Parliament .

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 55, 21 June 1884, Page 3

Par lia ment .

Ditxkdix, Juno 13. TJht* Duncdln "Star" on the Govex*nment Dcfoat. The " Star " of last night says : -"Under all circumstances mo cannot but legard tho adoption cf Mr Steward's amendment as a very barren victory. There w?ems to be no reasonable doubt that some ten or a dozen members gave it their Support on the distinct understanding that no attempt was * to be made in the event of the resignation of Ministers to form a Government from the conflicting elements which make up the Opposition. The desire of those hon. gentlemen, and, wo bolieve, of a considerable number of other members of all parties, is that Parliament shall be dissolved Its soon as tho necessary provision is made for the ? public service. It is, perhaps, hoped that in an appeal to the country broad lines of policy may be laid down by Ministerialists and Oppositionists, so that whichever party secures a majority in the new House may be able efficiently to direct the course of legislation and administer the State. The personnel of the Cabinet is of comparatively little importance, so long as members are able and honest ; fc^fc it is of supreme consequence that they should collectively and individually bo guided b}' li.\cd princij^es, and not drift hither and thither at every breath of popular excitement. In a crisis such as the present, one party which aspires to power must let the people know w hat thej Intend to do when they attain the conduct t>f affairs* Are the cries of Sir(ieorge Grey to be given eilect to, or those of Mr Montgomery put into practical operation ? Is * unholy alliance ' which has defeated the Government to be maintained merely tor the purpose of seeming the loaves and fishes of office ? In reference to the further amendment moved by Mr Seddon, in which the hope is expressed to His Excellency that he will be pleased to dissolve the House, the Hon. Mr Kolleston pointec out that the inclusion of this recommendation in the Address would not be in accordance Mith constitutional principle. The prerogative of dissolution is one which can only be exercised by the representative of the Crown in accordance "with the advice of his Kesponsible Advisers, although His Excellency is in no respect bound to accept that advice, but must act according to hi* own judgment as to whether a dissolution is necessary or expedient at any particular time. iSff Seddon has, naturally enough, misconceived his position, since it is the unquestioned right of either House of Parliament, when aware that Minister? have recommended or are about to advise a dissolution, to • address the Crown praying 1 that Parliament may not be dist-olved, or to express an opinion in regard to the circumstances under which the prerogative has been exercised' (' Representative Government in England," by Todd). There is no precedent in the Parliamentary history of the House of Commons expressing itself even by resolution in favour ofadis.-olution, nor has any attempt been made since I"S4 to interfere with the prerogative of the Crown to dissolve Parliament w hen and for what reason it thought fit. Practically, however, the power does rest with the Representative Chambers. Lord Palmerston on a notable occasion said : llt is obvious that the advisers of the Crown cannot without great inconvenience to the public service recommend a dissolution and carry that recommendation into eilect unless the House makes itself a party to the transaction, accelerates its proceedings, and concurs in the temporary expenses which are necessary in order to place the public business in a position in which a dissolution would not be attended with inconvenience." !

What the "Otago Daily Times 1 ' Thinks. The "Otago Daily Times" says: "There can be little doubt that the result of the division expresses the opinion of thecountvy. The amendment does not mean that the House has confidence in either Sk George Grey or Mr Montgomery, and it is to be hoped that neither of these gentlemen w ill fall into that delusion. It means that the House wants a dissolution. This, ye are confident, reflects the opinion of the country. For months past we have urged the desirability of a dissolution, «md the Government must now regret that they put the country to the expense of a session instead of going in for a dissolution directly they found themselves in a minority. The Government will be wise to ask for a dissolution themselves, but we dare not expect that they will follow this cours6. If we may judge from their policy in the debate, they will still pursue that penny wise and pound foolish course which has in no small degree helped their downfall. It will ever be remembered as a disgrace to the Atkinson Government that they fell without being able to say a word for themselves, and that at the moment when they most needed it. It is difficult to understand how the Premier could allow a division to be taken at such a juncture. Only two suppositions are possible : He was cowed by Mr Wakefield, and felt himself unable to answer him effectually, or he thought it a good tactical move to take a defeat in silence. His enemies declare that the first alternative is the fact ; the latter is more likely. Major Atkinson has occasionally shown some disposition to bully the House,but never before has he been accused I Of cowardice. On the other hand, it is thoroughly in keeping -with his love of cunning to avoid the straightforward course of reply. As for Mr Suttons amendment, we altogether agree with Mr Rolleston's objections to such proceeding, as for the House to tell the Governor what he is to do would be altogether unconstitutional and unprecedented." Wellington, June 13.

