PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1448, 7 October 1878, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

[By Telegraph,] [FROM THE CORRESPONDENT OF THE PRESS.] CANTERBURY FIEB EHXOADES. In the House, Mr Turnbull presented a petition from the Timaru, Waimate, and Ashburton volunteer fire brigades. CHEISTCHUECH HIGH SCHOOLS BILL. Mr Montgomery, in introducing the Christchurch High Schools Bill, said they did not propose to take Crown lands, as lands were set apart which were already in the hands of the Commissioners. The ill_ was read a first time, and the second reading made an order of the day for Wednesday. PAY OF THE POLICE FORCE. The report of tho Parliamentary committee which has been inquiring into the question of the pay of the police force in both islands, will probably be presented on Tuesday. It is understood that a general increase of pay will bo recommended. Opposition in the House is talked of, and Mr Whitaker is spoken of as the probable mover of an amendment shelving the question. ELECTORAL BILL. It is said on good authority that the Legislative Council will in all probability throw out the Electoral Bill on the second reading, and that, even if it passes that stage, it will be materially amended in committee. The clause relating to tho double Maori franchise provokes warm opposition, and will very likely be struck cut. CONFUSION IN THE HOUSE. At 5.30 on Friday the House adjourned till 7.30 on Monday, amidst a scene of most unprecedented uproar. 318 BRYCE’S SPEECH. Mr Bryce’s speech yesterday caused much comment, ns he is one of the most conscientious members of the House, and until lately has been a zealous Government supporter.

THE MINISTERIAL INTENTIONS. The “ Chronicle,” in a semi-official article, says there have been differences °of views between Ministers, but after discussion the

decision of the majority was accepted, and at a Cabinet meeting on Saturday Ministers resolved to adhere to the Land Tax, Customs Tariff, and Electoral Bills. Should the Upper House reject the Electoral Bill, the Ministry will ask for a dissolution. The Opposition may withdraw Mr Johnston’s amendment if the Government supporters do not resist the withdrawal. Some Government supporters think fresh taxation unnecessary, but that Government should supply deficiencies caused by the withdrawal of the Beer and Joint Stock Companies Bills out of the surplus claimed by the Colonial Treasurer, and curtail the proposed votes for local works. FOETIICOMINO DESPATCHES, Sir G. Grey is said to bo seriously annoyed at some despatches laid on the table to the order of Mr Fox, which are not yet printed.