Parliamentary.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 968, 10 August 1881, Page 3

Parliamentary.

[from our own correspondent]. Wellington, August 8. A committee elected at a caucus of Auckland Members waited on the Prime Minister to-day. Mr. Sheehan was spokesman and said he thought the time had fully arrived when more regard should be paid to the Native population, which numbered 45,000, and the committee wished to know what were the Government proposals with regard to representation generally of the North Island. The Premier handed an official plan to Mr. Sheehan, on which was mapped off a Waitotara district, and a division of the East Coast Electoral district. The Premier admitted that there was some force in the application made as regarding Natives, but could not see how anything could be done without defrauding the South of some members. Mr. Sheehan urged an increase of members for the whole Colony. A caucus of Wellington members will be held to-morrow, to support the movement re representation made by the northern members. Sir George Grey’s attempt to send the estimates to a select committee, consisting of an equal number of members from both sides of the House, fell very flat, and was opposed by several members of the Opposition. Mr. Sheehan said if it was made a party question, he would vote with his party, but threw cold water on the motion. When the Government bring down proposals to reduce the Property Tax, a strong debate is expected, and Mr. Ormond, who has returned, will probably move a resolution tantamount to a vote of want of confidence. The Public Works Statement is expected to be made to-morrow night, (Tuesday). Tuesday, 8 p.m. Thomson’s attempt last evening to reduce the Estimates by taking off 10 per cent, on salaries over £2OO was the talk in the lobbies to-day. No reductions in the Estimates, as originally proposed by the Government is expected to be now attained. It is proposed to abolish the Districts Courts and give extended jurisdiction to Resident Magistrates. A Bill for inspection of dairies will shortly be introduced- by Stevens, one of the members for Christchurch. The business in the House this afternoon was chiefly confined to Ministers answering questions of minor importance. This evening the Public Works Statement is expected to be delivered.