Wellington, June 6.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 54, 14 June 1884, Page 3

Wellington , June 6.

The Financial and Public Works Statements. Tins industry of Ministers during tho rocess has been so groat that tho Financial and Public Works Statements are ready.

Rupture in the Cafcinot.— Mr Johnston Resigns. The Hon. Wallor Johnston, who, sine his resignation of the portfolio of Publi Works, has retained as°atin the Executive has resigned. His resignation was tondeved to the Premier during Mr Mitohcldon's absonce in Auckland, but for reasons that have not transpired, the matter was kept secret. It is bolieved it will bo gazetted to-day. It is stated that fault was found with Mr Johnston by his colleagues, and that some reference will be made to the breach in the financial statement. Ministers count on Mr J ohnbton's general support, though it is bolioved that ho will oppose them in the Native Land Bill.

Tilling the Vacant Place. Tho vacant place in the Cabinet will be filled by a member of tho Legislative Council — an Auckland man, if possible. It is feared, however, that this is not probable. Dr. Pollen, the most likoly man for the appointment, will not be here this sossion, and Mr Williamsons position in connection with a big financial institution debars him from entering tho Executive.

North Island Trunk Railway Reports. Ministers have not yet been in Cabinet on the railway, being loth to trouble the Premier with any but matters of pressing importance Tho roporta of the Minister of Public Works, and of the surveyors', arc in tho hands of the printer, but these are not to be expected for &omo days yet. It is icgardcd as certain that an amendment will bo moved to tho Addrcfes-in-Rcply, and Ministers arc determined not to show their hand, 1.c., mako a rccom- ' mendation ro tho railway route, to the llouso till the no-coniidonco motion is disposed of.

Compiling the Doomsday Book. There lias been homo advorse comment upon the action of llovcrnmcnt in abstracting information from the property tax returns for the Doom.sday Book, it being pointed out that tho law demands that the particular in these returns should be kept inviolably secret. I havo ascertained that tho only information taken from tho return is the acreage of land owned by individuals — the Doomsday Book taking no notice of mortgages, &c.

Te Kooti's Farm. The lion. LI. S. Whitmoro in the Legislative Council moved for papers connected with tho purchase of a farm for Te Kooti.

Printing in Colonial Gaois. Mr Watovhouse gave notice that on Tuesday he would ask the Postmaster-General whether it is a fact that certain printing for the Australian Mutual Provident Society has been executed in gaols of the colony, and, if .so, by whooo autUoiity, and at whose cost wab the work clone ?

Annexation and Federation Papers. Last session tho Annexation Committco moved for all papers in tho journals of tho House rcl ting to annexation and federation. Tl :is a bulky volume of 270 pages, and was- Wicl on tho table yesterday.

Post-office Savings Banks. The statement of business of the Po&toflice Savings Banks for tho year ISS3 shows the amount at credit of depositors in municipal towns at the close of the year as follows : — Auckland, L 205,344 ; Christchurch, L308,059j Dunedin, L 255,73 9; Wellington, L 159,913. Total for colony, 1,609,751. Despito tho cry of bad times, this has not been exceeded before, not ovon in 1852, when tho total was 1.1,470,950.

Immigration Expenditure. A return laid on the table showing the amounts paid to the New Zealand Shipping ComjDany and Shaw, Savill during the past two years for conveyance of immigrants, shows : N.Z. Shipping, L 18.414 17s 3d ; Shaw, Sovill, L 13,453 Is 3d. These amounts are on account of vessels despatched from London and Plymouth. During the same period tho Albion Co. and the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Co. received L 11,411 tor conveyance of immigrants from the Clyde.

Allocation of Library Vote.

Native Schools. The report of the Organising Inspector of Native Schools states attendance at native village schools during ISS3 to have been as follows :— Maoris, 1,381; half-castes, lIS ; between half-caste and European, 344 : total, 1,923.

