PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1457, 17 October 1878, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

[By Telegraph.] [from THE CORRESPONDENT OF THE PRESS.] PROROGATION. Notwithstanding the repeated assertions of Mr Sheehan ami the official statement of Sir George Grey, to flic effect that the prorogation could and should take place on Tuesday next, it appears most unlikely and almost impossible that the necessary amount of work can be got through before Friday week at the earliest. Anyhow, a very large number of Bills will have to be po tponed till next session, and many important matters of special local interest will bo altogether neglected. MR .r. c. BROWN. The member for Tuapcka has struck. After the late reverse of the Government on the question of the Beer Duty Bill he hauled his colours down. AN ENGLISH CANARD. Mr Macandrew read the following telegram from the Agent-General: “Galbraith and Derby will by next mail submit proposals relative to direct steam communication with the colony. If you want salmon ova this year send mo instructions early. English papers have a telegram stating that six missionaries have been eateu by natives in Now Zealand. I have denied it. What were the facts ? ” The latter portion of the telegram was received with loud laughter. THE WAITING GAME. “ It takes me all my time,” said one who, at the commencement of the session was amongst the staunchest of the Government supporters, “It takes me all my time to keep the present Ministry in their seats. I have no des’re that they should he allowed to go to the country just yet, before people have had time thoroughly to appreciate the humbug of their policy, and to recognise the way in which they have persistently broken their promises.” THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL. It is confidently expected that at the close of session Mr Stout will for many and divers reasons find it necessary to resign his scat in the Cabinet. The main reason for this of course is the great dislike to him that exists in the minds of the greater number of the members. His manner in the House, and his want of tact, has the effect of producing a deep and widespread sense of irritation. BAIRS. When the House met this evening, Mr Richardson asked permission to make a statement with regard to the pairs on the recently withdrawn Beer Duty Bill. In the copy of “ Hansard ” that was to night distfibu cd his name w r as omitted altogether from the division list on the measure in question. He wished to explain how that was. In the afternoon ho had paired with Mr Shrimski for the Land Tax Bill only. However, when thequestion of the beer duty came before the House, he was told by the Government whip that his pair was considered to obtain for that measure also, and though conscious that such was not the case, he had, from feelings of delicacy, walked out of the House, and altogether abstained from voting.