PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1985, 5 July 1880, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

[Br Tblbgbaph.] PpBOM OTJB OWN 00BBB8P0NDBNT.] WELLINGTON, July 3. A caucus of Ministerial supporters was held this morning in the parliamentary buildings, to decide on some basis upon whioh the estimates should be considered in Committee of Supply, and to what extent they should be reduced. Most of the Government party were present, the Auckland four being amongst tho few absentees. The members were asked to express their views on the subject, and various opinions were given. Nothing definite, however, was come to, and the caucus adjourned after discussing the matter two hours, till Monday next, when it is expected that some fixed basis of action will be agreed upon. It was decided not to publish the discussion whioh took place. Both tho Hon. J. Hall and Major Atkinson, I hear, intimated the willingness of the Government to adopt any feasible suggestions, and their desire to receive all possible assistance in tho shape of suggestions from members. I hear that the reaoonß that the Auckland four were absent were as follows :—Mr Reader Wood and Mr Swanson vow that they will not attend any more caucuses, having got into such hot water over former ones, and Messrs Hurst and Colbeck, I believe, think that they will be in a more independent position and able to make better t ermo with the Government for their district by holding aloof and assuming somewhat the attitude of free lanceß. In the meantime there is no symptom of further Opposition obstruction, bub it is hinted that several attempts Hwill be mado to try the Government in skirmish rather than in battle on the Native Bills and on other matters. Rumors are beginning to circulate about the Representation Bill, but the Government will give no information on the matter. The Members of the General Assembly Bill, introduced by Mr Seddon, provides for the payment of £2lO per session for eaoh member of the House of Representatives residing more than three miles from the place of meeting, and £57 to those residing within three miles. Legislative Councillors living outside of the three mile limit are to receive £IOO per session, and those within that radius nil. Proportionate deductions are to be made for absence, provided that it be not caused by illness. Actual travelling expenses are also to be allowed, and all payments are to be made out of the consolidated fund on the Speaker's certificate, and no honorarium is to be paid to Ministers, or to the Speaker, or Chairman of Committees of either House.

Mr McCaughan will ask the Government on Tuesday next whether they intend bringing in a Bill to disfranchise the Civil Service and other employes of the Government. The same day Mr Saunders will inquire under what circumstances James White, who gave evidence before the Civil Service Commission at Christchurch, was afterwards dismissed without notice from his employment by order of the South Island Bail way Commissioner.