The Political Situation. As regards the political situation, matters are in stakt quo, and this order of thingswill obtain till Tuesday, when the nature of the Ministerial recommendation to the Governor will transpire. It is impossible to surmise what course they will take, but it will be one which in their opinion will most embarrass the Opposition. The general belief is, however, that they will do either of two things— recommend the Governor to grant a dissolution, or advise His Excellency to send for Sir Gaorge Grey, as I pointed out yesterday. The latter action •would, in my opinion, be playing directly into the hands of Sir George Grey, and, indeed, of the whole Opposition, as the great proconsul would then have an opportunity of formulating a policy, and if it did not find favour with the House he could go to the country on it. Should, however, the Opposition be compelled to go to the Country without one definite policy, or rather "with a dozen indefinite ones, I do not see that a general election could better their condition.

Sir George Grey's Intentions. I have seen Sir George Grey, and he states that he is prepared for any eventuality. In the event of a dissolution he intends again visiting the large centres of population and expounding his views. His health continues good, and he is in excellent ■pirite.

The City Constituencies Question, It in more than probable that both Bides | Of the House will Join in agreeing to pass

the measure for the amalgamation of city constituencies. I know that Mr j\J itcholson and other Ministers are exceedingly desirous that it should become law before the general election, and though Sir G'eo. (h-ey has not definitely decided what to do in regard to it, it accords with hi* sentiments.

John Bright on Electorates. In matteis of oloctoral vofovm, .John Bright, tho great English Liberal, is kept posted in New Zoalaud nlftrirs, and takes a great intorost in the polities of the colony. Ho wrote ltvst mail to a gentleman, whose namo 1 am rot at liberty to tlisolose, advocating the amalgamation of electorates with identical interest.

Sir George Groy's Denunciation of the Ministry, Sir Goo. Grey considers that the Govern - ment have acted in an unconstitutional and unjustifiable manner in taking part in the business of the House as a Ministry after the adverse vote. He contrasts it with his own action in tho crisis in 1579 On that occasion, immediately after tho defeat of his administration on a motion of no-confidence, a committee was appointed to draw up an addreess to the Governor ; the address wa« read a first and second time : on the next sitting day tho Speaker reported having delivered the address to the Governor, when Sir Goorgro Grey at once ros-e and stated that Ministers had tendered their resignations to the Governor, and they had been accepted. Sir John Hall then reported that ho had been sent for by the Governor, and had accepted tho task of forming a Ministry. He then moved the adjournment of the House, which Sir George Grey seconded.

Govevnmont Intentions, It is apparent that Government had no intention of taking the House into their confidence at all last night. Major Atkinson in his remarks ciutly said they Mould be guided by the advice of their irieiuK, and not by the doire of their enemies. After Sir Gco. Grey's scathing denunciation of Ministerial action, however, }Ir Bryce was put up to inform the House that Government intended acting in a constitutional manner.

Sir George Grey and City East. In the event of a genoral election Sir (ieo. Cirey will again stand for City East ; at any rate, lie stales that at present he sees no reason for a change. I have it from a personal friend 'of Mr Stout's that he intends contesting Mr W. Green's seat at next election. Mr Bryce states he Mould sooner break stones on the road than ask the House to bear the cost of his prosecution of Rusdeu.

Auckland Petition. Mr Swanson to-day presented a petition from Auckland merchants ro pilotage exemption certificates.

