Parliamentary Notes.

Manawatu Herald, 29 June 1893, Page 2

Parliamentary Notes.

The caucus of the Government Party at Parliamentary Buildings on Tuesday morning was characterised by great enthusiasm, and was recognised by all present as an unqualified success. The Premier, who was in the chair, made an interesting statement of the future policy of the Government, the programme being accepted as moderate and progressive. The most important declaration was that referring to Native legislation, which is to be of an important character, in the direction of opening up Native lands for settlement. The opinion was oxpressed that the measures suggested would go far towards solving this difficult question. In the discussion concerning the re-constituted Ministry, Mr O'Conor urged that Sir Robert Stout should be included in the Cabinet, and that he would be a tower of strength to the Government ; but as it was the opinion of the caucus that Mr Seddon should retain the Premiership, the susgestion was not favourably received. Though no formal resolution was passed, the decision of the party was that the present Premier had earned his honours, and should remain in the place of leader. Sir R. Stout did not attend the caucus.

The member for Waipawa, Mr W. C. Smith, gave notice on Tuesday of the following motion : — ' That in the opinion of this House the totalisator should be abolished, and that the Government be requested to bring in a Bill to give effect to this resolution.' Mr Duthie intends to move for a return showing the number of permits issued for the totalisator during the year. — N.Z. Times.

Mr Taylor's Coroner's Inquests Bill is similar to that which passed the Lower House during the session before last, but was mutilated in the Council. The scale of payment, has, however, been altered. It is proposed to pay jurymen traveling more than two miles to an inquest, and in attendance for four hours, 6 s a day ; where the attendance is for less than four hours, 3s Gd. Where a juryman has to travel less than two miles, it is proposed to pay him at the rate of 3s Gd for under four hours, and -Is Gd for over four hours attendance. — Post.