PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1752, 1 October 1879, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

[Br Tbleobaph.] WELLINGTON, September 30. It is asserted positively by the Opposition that Major Te Wheoro will vote with them, but will not explain the sudden conversion. The Government seem to have straightened Tainui, and are now devoting all their energies to bring over Mr Masters. Notwithstanding all the asseverations of Ministers that the Government have a good majority, they privately admit to-night that tht-y believe they are in a minority of ono. This is a leluctant admission.

It is hinted that if Sir G. Grey is defeated he will not resign, but will replace Messrs Fisher, Thomson, and Gisborne||by new men, and tell the House that, although they had no faith in the Ministry as constituted, they ought to have every confidence in the new Ministry. But it is also said, on good authority, that, should Sir G. Grey fail to resign, the Governor will dismiss him. Gushing admirers of Sir G. Grey reply, " Let him! that's all we want, and he will be the last Governor New Zealand will ever see "

It is reported to-day that Mr Ballance declined to speak to Sir G. Grey. Mr Balance's rote, howeyor, is safe for the party. In the House to-day Mr Seymour gave notice to ask the Government whether they will take Bteps to compel keepers of lodginghouses to make provision for the preservation of life in case of fire. The same member will move for land tax returns distinguishing between counties and boroughs. Mr Ormond has given notice of motion for the appointment of a committee of inquiry into the expenditure for Native purposes in excess of different votes, specifying the class of each item, and the cost of Maori meetings attended by representatives of the Government.

Tomoana gave notice that] the debates be printed in Maori. Mr Dick is to ask what steps have been taken by the Government in accordance with a resolution passed in a previous session that the Government steamers be sold.

Mr Wakefield gave notice to ask the Government whother they intend to collect the Land Tax for the entire year, when the Aot only makes the tax due half-yearly. By telegraph, the Government induced Mr McCaughan's proposer and seconder to wire to him asking him to vote with the Ministry, but he replied that he had been elected as an independent member, not as a delegate, and would therefore use his own judgment. It is reported that Mr Masters' partner sent a telegram from the West Coast stating that urgent private business required his presence, but Mr Masters refuses to budge until after tbe division.

Mr Studholme to-day presented a petition from the Waimate settlers with reference to the survey of land for occupation, and asking that it be exempt from Land Tax until the surveys are executed. Mr Johnston asked the Minister of Lands what blocks of Crown lands in the district of Canterbury had been set aside for sale on deferred payments under the Land Act of 1877, what was the estimated area of such blocks, the dates of proclamations setting them aside, and the number of settlers located on such blocks. Mr Thomson replied that the total area is 7303 acree, the proclamation sotting this aside was dated 30th October, 1878. He was sorry to state that only two allotments were taken up, having an area of 320 acres. This was owing to the rather poor nature of the land. The free selection system prevailed all along in the province of Canterbury, and the greater part or almost the whole of the good land had been taken up. The land now in the hands of Government was of inferior quality, but he hoped these lands and others would be occupied. In moving the address in reply, Mr Andrews fpoke for nearly an hour. The speech was almost wholly confined to the text of the address in reply. He spoke clearly, but with restraint, referring frequently to notes, and making awkward pauses. He was patiently listened to, and made on the whole a favourable impression, though he displayed no originality of thought or ability. He is considered a very fair specimen of a working man's representative. Mr Hurst's speech, in seconding, was a mere anticipation of a speech, which would be more appropriately delivered on the amendment.