PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1992, 13 July 1880, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

[By Telegraph.] [from ode own correspondent.] WELLINGTON, July 12. I understand that Mr Bryce will probably introduce the Peace Preservation Bill tomorrow. It has been in course of preparation for some time by Mr Bryce and the Attorney General, and it is necessary that it should be passed before the 28th instant, when the present powers for dealing with the Maori prisoners cease. I hear that the Bill will provide for tho further detention of the Native prisoners, if deemed necessary, for the preservation of the peace of the colony, and within certain limits, until it shall bo considered safe to release them. I believe it will also authorise Government to detain those ploughmen who were first tried and sentenced to a term of imprisonment, which has now nearly expired, or rather to release them only by degrees, a few at a time, until it is ascertained how far their release may bo attended without danger. I cannot vouch absolutely for the accuracy of this, as Ministers are very wary on the subject, and not disposed to disclose the provisions of the Bill until before the House, especially as it is likely to create considerable opposition from the other side of the House. A strong attack will be made on the measure by tho Opposition, on tho ground of hardship in keeping these prisoners in custody without trial or conviction. It is not improbable also that the question of title may be raised and the old confiscation dispute revived. A rumor has found currency that Dr. Lemon is to bo the head of the amalgamated

j ostal and telegraphic department, and is to be entrusted with the work of amalgamation and reorganisation. So far as I can ascertain this has arisen from the fact that he is senior officer to both Mr Gray, Secretary of the Postoffice, and Mr Meginnity Secretary of Telegraphs, therefore prima facie would be entitled to precedence, but I believe nothing is yet definitely settled, the whole subject being still under consideration, and the only thing certain is tho fact that the proposed amalgamation will be carried out.

Anxious inquiries are being made about the Representatives Bill, and its accompanying map showing the proposed boundaries of the new districts. It was reported to-day that the map had been actually completed, and finally approved by Government. This I find to be incorrect. A map has been compiled by Mr McKorrow, Surveyor-General, in such a way as to distribute districts on tho principle understood to be favored by Government, viz, constituencies each returning a single member, and numbering about 5000 voters for town districts and 4000 for country districts; the boundaries to bo, so far as possible, coterminous with existing boroughs or counties or road districts, as the case may bo. I am assured, however, that this is merely a proposal submitted to Ministers, and that tho matter is still under consideration, so that it would be premature to make any definite statement.

It is rumored that large reductions are impending in tho Constabulary Department, with a view of economy. These are said to include lowering tho pay by 6d a day, but this will not apply to town police. I hear that a number of the higher officers will bo materially reduced, leaving only ono superintendent and two inspectors for each island ; also that the Armed Constabulary will bo reduced by over 200 so soon as this can safely be done. Thera is no nows of any consequence from the Waimate Plains and Parihaka. Wet weather continues to impede operations, but steady progress is being made whenever weather permits, both with roadmaking and the survey of tho Plains for settlement. It is reported that directly the sale of the Plains is attempted, legal proceedings will be taken to stay tho sale until tho title is satisfactorily proved, and the validity of confiscation clearly established in a court of law. It is stated that Rewi has offered to take charge of tho Maori prisoners and become responsible for their safe custody, if Government ‘will transfer their care to him, but from what I can learn, there is not the remotest chance of this offer being accepted ; obviously it would be a mere farce, as such a guarantee could never bo enforced.

Tho Rating Amendment Bill and Local Public Works Bill are not circulated, but I hoar they will embody the precise proposals made by Major Atkinson in his Financial Statement, without any modification. That is to say, the Rating Amendment Bill will give power to levy rates up to two shillings in the £, or more as a special rate, and the other Bill will provide for the establishment of the Local Public Works Board, to exercise the functions specified in the original proposal. I anticipate that Mr Oliver’s Public Works Statement will disclose tho views of the Government as to the revision of the tariff of railway charges. A revised tariff is being carefully compiled, and probably will be based on the same principle as that to be applied to unprofitable telegraph offices, that is, charges will be increased sufficiently to make the lines pay. For instance, on "political railways” and other lines which do not pay, or barely pay working expenses, fares and freights will bo raised by increased mileage being reckoned, as has been done for some time on the Wellington railway, where several miles extra are added nominally to actual distances, and charges increased proportionately, in order to make up the additional expense of working the Rimutaka incline. A similar plan will be adopted, I believe, on all the more difficult lines, and it is confidently expected that in this way our railways can be made to pay 4 or 5 per cent, instead of per cent. The change on the Wellington line caused hardly any grumbling, and has proved very successful. Mr Murray has given notice that he will ask Government to-morrow whether in the reduction of salaries they will include salaries under permanent Acts and pensions, more especially if such pensions be drawn by habitual absentees. It is thought probable that Mr Hamerton, the present Secretary for Stamps, will receive tho vacant appointment of Public Trustee, to be held in connection with his present appoint • ment at a trifling increase in salary (raised probably only from £550 to £600), as the duties of trustee are merely nominal, and are mostly performed by tho chief clerk. In this way a saving of fully £750 would be tho effect.