Notes and Events.

Manawatu Herald, 14 July 1894, Page 3

Notes and Events.

■' Though I cannot congratulato you either upon an abundant harvest or upon high prices to be obtained for the colony's staple products, 1 nevertheless think that the position of New Zealand affords matter for real satisfaction "!! ! This is a portion of the speech Ministers prepared for the Governor to deliver at the opening of Parliament, and in a week's time called upon the House to become security to the extent of two million pounds for the Bank oi New Zealand.

His Excellency the Governor was further made to say, in the same speech " My advisers think that the truest method of safe-guarding your House'B freedom will be found in forms under which members will be free to despatch business with speed and comfort." This hardly tally's with the forcing of Mr Fraser as Sergeant-at-Arms upon the House, nor did the freedom and comfort of the Government supporters appear altogether apparent in being forced to vote as the Premier ordered. However, like the Bank of New Zealand business, Ministers may have been quite unaware of what was likely to occur.

Mr Montgomery, the gentleman who moved the Address~in-Reply evidently had some idea of what troubles were in store for us, as amongst the assets of this colony be included the scenery, and felt sure it would become a practical one. This is good news to those who lend us money, as scenery seems to be the only unencumbered asset the Government have left, and if much more is said about it they will find a tax for it to assist the unemployed, or to make a billet for a supporter. The unfortunate gentleman not only believed New Zealand the most beautiful but also the most prosperous colony of the Southern Hemisphere. And then be stopped.

Mr G. W. Russell, M.H.R., is a practical printer and in the debate on reporting debates and printing made some useful suggestions. He said he understood that the Hansard reporters type-write tbe whole of the speeches, for the bent-fit of the compositors. He thought if members would rtad these type-written

proofs before going to the printer and revise them, there should be no difficulty and much expense would be saved. It seems very feasible.