PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2243, 10 June 1881, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

[By Telegraph.]

[FBOU THE OWN COEEESPOKDENT OF THE

WELLINGTON, June 9,

A few minutes after two o’clock the Governor entered the Legislative Council, quite appalling all spectators by the gorgeousness of his attire and majesty of his demeanour, His Excellency wore over his Windsor uniform the magnificent blue and crimson mantle of the Grand Cross of St. Michael and St. George, the train of which extended far in his rear, and was borne by his young son, dressed as a page, in the proper colors of the Order. His Excellency advanced in a very slow and dignified manner, bowing low on each side as he approached the throne, where he seated himself with his bead covered. The speech being handed to him by the Attorney-General, he at once commenced to read, but had only uttered the words—- “ Honorable Legislative Councillors,” when he became aware that the members of the Lower House had not yet arrived, so he paused with an air of annoyance while Oapt, Knollys, A.D.C., rushed frantically out to hurry the advent of the tardy representatives. They came in at last in the usual pell-mell manner, Sir George Grey among them, for the first time on record. The Governor then read the speech with singularly clear, distinct, and impressive enunciation, especially the last three paragraphs, which are regarded as his own special composition. Every word was distinctly audible. He then retired in a manner similar to his entrance, and the usual salutes were fired, &c, Lady Gordon was not present, but there was a very large attendance of ladies and crowds of small children, who blocked up half the gallery—a circumstance which excited unfavorable comment on the defective arrangements, which permitted the admission of babes and sucklings to the exclusion of many adults, who could not obtain admittance owing to the crush. Immediately on the return of members to the House of Representatives, Sir G. Grey rose and drew attention to a question of privilege, complaining that members were not provided with seats while in the Upper House, but were compelled to stand all the time. He asked the Government to appoint a committee to consider the matter. The Premier, with effective irony, said that the question raised by Sir G. Grey was too momentous for Ministers to deal with on the spot. So serious a matter required ample consideration, and ought not to bo discussed except on due notice of motion. Sir G. Grey said ha was satisfied, and sat down, while the House roared. The Premier then got off another little joke. He, with extreme gravity and importance of manner, gave notice of the introduction of a Bill to provide for Local Government—[A long pause and the keenest interest excited] —“ In the Chatham Islands.” [Roars of laughter.] The Bill merely provides for New Zealand Acts being made applicable to the Ohathamsby Order in Council, Sir Q. Grey gave notices of motion of papers, &e., concerning Paterero, and also relative to Government advertisements in other than daily papers. This is understood to apply to non-advertising in the Wairarapa “Standard,” in the welfare of which journal he is known to take a deep interest. Mr Hutchison also gave notice of a long string of popularity-hunting questions about Chinese immigration, seamen’s unions, lunatic asylums, prison labor, and so forth. General papers were laid on the table, including the Civil list account for 1881, amounting to £28,075, of which £7730 represents Ministers’ salaries as reduced by 20 per cent.; also papers respecting the appointment of Sir P. Dillon Bell as Agent-General, and the unauthorised expenditure for the past year amounting to £57,420 for the Consolidated Fund and £34,134 for the Public Works Fund, total £01,554; also papers relating to Sir J. Togel’s resignation, and claims respecting the inscription of loans “and conversion of stock. It has been decided that Mr Collins, the new member for Nelson suburbs, shall

more the address in reply, but it is not yet known who seconds. So few members have arrived that it is premature to hazard any guesses as to the position of parties beyond what have been previously telegraphed. The House sits to morrow on formal business, and will then adjourn till Tuesday. I hear that the Licensing, Charitable, and other necessary domestic Bills are likely to be first introduced, and pushed as fast as possible to clear the way for the Representation Bill, &o.