PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2296, 12 August 1881, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

[Be Telegraph,] [PBOSI THE OWN CORRESPONDENT OF THE “ PRESS.”] WELLINGTON, August 11. There is no political gossip stirring to day, and no new papers of interest wore laid on the table. Only private members’ business was dealt with in the House, which presented an aspect of unexampled dullness. Hardly at any time during the day has a quorum of members been present, and the galleries have been almost entirely empty. There is a complete lull just now while members are talking over the Representation Bill and endeavoring to organise sides on the question. So far as present appearancea go the Bill is likely to be carried by the weight of members of the large districts which are to have increased representation, but there will be great fighting in committee, and perhaps many alterations, before it is finally settled. The Auckland members have not met again since their former meeting. They have been waiting in hope of forming an alliance with the Wellington, Nelson, and Westland members against what is deemed the undue preponderance of Canter, bury and Otago. Still, as Nelson and Westland go directly against the population basis or representation because they will lose several members by its adoption, while Wellington supports it because it will gain a member that way, and would not on any other principle, and Auckland accepts population principles provided that the Maoris oro included, as that would enable them to claim increased representation, it is hard to see how any agreement is to be arrived at among such incongruous elements. There is no sign yet of the Bill, or of the Railway Construction Bill, but both are said to be nearly ready. Members still expect to bring the session to a close about the first week in September, but I fancy it will not be earlier than the 15th, unless these two Bills, both so pregnant with material for debate, pass witn unprecedented celerity. The Customs Tariff and Property Tax Amendment Bills are also expected to furnish food for much discussion, it not obstruction. However, it is not improbable that members’ anxiety to get away and prepare for the coming election may induce them to expedite matters. The committee on the Church of England Trusts Incorporation Bill report that the promoters have intimated their desire to withdraw the Bill. The committee add the following:—“Application has, however, been made to the committee to recommend that the Bill be suspended, and proceeded with from its present stage at the next session of Parliament, The committee can find no precedent to guide them in recommending to the House that such a course should bo pursued, and can only suggest that leave bo given to the promoters to withdraw their Bill.”