IN THE HOUSE.

Patea Mail, 23 July 1881, Page 3

IN THE HOUSE.

FROM OUR PARLIAMENTARY CORRESPONDENT. Wellington, Tuesday. The great debate of the session set in last night with surprising suddenness. Most members thought the Local Government question was to be fought on Mr Sheehan’s motion for restoring Provinces. But Mr Ormond played his own game with quiet effect. He struck in with an amendment which amounted to “ no confidence.” The Premier accepted the challenge, and then the war of words rather than of principles began. SHEEHAN AND GREY. The Government scheme does not give entire satisfaction to the majority of their supporters, if one may judge by the remarks made in the lobbies. Sir George Grey’s measure has not added to his fame as a statesman, and his most ardent admirers express themselves as not in accord with the views he has promulgated. Mr Sheehan has fixed a shot in proposing the repeal of the Abolition of Provinces Act. His proposal caused at first consternation on both sides, but it is now regarded, in view of the elections, as putting the issue fairly before the country. Mr Sheehan assured me, before this debate began, that in the present disorganized state of parties it was impossible to fairly debate the whole questiohj but’through his motion he hoped to I’aise distinct Issues for the general election. Mr ’ Ormond however, has raised the issue in his own way, and the present debate bannot last loss than a week. LICENSING. The Licensing Bill has been committed, recommitted, and. repeatedly hacked and re-hacked about, .The Dunedin members have succeeded in having restored to the Bill, with the help of government, their favorite bottle license. The barmaids through their champion, Mr Jones, one of the members for Oamaru, have gained a victory over Sir William Eox,' their working being left as at present. It is reported a conference of barmaids will shortly be commenced in Wellington with the object of raising funds for the purpose of presenting Mr Jones with a fitting testimonial in appreciation of his able advocacy of their cause. Sir William Fox during the discussion’ of the question, wisely refrained from entering into the controversy. So long as no attempt was made to alter the clause providing for the election of the Licensing Committee he appeared to be wholly satisfied. The bill has run the gauntlet of the third reading, but it is expected to undergo considerable alteration in the Upper House, as several members of that august body have expressed total dissent from the elective principle introduced by Sir William Fox. PROVINCIAL JEALOUSIES. There was a little scene-in the Lower House on Thursday evening. Mr Horace Bastings was in charge of a Bill dealing with the Otago Education reserves. Mr Sheeham criticised the’ measure, stating that it was an attempt to sell the reserves for the purpose of expending the money so raised locally, instead of for the benefit of the colony generally; Several members having expressed views in the Wake of Mr Sheehan , and there being a danger of the Bill being lost, : Mr Sbrimski rose pallid with rage. He remarked' that since he had been a member of the House, he had given a consistent support to the Opposition, but he found that a section of the Auckland members with whom ihe was politically allied,' invariably opposed any measure which was for the benefit of Otago. He therefore had made-up his mind to cut his connection with the Opposition, and “s’help his Jehovah” from that time forward he would be an independent member; Ministerial cheers followed this declaration. Messrs Moss and Sheehan afterwards sought to heal the wounded member’s feelings, but they were unable. The scene wound up by Mr Bastings moving that progress be reported, to enable the Premier to move the adjournment of the House to permit of nfembers attending the Governor’s ball. When the Premier moved the adjournment of the House, Mr Vincent Pyke rose and protested against the business • of the country being delayed by members who wished to “kick their heels” at Government House. The House divided on the motion when 14 followed Mr Pyke into the “ no ” lobby. The others “ kicked their heels.” • THE GOVERNOR’S LITTLE COURT. Whether Sir Arthur heard, of the “ dia; loyalty” of certain hpn. members, and stood on his dignity or desiring to ape Royal usages, Icannot say, _ but it is a

notorious fact that those who did attend the kick-up at Government House do not express a desire to become His Excellency’s guests often. The guests,on arrival were shewn into the,drawing room, and there waited until Captain Knolley’s announced “ His Excellency the Governor,” Sir Arthur entered in a most dignified manner, bowed to those present in ultra-regal style, and then retired, leaving bis aide-de-camp to do the honors of the evening. )h fact, it was remarked, by those who attended, that they were not sure whether they were the guests of His Excellency or Captain Knolley’s. The “refreshment” department would certainly be approved of by the Knight of Rangitikei, and it was amusing to see those' who could claim entree to Bellamy’s wending their way at intervals to refresh the inner man. The rooms were hot and crowded, and those wfio were wise did hot stay until midnight. RAILWAY , INQUIRY. r Mr Oliver was rather severely handled when his, motion .to obtain a committee to enquire into the management of our railways was being discussed. Member after member rose and, pooh-pbohed the necessity of such a . committee on the grounds that owing to other work it wpuld be. impossible for the committee to do its work effectually, and that if.the Government paid no heed to th,e recommendation of the Royal,. Commission and other Committees formed for a like object they would not give effect to any report brought up by such a Committee. Mr Fisher, the member for the Buffer in a speech in which he adversely criticises the whole of our railway system, remarked that while we boasted of obtaining about 4 per cent, on our railways, he feared that this result was brought about by neglecting to keep the rolling-stock in proper repair, and that at present it was in a most disgraceful condition—a remark which was echoed by the House, and which made the Premier, Who has this* department under bis control, look far from uncomfortable, A JOLLY LEGISLATOR. Writing of the railway debate reminds me of a scene which caused some remark qn the Wellington railway platform, on Saturday. A member of the Legislature whose boast is that he. travels by train more than any other member of the House was to be seen wending his way about 3 o’clock with unsteady gait from Bellamy’s to the railway station. On reaching the platform, the ground proved treacherous, and the lion, gentlemen was soon to be seen floundering in the mud. On rising from his unenviable position-, it was to be perceived his face had . come in contact, with mother earth, causing ejaret to flow profusely, ami the plight he was in was almost indeicrebable; A good natured porter went to his assistance and, as well as he was able, removed traces of the sad mishap and placed him in the corner of a carriage, where until he arrived at the end of his journey he could consider whether his extraordinary tumble was caused by a local earthquake.