment Bill extends the power given by section 8 of the Act, so that any two persons may be appointed to inspect a mine whether they are employed in the mine or not. The Bill gives the right of appeal from any decision of the Commissioner of Crown Lands as to the grant of a mining privilege under section 3 of the Act of 1899. Insurance of Jockeys. As the insurance offices decline to insure trainers and jockeys on race days against loss under the Workers’ Compensation for Accidents Act, Mr O’Meara has asked the Premier to alter the Act so as to exclude racing clubs from the provisions of the statute. Mr Seddon says that the Government must decline to do this.