WELLINGTON.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 222, 17 September 1881, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

(From our own correspondent.) [By Telegraph.] Friday, II p.m. A large number of members were present today at the conveyance of the remains of the latßMrMoorhouse,M.H R , from his residence to the steamer. All the shipping and public buildings had their flags at half-mast and their was a numerous attendance of the leading citizens. The Artillery, of which deceased had been Captain, attended in uniform, but as deceased was cot a Volunteer, at tbe time of bis death thero was no military demonstration on board and the Volunteers did not carry arms. The Public Petitions Committee reported thf* evening on the petition of A, 3. Beriaer,

one of the telegraph operators dismissed and posted for « striking." The report is ris f? v"!u : ~~ " The Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim for compensation as the loss he has sustained bas been brought about by bis own act, but as he has expressed' regret for hia conduct, the Committee recommended that he should be re-appointed on the conditions offered by the Department when any vacancy occurs. (Signed) Thos. Kelly, Chairman ." Ihe following return was tabled to-day on the motion of Mr Barron:— Births registered in the colony in 1877. 16,856; in 1878, 17,770; in 1879, 18,074; in 1880, 19,341. iotal, 72,03?. deaths of children under six

months in 1377, 1103; in IS7S. I0SG; iv 1879, 1407; in ISSO, 1209. Total, 4-95. Number of case 3of successful vaccination registered (children uuder 11 v ars uf r^c) in 1877, 10,746: in 1573, 11,49.5; in 1 879. 1:2,384; in 1800,13,628. Total, 43,233. The business bas beeu rushed through today at an extraordinarily rapid rate. To the general astonishment the Property Assessment Bill passed through all its stages without even a debate, much less BDy opposition, and similarly the Stamp Duties and Succession Duties Eilla passed unopposed and undiscussed. Everythirg is going through at express speed, and ill parties and all the members eeem determined not to sit many days longer. This D-.y 2-15 p.m. The Customs and Excise Duties Bill is just out. It imposes the following import duties : — Bacon and ham twopence per lb ; iron nails two shillings per cwt; ircn tanks, nnder 200 gallons, half a crown each ; jams, jellies, marmalade and preserves, three halfpence per lb ; maize ninepence per 100 lbs, maizena and corn flour one shilling per 100 lbs ; scented and fancy soap 25 per cent ad valorem; wool packs (woo! packed not exceeding 18 by 20 by 30 inches) 15 pence per dczen. The following articles are exempt from Import duty :— Alum, Exes, borax, white and grey calico in piece, carriage material, viz., American cioth, shafta, * pokes, felloes, naves; tack*, chaff, cheesecloth, coiored cotton shirtings, in piece, corduroy cotton (in piece), cotton dress, print?, navy blue, or other similar description in piece, hatchets, hessian, bags, iron wire nettiog, moleskin (in piece), nitric acid, rough brown holland (in piece), sewing cottons, silks and threads, spades, ehovels, and forks, tailors tTimtningß, viz , black and brown canvas, Sileßias, Verona Italian cioth, metal and bone buttons, silk and cotton bindings. An excise duty of one shilling in the pound is imposed on tobacco grown and manufactured in the colony, and eight shillings per gallon on spirits distilled in the colony at proof, these excise duties to remain in force till the 31st December 1886 unless previously altered by Parliament. If increased before tbat date no claim for compensation to be entertained. The Governor in Council may allow drawbacks, but not on spirits, cordials, liquere, bitters, tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, snuff, opium, wine, ground coffee, chicory, spices, perfumery, and jewellery. A penalty of £200 or treble the value and forfeiture of goods is provided for fraudulently claiming a drawback. The Government brought down the amendments in the Representation Bill schedules by message late last night. They only slightly modify the boundaries of a few districts, and do not sffect Nelson. A long debate occurred on the proposed recommittal of the Leaseholders Qualification Bill to Btrike out Sir G. Grey's proviso prohibiting any elector voting in more than two electorates. Ultimately the Bill was recommitted by 25 to 15, bnt the Government are fighting over the proviso. Mr Saunders proposed to substitute "tbree "for "two," and the Premier • consented to report progress to allow Ministers to consider whether they would adopt the suggestion. Stonewalling waß narrowly escaped, and would probably have been attempted had the Government insisted on going on. There was a very thin House, and frequent countings ont. Several members have left already, including Messrs Ormond, Sutton, and "Wood. A speedy prorogation is now probable.