Direct Steam Service Subsidy. Correspondence re direct steam service has been laid on the table. On March 4ln last, Major Atkinson cabled to Sir F. Dillon Bell : " Shipping Company don't encourage idea of subsidy ; " to which the Agent-General sent the following reply : — "7, Westminster Chambers, London, S. W., 26th March, ISS4. Sir,— l roceived in due course your telegram of tho 4th inst., desiring me not to encourage the idea of a subsidy being granted for steam service. I need not say that these instructions will bo obeyed, but I trust I may bo permitted to express the hope that the message does not announce a final decision against any subsidy at all. At the same time I should like to add that I should certainly have submitted no recommendation to Government for a subsidy which did not effectually guard against a combination afterwards between the Shipping Companies for the exaction of high rates in either passage money or freight. Not that I should think it necessary to attempt binding the Companies down to particular rates : they might well be left free to charge what ■ rates they could get ; but any subsidy that I would evor recommend would only be payable so long as certain rates were charged, and would automatically ceaso if they were exceeded. It is, of course, a question whether it would be worth the while of the Companies to go in for a subsidy with such a condition ; but I should not for my own part h»vo ever recommendod a subsidy without it. Let me illustrate what I am saying by reference to freight on frozen meat. The Shipping Companies have even now contracts tobringoverthisyearanumber of sheep whose total weight will not be much under 3,000,0001b5. This, at 2d per lb, is freight of £250,000. Is it supposed that producers will go on paying that sum year by year ? If meat sells in London, say at 66. per lb, the freight is a third of the selling value, that is to say (not counting in the comparison the cost of engines and refrig- > crating chambers) it is as if the colony had.

to pay £1,000,000 for freight on its, wool clip. If the companies wero to continue receiving £250,000 a year for freight of frozen meat, it would nob be likely that the colony would listen to a request for a subsidy besides.— l havo, &c, F. D. Bell."

Immigrants for New Zealand. From 14th July, 1883, to 14th May, 1884, nominations for immigration of 4,190 souls were sent to the Agent - General, the amount deposited being £11,804.

Questions and Motions. Nctices of a number of questions and motions were given ye&terday. Mr Hamlin gave uotice of his intention to introduce tho Manukau Harbour Bill, and of his intention to move that tho Auckland-Onc-hunga road be freed from tolls as soon as possible. Mr Shaw gavo notice of a bill to alter duration of Parliament. Mr Jlurst gave notice of motion for a return of the cost of the returns asked for last session.

Timber Floatage. The big sawmill Companies of Auckland havo been much exercised recently at the prejudicial effect of the existing law respecting limber floatii&e on timber industry. In tho Court, adverse judgments involving heavy pecuniary loss to companies, havo been given, and there certainly docs appear to be a screw loose in the legislation, when, as in one case recently, damage done by logs to £30 worth of lurid co&t the Mercury Bay Mill Company £1,000. Mr Mitchelson has prepared an Act to ameliorate the condition of companies, and it will see light under tho Ministerial jugis during the sessiou. It is called The Timber Floating Bill, and is intituled, an Act to authorise the use of rivers, streams, and tidal creeks for lloating timber and other .substance,". It empowcis tho Commissioner ot Crown Lands, after hearing objections, to grant or refaso licenses for tho use of streams, the Govcvnor-in-Council from time to timo notifying what streams may be used under the Act. Licensees must enter into bond for payment of damages, and heavy penalties tor floating without licenses are providod for. Tho right ot damage is limited to the actual amount of injury done. Claims for damage will bo decided by the Resident Magistrate, sitting with two a^se^sors. The laying of booms in navigable waters deemed to be harbour ■work will not havo authorised license.

