PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1687, 17 July 1879, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

[fbom ottb oobbesbondent.] WELLINGTON, July 16. The long order paper was got through today a few minutes before half-past five. In the election of chairman the Government made a virtue of necessity, and the Premier seconded the candidate as he could not successfully oppose him. Mr Sheehan tried the same tactics on the first division of the Houbo, but without much effect. It was on a motion by Mr Maeandrew for a direct steam service committee, which tho Opposition wished to postpone until after some information had been supplied as to tho present condition of the finances. The division was called for by Mr Maeandrew, after consulting the Premier, but when Mr Sheehan saw that it was going against the Government, he adroitly voted against his colleagues, to make it look like a broken division. The result was a majority of 10 against the Government, and was received with cheers by the Opposition. It is eaid that tho attack to be made by the Opposition will take the form of an amendment on the Address in reply, condemning the administration of the Government.

Sir G. Groy's proposal to take tho debate on tho reply to the address to-night was rejected by Sir W. Fox, and the Opposition told tho Premier that he must make a clean breaßt of his reasons before thoy would rush a Loan Bill through with suspended Standing Orders. The Opposition were quite willing to take the

reply to the address to-morrow night, instead of Friday, but Sir George could not eat enough humble pie to make that arrangement with the leader, Sir W. Fox. Sir W. Fox spoke remarkably well. The principal Government measures announced are not yet printed, but will probably be distributed to-morrow.

Mr Curtis to-day introduced a Resident Magistrates' Court Act Amendment Bill. The object of the Bill is to enable Banks, mining companies, and other incorporate bodies to sue in a Resident Magistrate's Court in the district in which the cause of action arosa, any debtor who resides in another Resident Magistrate's Court district. Owing to a technical difficulty this cannot be done at present by bodies such as are named, though individuals have full power to do so. Mr Reeves gave notice of motion in the House to-day that 5a a ton be charged on all imported coal. -Mr Fox gave notice of motion—" That the Government lay on the table at as early a date as possible reports of the interviews between Ministers, Te Whiti, fiiroki, and Winiata at Parihaka and Te Kopua ; also, copies of any invitations to be present at such meetings ; also, copies of any letters sent to the Premier or Native Minister by settlers in Taranaki district.

Mr Tole gave notice to ask the Government why the reprint of statutes was not made in accordance with tho Act of last session.

Mr Morris gave notico to ask the Defence Minister what arms the Volunteers of the Sjuth. Island are armed with, and to move, if breechloaders, that they should be given to the settlers of Taranaki.

Mr Jackson delivered his maiden speech to-day on a subject connected with the West Coast road in Wellington district, with which he is well acquainted. Ho is a slow hesitating speaker, but his matter was good, and he will doubtless improve with practice.