The Effects of tho Crisis on Auokland Interests. The member for Newton thinks that beforo the adverse vote was earned against the Government, the Auckland member.-* should have seen that it deeply affected Auckland interesss to have passed into law the Timber Floating Act, Harbour, Elections, Friendly Societies Amendment, &c., to say nothing of the railway route and Auckland railway station. The crUis is almost certain to delay the latter work for months.

Kawakawa Railway Dispute, I learn that the matter :.n: .n dispute between Mr Lai kins, contractor for Kawakaua. Railway, and the Government, ha 6 - been amicably settled.

The Government Policy. - Intended Resignation. An informal meeting of Government sup porters was held to-chy, at which fully three fourths of tho^e present expressed the opinion that Government should resign, leaving to the Opposition the responsibility cf forming a Go\ eminent. Sir Julius Vogel is expected to arrive here on Tuesday. Mr Hamlin has a petition to present ro the Gavelle case.

North Island Trunk Railway.— Important Proposals. In tiie House this afternoon Mr Whitaker gave notice to move that all maps, papers, &c, connected -\\ith the railway be laid on the table wffch a view to the House deciding on the route for the North Island Trunk Hallway.

The Feeling in Waikato. Cambiudgk, this day. The defeat of the Government was received with general satisfaction both here and at Kihikihi, and the action of the member for Waipu in voting against them may be termed popular. The cause of the satisfaction may be ascribed to Mr Bryce's pro- j posed native land legislation, which is looked | upon here as anything but promising. Wellington, June 14.

Formalities. The proceedings in the House yesterday were of a merely formal character. The Speaker, accompanied by Messvs Steward and Levestam us mover and seconder to the Address-in-Reply, proceeded to Government House in their Sunday clothes, and having received His Excellency's reply, returned to the House and reported. Major Atkinson then moved the adjournment of the House till Tuesday, when it is presumed Ministers will take members into confidence regarding their intentions. Major Atkinson appeared in the House for the first time wearing a billy -cock hat. The Premier's usual head-gear is a boll-topper. The change was at once noticed by many members, to whom the shining silken beaver had become a political barometer. Long experience has taught them that the signs of the times might be read by a careful study of the angles at which the hon. gentleman wears his head-gear. It is stated that Carroll, a half-caste, who is one of the interpreters to the House, in1 tends contesting one of the native electorates at the next election.

North Island Trunk Railway. Mr Mitchelaon intends anticipating at least a portion of the motion of which Mr Whitaker gave notice yesterday re the I trunk railway, as on the next sitting day he I will lay on the table of the House the plans and surveyors' reports of both the central, eastern, and western routes.

Those Honorariums. Mr Stevens has given notice to move that after this session the honorariums of members of the Legislative Council be 100 guineas, and of raembors of the House 150 guineas.

Members' Railway Passes. Mr Pearson, another patriot panting to save his bleeding country, wants the members' railway passes abolished.

Licensing and Local Option Bills. The Licensing Act Amendment and Local Option Extension Bills, introduced respectively by Mr Steward and Mr M. Green, are the same as thoße introduced last session.

Re-Distribution. Already Ministry-mongering iB going on in the lobbies, though by common consent the pryers into futurity are careful not to hazard a guess as to the Premiership. Most of the Cabinets I have seen include Mr Steward as Minister of Education, Mr Stout as Attorney-General, and Mr Bryoe as Native