Tho Cost of Returns. Mr llurot has a happy knack of doing tho right tiling at the right time. Yesterday, after Mr Hufcchinson had moved lor a batch of returns that will cost many pounds to prepare, Mr J lurst ro.se and gave notice to move for a return of the cost of returns last session. When thib is before the House it will astonifeh members. It will show those members who seek a little evanescent popularity through continually moving for returns on all conceivable .subjects, that they aro responsible for the overdrawn condition of the Civil Service. The returns moved for laat session, I am credibly informed, cost over £10,000, and their preparation caused the employment of a number of extra clerks, not a few of u horn contrived to turn their temporary billets, into permanencies.

An Expensive Railway Koturn. Apropos of this matter, I may mention that to-day Mr Mitchelson will lay on the table a return moved for last session by Mr "Wright, member for A&hburton, showing the separate items of "which a sum of £40,000, railway trailic receipts, was made up. The compilation of this return, though it onJy contains about forty lines, cost i'GOO 12s. Its prepaiation has occupied many months, millions of waybills having to be cancelled.

Bank of New Zealand Penalty. Mr Ilutchinson to-day asks the Premier if llio penalty of 1.500 inclined Ly the Bank of New Zealand foy neglecting within tho statutoxy time to send in the laso quaiLcrly xetniT of assets and li 'Miitic.% lo Government, has been or A\ill ,3 exacted; and if not, why not, Mr George yesterday presented a petition fiom John Giecnlief, asking that the recommondatici of the Petitions Committee of last year L 3 cai • icd out.

Resignation of Ken. Walter Johnston. Hon. Waltpv W. ."Johnston has resigned liis seat (which ho held ■without portfolio) in tbo Ministry. It is probable that a member of the Legislative Council will bo appoint^! to .succeed him.

Proposed Quinquennial Parliaments.} Mv Shr.vv's Duration of Parliament Bill proposes to lengthen the dura Lion of Parliament to five years.

TZie Coining Minister. It i? jxcueially belic\eri that the appointment o^ a m"mbe of the Execulhc to tlio vacancy canned by Mi .Johnston's retirement lies between ~Mv Mantell and "Jim Crow " Kiclnnond, the latter for clioice.

Wellington-, June 7. Sir Julius VogeT.— A Ministerial Opinion. Although very little i.s heaid here concerning Sir Julius Yogcl and his candidature for Ash burton, matters aie being watched with keen intciest by members on both sides of the House, and thoso behind the scenes believe that the appearance of the financial luminary within tho walls of the House of Rcpicscntatives will be tho signal for the establishment of a new party. All those members disposed to the borrowing of moro money would flock to the Vogelian standard, and despite the common cry, "No more borrowing," fully half tho members in the House would favour the continuation of tho public works and immigration policy inaugurated by the great Sir Julius in IS7O. I had a conversation with a leading Ministerialist this morning on this matter, and a remark he let fall somewhat astonished mo. It was as follows:—" I am closely watching the current of events, and much as I regret it, I must admit that, in the political horizon, two figures loom out as great leaders of distinct parties — Sir Geo. Grey and Sir Julius Vogel. Much as I dislike Grey, I would support him rather than Vogel." j

A Grey-Atkinson Coalition. Oh ! how Chameleon-like are the changes in politics. There now does appear to bo a glimmering of achancc of a coalition between the pre3ont Premier and tho great proConsul. Despite thoir personal animosities, they may be compelled to unito for protection against the common enemy.

The Premier Seriously 111. j Writing about Major Atkinson reminds me that ho is still very ill ; indeed, this morning ho was much worse, and his immediate friends arc very anxious. Dr. McKellar is in attendance) on him. Despite medical advice, ho persists in working; and lying in bed and troubling himself with figures of the Financial Statement is not the vory best thing in tho world for his malady.

The Cabinet and the Railway Route. In consequence of tho Premier's indisposition,no Cabinet meetings have been held for some days, though thero is much work to do. Tho matter of tho North Island Trunk Railway has not yet com© before the Cabinet, and this was the reason why Mr Mitchelson yesterday ask-ed Mr Dargavillo to give notice of his question as to whether Ministers would be prepared to make a distinct recommendation to the House re the railway. Mr Dargaville gave notice to ask the question on Tuesday, and J

Ministers hope to arrive at a decision amongst themselves before then.

