PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1981, 30 June 1880, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

[By Telegraph.] [prom our own correspondent.] WELLINGTON, Juno "29, The Public Petitions committee have reported on several petitions against the Licensing Bill and the Municipal Corporations Amendment Bill, that as these Bills are now before the House they decline to make any recommendations regarding the petitions. Mr McDonald’s Native Law Suits Bill has just been distributed. It is a measure to make provision for the determination of Native law suits commenced in the Supreme Court. The Governor in Council is empowered to appoint by commission a Judge of the Supremo Court, who shall have jurisdiction to try all cases of dispute between Europeans and Maoris in regard to rights and titles to lands on the Bast Coast ; all suits at present existing may be continued or completed. Another attempt to remove the seat of Government to Christchurch will be made this session. It will be recollected that in 1878 Mr Shrimski moved a resolution to this effect, and carrying it created considerable surprise. The adoption of such an “ instruction ” from the House was out of the question on several grounds. It is probable that if the question is again brought forward it will bo in the form of a petition from the House, praying his Excellency to cause to be placed upon the estimates a sum of money for the purpose of holding the next session in Christchurch. The Goldfields Committee of the House intend to recommend the constitution of a department of mines for the colony on the ground that the present management of the goldfields is unsatisfactory, owing to the work being added to the duties of a Minister already overburdened, and it is therefore suggested that a readjustment of portfolios in this respect is desirable. Mr Moss, M.H.R., was nearly placed in a position yesterday which would have prevented him recording his vote upon the no-confidence debate. In crossing Bowen street, at the junction with Lambton quay, an express suddenly came round the corner and knocked the hon. gentleman over, the wheel grazing his leg and leaving a severe bruise. The member for Parnell had a narrow escape from a serious accident.

The Press Association telegram with reference to the acceptance of Mr Faloon’s tender for reclamation works in Auckland is evidently sent under a misapprehension. The “ Post ” has authority for stating that Mr Falcon's tender, which is only for the sea walls and culverts of the work which the Government intend to proceed with at present, is considerably the lowest. The no-oonfidonoe debate to-day has been more dreary than ever. Mr Speight started at a quarter-past three, and spoke for two hours. Mr Fulton followed him, and then Major Te Wheoro, Messrs Gibbs, Tawhai,_and Mr Andrews is now (10 p.m.) speaking. All have been very dull, and the interest has flagged greatly. The political situation is unchanged, although all sorts of canards are freely invented and circulated, but almost immediately contradicted. Several more members on both sides intend to speak, but it is intended that, if possible, Major Atkinson shall close the debate to-morrow, and the division will then be taken. If so, it appears certain that the Government will win by a large majority. The tug of war may then be expected to come. It is rumored that Ministers have promised to reduce the Estimates by £150,000. A long meeting of the Executive Council was held at Government House to-day, the Governor presiding. The business mainly related to matters of official routine.

There are no fewer than twenty-eight Bills now on the order paper of the House of Representatives for second readings, and fifteen more for committal. Parliament has its work cut out even apart from financial, public works, and other troublesome questions. The Native Commission’s report is complete, but the evidence is not yet printed, and the whole is not expected to bo available before the end of next week.