OUR PARLIAMENTARY LETTER.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2865, 31 May 1882, Page 3

OUR PARLIAMENTARY LETTER.

[From Our Own Correspondent.] ' * Wellington, May 29. There is not much to tell of political news at present, neither is it easy to predict the course events will take during the session. With so many new members it is not easy to decide, and though members at the hustings may have declared their independence there is always a little bias, which inclines them to one side or the other. There is no doubt that the many months which have elapsed since the elections, have been successfully used by Ministers upon* those who were brought into contact with them, but whatever may be the event, as far us the Ministry is concerned, there is no "doubt that it proves one thing : That the people have exercised tho great power placed in their hands with wisdom ; it has done much to remove all those foolish fears which were expressed by persons opposed to the extension of the Franchise and Triennial Parliaments. The present Parliament bids fair to equal any of those the like of which,in the opinion of many, were never to be seen again ; those days to which they refer when they talk of the Political Giants which existed, and though there may be a feeling of regret that many well-known faces are absent, yet their places are taken by those who are evidently well calculated to carry on the work of the country. There has been nothing to test the strength of parties; up to the present what little has been done shows the fears of the Government. There is no doubt their great failing is timidity, it characterizes all their proceedings, and their refusal to go on with tho election of Chairman of Committees, has decidedly weakened them ; it was a great mistake on their part as it was rumored in the lobbies (and I believe with more than the usual amount of truth) that they were disposed to appoint Mr Thomson, but that Mr Swanson, the man who is immortalised as of equal weight, equal size, equal ago, and of the same build as Mr Saunders, had again exercised the influence be undoubtedly possesses with the Government, and induced them to bring forward Mr Hurst, one of the four Auckland members who, on a memorable occasion, suddenly left the Opposition and joined the present Government. I have no doubt, had the Government proposed a less objectionable man, there would have been no opposition. As it is, not a few qf the staunchest support ersof the Government will refuse to vote. I daresay some surprise was created in the minds of your readers by the action of Sir George Grey, in reference to the West Coast Bills, “ Indemnity ” and “ Peace Preservation.” Tlxose who know Sir George best, were the least Surprised at it. Of him it may be truly said, *• Look out for the unexpected ; it will be sure to happen,” and,though it is wired and disseminated in Government papers, fhat it caused great surprise to the Opposition, it was not so :it was never proposed for the party to oppose these Bills. Yet, like the Governor’s Speech, it would be fairly and openly criticised, and it is likely those who feel most strongly, that the recommendation of the Royal Commission should have been expeditiously carried out, and that Government have not used such remedies as lay in their power, will divide on it; yet no political significance can he attached to it. Mr Sheehan who is to follow on Tuesday next, will I have no doubt, follow the same course as Sir George. Mr DeLatour’s speech was admirable, and he was listened to, as he always is, with the greatest attention. The debate will he well worth reading to those who take an interest in Native Affairs, Leave has been given to the Member for Gladstone to intro ffuce dual Bills, viz., “The ‘Harbour Board,” and *• High School Board” lo make each body elective; and there as no doubt of their being successfully carried through. The second reading will not take place till about the 21st of June, as they must bo advertised in a journal circulating in the district. There is the usual number of caucuses being held by those who ask works for their Provincial districts ; or to effect changes .on different measures. Those members who are in favor of Bible reading in pcbools have already met, and I believe It is their intention to proceed at once ■with a Bill for that purpose. Tho Otago members are on tho trail, and I should not be surprised if, contrary to the recommendations of the Royal Commission, it should yet be proceeded with. Ministers are most courteous to members ; ask and have, is tho order of the day. Have you no railways wanted in your neighborhood ?”