I Minister. The inclusion of the name of the latter gentleman in a Ministry formed from the ranks of the Opposition is based on the confidence which Southern members on both sides of the House have in Parihaka John. As Native Minister, they look on him as the greatest living authority on Maori matters, and seem to think that wore it not for him the wicked settlers of the North would go on swindling the natives and | goading them on to war. Government Insuranoe Report. The annual report of the Government Insurance Commissioner for the year ended I 31st December last was prosentod to the House yesterday. The last report was for a period of six months only ; therefore the return is compared with that of the report for the twelve months ended 30th June, JSS2. Upon this comparison the return just presented shows that the number of policios issuod in 1883 was ratber moro than double tho number issued in tho former period. Tho amount insured has not increased in the same proportion, being only about 48 per cent, in excess of that assurod under the policies issued during the twelve months onded 30th June, ISS2. Ordinary branch : Tho new proposals in the ordinary branch received during the calendar year under review numbered 0,843. for a total sum oi L 1,457,203, 457,203 5s 4d. Of theso 5,713 became policies, 581 wero declined, tho romainder not being taken up. The number of policies issued in the tompei'ance section has increased, 472 having gbeen issued during tho six months ended 30th December, ISS2, for an assured sum of LI 11,223 ; whereas in the year ISB3, 99S were issued, assuring 1,204,424. It w ill thus bo seen that a moro than proportionate numbor of policies has I been issued, although the sum assured is | proportionately somowhat less than that of tho former period. Claims on 108 policies havo arisen during the year, the sum paid (including bonus additions and allowances for prospective or intermediate bonuses) amounting to L 29.351 Is. During the year policies were discontinued as follows :— ln the ordinary branch, 1,072 were dipcontinued, representing a sum insured of L31'2,3i)3, with annual premiums of L 10.057 ; in tho tomporance section eleven policies wero discontinued, representing a sum assured of L 2.450, with annual premiums of L 76; endowment policies to the number of six were discontinued, representing a sum assured of LI, GOO, with annual premium of L 73. At the close of tho financial period the total number of policies in force in tho ordinary branch, including both general and temperance sections, and excluding reversionary benus additions, L 19.912, insuringLs,9o2,lS9l3s2d. Thenetincreascs in the number and sum assured were thereforeL (,024 and L 723,472 13s 2d rospecth ely. The revenue of this branch for the calendar year was L 215.550 7s Bd, of which no less than L 41,773 9s 7d represented interest, a sum considerably in excess of death and maturity claims tor the year. The accumulated fund at the ond of the year amounted to LS2b',ls9 103 7d, exhibiting a net increase on the year of L 141,270 15s Sd. During tho twelve months there wero issued in the industrial branch 3,605 now policies, of which 1,065, assuring L 37,541 11s for total weekly premium of L 33 13s lid, wore adult risks, and 2,537 for a weekly premium of 2d each were on lives of children. The policies in force at the end of the year numbered 7,394, assuring L 05 ,094 2s on lives of adults, and n. varying sum on children's li\ es for a total weekly premium of Ll2l 10s lOd. The claims which arose during the year comprised 44, of which 32 arose under infantile policies, and amounted to LU7, while 12 were on adult lives, amounting to L 045 4s Gd. The amount assured by ' infantile policies issued in tho industrial branch depended upon tho a#e of the child afc entry and the duration of the policy.

The "Poet" on the Doublo Honorarium. The "Post," referring to the matter of the double honorarium, says : — Members fortunate enough to come back aftor election will receive from the public purso no less a sum than four hundred guineas for some three or four months' service. The country is really scarcely able to bear this expense. Will the members of the present House prove patriotic and self-denying? They would raise themselves immensely in public opinion if, instead of insisting on their pound of flesh in the shape of two hundred guineas for what will be only about a month's work, they were to decline to receive more than one-half of that sum. One hundred guineas would amply cover any possible expenses incurred by attendance, aatl leave a lair balanco over towards coming election expenses. If they insist on the full amount and their successors do the same, the new Treasurer will have to find some L 500.000 to pay honorariums with during the current year. The Legislature is really an expensive luxury at such a price.

Mr Maunsell Again, The public have apparently not heard the last of the difficulty between the Audit Department and Mr Maunsell relative to the disbursement of certain moneys obtained by him during his term of office. Another charge, that of neglecting to furnish the authorities with a full statement of expenditure, has been preferred against him by the Controller-General. The case was called on at the Magistrate's Court today, and adjourned for a week. Mr Bell appeared for the prosecution, and Mr Shaw for the defence.

