PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2024, 19 August 1880, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

[By Tbleqbaph.J

[pbom ode own coeeespondent.] WELLINGTON, August 18.

Constant obstruction is still the first order of the day in Parliament. On every motion for going into Committee of Supply, a long irrelevant debate invariably ensues, the result being that nothing practical is done till late at night, or rather early in the morning. The Opposition have apparently been encouraged to persevere in this course by the evident anxiety of the Government to bring the session to a close. The result is that a very strong and bitter feeling of irritation is being engendered on both side, which, unless means can he found! to soothe it, may lead to the indefinite protraction of the session. All the members are really desirous of getting away, but the Opposition, seeing the wish of Ministers to get the session over, are now taking up the ground of being perfectly ready to sacrifice their own time and convenience in order to get through public business. The members of the Opposition are about to make a presentation of a time-piece and accompanying ornaments to Major Harris, M.H.R, in acknowledgment of his services to his party. The time piece, which is of white marble decorated with purple and gold, bears the following inscription on a gold plate : “ Major B. Harris, M.H.R., in recognition of his political services, from the members of the Liberal party in the House of Representatives, 1880.” I hear that the Government have cancelled the circular announcing the ten per cent, reduction so far as applies to pensions on legal advice that this could not be enforced.

It is rumored that a certain commissioner who gave some highly interesting and instructive evidence before the Native Royal Commission, is supposed to be the hero of the curious story recently published by the correspondent of the“ Wanganui Herald,” regarding a certain telegram addressed in Maori to Sir G. Grey, which he professed not to understand, and handed over to the Native Minister. _ If so, the whole affair is eminently characteristic of the great proconsul.