Parliamentary.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 961, 16 July 1881, Page 2

Parliamentary.

[from our own correspondent]. Wellington, July 14. The Government proposals re Local Government fell very flat in the House, they being only a rehash of last year’s policy. Sir George Grey, who made a splendid speech, gave a sketch of his proposals, which mean forming the colony into twenty provinces, with fullest power of local government, the General Government only retaining the Customs and general management of the country. This proposed new Constitution only contains 25 clauses ; so far as they are explained, they are looked on as impractical. The debate is adjourned to next Tuesday, when Ormond, Wood, and others are expected to announce their ideas. Yesterday, discussions in the House were not of interest. The debate on railway management occupied the afternoon. Mr Olliver tried to get a committee to enquire into the management, but the members who were proposed to form the committee, stating it would be time thrown away, the mover withdrew the motion. On a motion by Mr M‘Donald a return was laid on the table, showing the acreage of lands in the possession of the Crown in the East Coast Electoral districts. The division of the East Coast Electoral districts will give a member to Poverty Bay. M'Donald, at the evening sitting, moved the second reading of the Native Lands Act, 1873, Amendment Act, and urged on the House the importance of passing the Bill so as to facilitate land passing through the Native Land Court to be shortly held in Gisborne. Te Whero asked that the second reading be postponed, as the Bill had not been translated into Maori. The Native Minister also urged the postponement as he desired that the Government should further study how it would affect their Native policy ; the second reading was according!}- postponed for a fortnight. A little “ scene “ occurred in the discussion on the Otago Education Reserves Bill. Mr Sheehan pointed out that the Bill would make the proceeds of sales Otago revenue. Mr Shrimski jumped up excitedly, and said that

a section of the Auckland members always opposed Otago measures. He had always supported the Opposition, but henceforth he would be an independent member, and cut the opposition side of the House, so help his Great Jehovah. The Ministerial party cheered : Sheehan and M< ss tried ineffectually to soothe Shrimski’s feelings. The House adjourned shortly before 9, so as to allow members to attend the Governor’s Ball. This afternoon business Was tame. The only discussion was on the motion of Mr Jones, asking Government to lay on the table letters, confidential or otherwise, of the Inspector of Prisons ; the Government declined on the ground that it would be injurious to the public service. July 15. Mr Sheehan to-day, amidst cheers, gave notice to bring in a Bill to repeal the Abolition of Provinces Act. Mr Wright gave notice of motion that railway’charges in .the colony are excessive, and ought to be reduced. Major Atkinson read a cable message from the Agent-,General, in which the latter said “I hate received the Actuarial report to-day : the finances of the Government Assurances are declared tQ be sound, with a surplus £77,000.” This was pronounced ns beiiqMK very good result, and it was recomnienilHH £60,000 should be divided as bonuses. Tlu> Actuaries give great credit to the management of the department. The House all the afternoon wds in Committee on the Licensing Bill. The clause re barmaids, and wife or i daughters of publicans not being allowed to be in the bar after ten o’clock at night, was struck out. It is understood that Ministerial measures, relating to local Government, will be five in number ; they comprise : —l—Crown and Native Lands Rating. 2—Road Construction. 3—Counties Act Amendment. 4— Road Boards Amendment Acts. s—Another providing for the delegation of certain powers. A strong but ineffectual attempt was made to-day to excise the clause in the Licensing Bill, making it illegal to sell liquor in Native districts.