PARLIAMENTARY,

Kumara Times, Issue 2980, 21 May 1886, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY,

THE NEW HEBRIDES QUESTION. THE GOLD DUTY. RATE OF BORROWING AND SPENDING. HOT MEALS AT BELLAMY'S. The following were the chief points of the lengthy resolutions submitted to the House by Sir George Grey on Wednesday afternoon : "That New Zealand has no power or right to agree to any of the New Eebrides being taken possession of by any foreign Power, and will not, directly or iudirectly, assent to any such action, which she believes would be cruel and immoral. " That having no right to sanction such seizure or occupation of the New Hebrides she will neither claim nor accept any equivalent or concession in return for what she conceives would be an unjust act. "That this House cannot think that ihe necessities of the foreign policy of the British Empire can demand that concessions so unjust to friendly and inoffensive people, as those which are proposed, should be made by Great Britain to any other power, nor can this House understand on what ground a right is attributed to Great Britain to dispose of the lands, the property, and destinies of a friendly people who are ignorant of what is being done. "That this House cannot entertain the proposal of the French Government to the effect, that France will cease the transportation altogether to the Pacific if she is allowed to have the New "Hebrides.

" That a loyal address be presented to the Queen, embodying these resolutions, and praying tha~t her Majesty may take such steps as may prevent the inhabitants of Australia, New Zealand, and the inhabitants of the Pacific from being prejudiced in this matter." The following were the telegrams read by the Premier in the House this evening : The Premier of New Zealand to the Premier of Victoria— "Have you received any cablegrams from your AgentGeneral contradicting or denyin« Renter's telegram that England has refused to consent to the cession of the New Hebrides?—May 19, 1886—Hon. R. Stout. Wellington." New Hebrides—" No telegram received modifying or denying Reuter. Ou the contrary, the telegraphic advices from our Agent-General are distinctly confirmntory.—J. C. Thomas (in the absence of the Premier), Melbourne.— Hon. Premier, Wellington." The following is the telegram from the Agent-General: —"London, May 18.—Had long conversation with Secretary of State for- Colonies of very satisfactory character. He stated that her Majesty's Government adhered to pledge to colonies, and so informed French Ambassadors from the first. French proposals too impoitanfc to decline (? decide) without direct reference to colonies. French Ambassador now privately informed no prospect of assenting. Official reply to him will await receipt of offiewl despatches from colonies. (Signed), Graham Ke.yry, Agent-General, A. E. Thomas, for Premier, Melbourne." [From our Exchanges.] The Hon. Mr Larnach informed Mr Guinness on Wednesday that Government intend introducing a Bill to abolish the gold duty at the rate of sixpence per ounce per annum till it ia totally abolished. Mr Seddon yesterday presented a petition to Parliament from Albert H. Russell, of Brunnerton, in which the' petitioner desired recognition for services rendered during the Maori War. A report has been revived that ti pronounced difference of opinion exists m the Cabinet between Mr Stout and Sir Julius Vogel, as to the desirable rate of borrowing and spending ; but that Mr Stout is resolved to adhere to his own views as communie.ted at Invercargill, and to have them carried out. It is generally believed that Mr Stout will enforce his views, and that a moderate policy will prove to he tho one finally adopted. Mr Scotland's notice of motion ihit hot meals at Bellamy's shall be pro. liibited has excited , U ;, c j, ridicule, and.

it is broadly hinted that the "cold drinks" at Bellamy's do far more lnirni to hon. members than " hot meals." May people think that a prohibition of the former luxuries might not be a bad move.