Tho Asbburton Election. Several Canterbnry members with whom I have conversed profess to believe that Mr Wason will defeat Sir Julius Vogel for Ashburton.

Tho Coining Ministor. I have the best authority for stating that in all probability the Hon. George McLean will be asked to take the vacant soat in the Executivo Council. It is doubtful, however, whether he will accept, as it is known he intends fighting for a seat in the Lower House at next election.

EThe Address-In-Reply. It is understood that Ministers have selected Mr M. W. Green as seconder of the Addrcss-in-Reply. This conscientious gentleman, being on good terms with Government, should have a better chance of passing his measure for the amelioration of tho condition of the whole human race this session than he had last.

Bills. In the House yesterday leave was granted to introduce the following bills : — Mr Mitchelson, Auckland Harbour Board and Timber Floatage Bills ; Mr Rolleston, Land Act Amendment ; Mr Conolly, Married Woman's Property, Alienation of Land, Local Courts, Bankruptcy Act Amendment, Supreme Court Registrar Empowering Bill ; Mr Dick, Otago Harbour Board Empowering Amendment, Regulation of Elections Amendment, Representation Act Amendment, Parliamentary Electors ; Mr j Shrimski, the Pension Bill ; Mr Fulton, , Anatomy Act Amendment ; Mr Dai-gaville, Auckland College Act Amendment ; Mr Feldwick, Gladstone Town Improvement.

I Sessional Committees. If the Government motions re Sessional I Committees are carried, the Auckland members of Sessional Committees will bo: Crown Xiands Committee, Messrs Hurst and Whyto ; Goldiields, Messrs Cadman and Morris ; Standing Orders, Messrs Tole and Hamlin ; Printing, Mr Moss ; Local Bills, Mr Tole ; Petitions Classification, Mr Peacock ; Native Committee, Messrs liobbs and Sheoiian ; Jiills Committee, Mr Whitakcr ; Selection Committee, Messrs Hamlin and George.

"Hansard." Mr Macandrow "will move on Tuesday I next that " Hansard " be sent free to every householder who may make application for the samo, and that it be published twice a week in newspaper form, uncorrccted ext ccpting as regarding press errors, and that tho Printing Committee take necessary j steps accordingly.

j Mr Bathgatc's Cure for the Depression. The text of Mr Bathgate's motion, notice of which was given by Mr Bracken yesterday, and which will be moved on Wednesday, is as follows :— (1) That tho continued commercial depression which prevails in the colony is matter of grave concern as regards the public interest, and demands ! the early consideration of the House with ! the view of providing a remedy. (2) That it is alleged it has arisen in part from im-pei-fectionb in the monetary system in force in the colony, which should therefore be inquired into and revised. (3) That it is expedient that note circulation should be protected by the deposit of colonial debentures in the Treasury, and a State bank of issue established for the regulation of the circulation. (4) That all banks should be brought within the operation of the "Joint Stock Companies Act, 1882. (5) That the present banking arrangements of the Treasury bo considered, to determine whether or not it would bo advisable to renew the same on its expiry, or to receive offers from other banks, singly or associated, for the management of the banking business of tho colony, or to make other arrangements for the conduct of the financial bu&incss of the colony. (6) That it would facilitate the operations of banks if tv o clearing hou&es were established by law for each island, and tho necessity for keeping a supply of gold for exchange purposes at numerous seaport towns be obviated, and the risk of loss in time of war thereby diminished. (7) That the whole subject be remitted to a committee to consider and leport with full power to send for persons, papers, and records; said committee to consist of Major Atkinson, Sir George Grey, and Messrs J. Buchanan, Dargaville, Driver, Larnach, Macandrew, Montgomery, W. White, and the mover, three to be a quorum, to report in a month.

"Hansard" Objected to. Mr llursthou.se gave notice to move that in the opinion of the House it is desirable to discontinue the publication of " Hansard."

