PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1973, 21 June 1880, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

[By Telegraph. I fJFBOM OUB OWK COBBBSPONDBNT.] WELLINGTON, June 19. A report is being industriously circulated that in consequence of the very strong report made by the Civil Service Commission, the startling disclosures made, and the sweeping reforms recommended, Government have become much alarmed at the vast magnitude and repugnant nature of the task opening out before them, and have therefore determined that the Commission shall close its labours with the present report, making that their final deliverance, and not proceeding any further with their investigations, I have authority, however, for stating that there is no foundation for any nuch | rumour, in fact public feeling is so strongly roused by |the revelations in the report, that no Ministry, even if inclined to do so, could venture to burke full and exhaustive dealing with the matter. The Commissioners' report will be sharply criticised in several respects, and both their statements and deductions directly challenged. Mr Barron has not been appointed whip for the Opposition as reported. It is understood that Mr Seymour George has consented to retain the position he has hitherto filled, and that Major Harris assist s him. The Eire Brigades Bill, introduced by Mr Stevens, provides that the duty of extinguishing fires in cities and boroughs should be entrusted to the City Councils. They may establish Eire Brigades, accept service of salvage corps, fire police, etc., and levy a special rate for fire purposes not exceeding Id in the pound for any one year, Insurance Companies insuring in the borough are to pay to the Council one-third of the amount disbursed by the latter for fire prevention; provided that the payment so made by the companies should not exceed a rate of 1£ per cent, of the premiums received in respect of property in the city during the year, le3s re-insurance. Penalties are provided for interference with the fire brigades, for damaging property in their charge, for allowing chimnies to catch fire, and for an Insurance Company neglecting to furnish a statement under the Act.