Prayers for a Politician. Members arc making merry over an item of news which has been published, to the cil'ect that an " old identity " of Wellington, recently deceased had, left a sum of money to pay for prayers for the soul of a wellknown politician. In the early days of settlement, deceased experienced some kindness at the hands of Sir William Fitzherbert, and in recognition of this he has bequeathed the sum ot £25 to Bishop .Redwood to bo expended in masses ior the repose of Sir William Fitzhcrbert's soul when the H on. Speaker of the Legislative Council dies. It is the opinion of some people here (quite apart from this particular instance) that a good many of our politicians arc " past praying for," and that they can do quite sufficient preying on their own account without extraneous assistance.

Wellington, Juno 9. Sir Julius Vogel Sure of a Seat. Mr Pilliett has arrived, and is the object of considerable solicitude on the part of both the Government and Opposition. All hands have been endeavouring to use the pump-handle with a view to elicit JSir Julius Vogel's intentions, but the member for Stanmoro is as mysterious as the sphynx. It appears that after Mr Pilliett telegraphed to Sir Julius Vogel, offering to retire from Stanmoro in his favour, Vogel replied : "I have decided to go for Ashburton, but =hould I find my chance bad, will you keep your offer open ?" To this, Mr Pilliett replied : "I thought you understood that."

The Position of Parties.— The Greyites Masters of the Situation. If the Oppositionists have decided to movo an amendment to Address-in-Reply, they continue to keep their intention a dead secret. My own opinion is, that nothing definite is yet decided on. Messrs Waketiold. and Dargaville are understood to be endeavouring to form a middle party. The Macandrew and Montgomery factions have no cohesiveness, and Sir George Grey and his immediate supporters in the midst of the turmoil remain perfectly cool relying on the well founded belief that the turning up of almost any card will leave them a full hand of trumps. In the meantime all hands aro anxiously watching Sir Juluis Vogel, and already I hear that the Government aro coquetting with Greyites with a view to a coalition, This may or may not be true, but from the serene and exulting expression on the face of Mr Feldwick, the Greyite whip, I feel sure that the great pro-consulfaction feel themselves masters of the situation.

Auckland Members and the Railway Route. Mr Hobbs, who has been sounding Auckland members on the subjeot of tho Trunk

Railway, tells me thafc all with -whom he has conversed will " go baldheaded " for the Western Route.

The Addrese.in-Reply.- An Amendment to be Moved. Mr M. W. Green has agreed to second the Address-in-Reply. A caucus of Mr Montgomery's supporters is to be held this afternoon. One of the Opposition whips has just told me that it has been decided to move an amendment, but tho difficulty is " Who is the man ?" That is the rock on which the several factions of the opposition will probably split.

The Opposition Uniting— The Leaders to Meet this Afternoon. It is rumoured that Sir George Grey and Messrs Macandrew and Montgomery, are to meet this afternoon, and try to come to some arrangement ; also that Mr Wakefield has it made up with Sir George Grey,

The San Francisco Mail Service. Government have received information that it is probable the American Congress will grant a subsidy for the continuation of the San Francisco mail service.

Arrival of Wahanui. Wahanui and his party arrived in town this morning.

Educational No. of District. Libraries. Auckland . . 88 Taranaki . . G Wanganui . . 11 Wellington . 1(5 Hawkc'a Hay . . 25 Marlboroußh . . 3 Nelson .. ..25 N. Canterbury . . 71 S. Canterbury . . 10 Westland.. .. 1G Otago .. .. st> Southland . . 21 Income. £2,0.>2 o2 5.35 163 1 87 190 ■lltf 1,818 108 tioO 518 JUS Amount of Subsidy. £1,3.".l ()!) 2.>fi 288 52G 108 3113 1,123 Ifl6 302 918 37S Totals .. .. 356 £9,350 (65,980

The allocation of the last £6,000 library vote -\\ as as follows :—: —