Excursion of Members. The Hinemoa, with from 30 to 35 members of Parliament, left for Picton and Nelson at noon to-day. She returns hero late on Monday evening.

ministerialist Caucus To-day. The Ministerial supporters hare been in caucus all the morning, Mr Fulton presiding. Ministers were present. It is understood that the general opinion was that Ministers should recommend the Governor to grant a dissolution, and that Major Atkinson and Mr Bryce also favour this, although other Ministers aro opposed. Immediately after the caucus Ministers went into Cabinet to consider the position.

Christchurch and West Coast Railway. Mr Holmes will on Tuesday ask the Minister of Works if surveys of the proposed route to connect Canterbury with the West Coast of the Middle Island have been completed according to promise made last session, and if not, in what stage of progress the railways are, and why not completed before the commence ment of the session, according to the promise of Government. Wellington, Juno 16.

A Dissolution to be Asked and Granted. j I understand that on Saturday evening the Ministry decided to ask the Governor for a dsssolution. The request will I am credibly informed, be made to His Excellency to day. lam further more in a position to state that His Excellency has privately expressed his intention of granting a dissolution,

A Disgusted Opposition. The decision of the Cabinet has leaked out, and members of the Opposition are exceedingly wroth. On tkt that they consider the Ministry were in duty bound to recommend that one of themselves should be

sent for, and indeed it ia freely stated that they were quito prepared to form a scratch Ministry, including Sir George Grey, Messrs Montgomery, McAndrew, and ' Richardson, draft a policy and go to the country on it. The Ministerial decision had so upset the Opposition applo-cart that several Oppositionists with whom I havo conversed talk of rofusing the Ministry supplies.

Prospects of tho Northern Trunk Line. No meeting of Auckland members has yet been held with reference to Auckland interests—several Aucklanders considering that such a course would bo impolitic at the prosent juncture. It will bo consoling to Northern readers to learn, however, that the leaders of all sections of the Opposition havo decided that tho first administrativo Act of this, or, if that is not j possiblo, of the noxi Parliament, will bo tho decision of tho routo of tho North Island Trunk Railway,

Tho Mombor for Parnoll Condemned. Mv Moss's vecont actions have completely alienated from him tho affections of the Greyito party, and I am in a position to state that a strong OJroyite, at presont re- 1 presenting another Auckland constituency, will contest Parnell witli him at noxt election' _.. _. . _,^. „. „.. „

The Blue Ribbon in tire House. The wonderful strides that have boon mado by Temperance principles of late are borne testimony to by the fact that no fewer than twelve members of the House wear the blue ribbon ; among them being Sir George Grey, Messrs Tauhai, Daniel, and George. The last-named has for some years past been Chairman of House. Committee, but this time he decliued election, because the performance of the functions of that oiHce would infringe on his principles. I have reason for believing that Mr George will not contest Rodney next election.

Ministerial Intrigues.— No Coalition Possible, I am now in possession of complete dotails of the intrigues of the last few days. It appears that from the moment Mr Steward moved the amendment, the Ministry calculated on abeating, and their first move was an endeavour to intrigue with the Greyites, with a view to establishing a j Grey- Atkinson coalition. Sir George (trey's virulent denunciation of the Ministry on j Wednesday, however, placed the question of such coalition out of the qustion. Then the Ministerial intriguers devised a scheme, which, for cunning ingenuity, was not to be excelled at an informal Ministerial caucus on Friday, and was, my informer tells me, discussed in the Cabinet. It was fl •• the Ministiy should lefcign and vecom,d the Government to send tor Mr Monthly, supported by the Ministerial . ,*, would form a Ministry indopendonfc of Kir George Giey. The "grand old man" would thus be "squelched" for ever, and it was prophesied that Mr Montgomery's incapacity as leader, which incapacity would bo accentuated by the machinations of his falso friends would in course of a month or so render him so unpopular with the whole country that ever afterwards lie would be compelled to take a back seat in politics and "the continuous ministry " would again come smiling to the front. But "the best laid schemes of mice and men gang aft agley," and this fcchome received its death blow from the Southern Ministerialists themselves, uho saw that bo great was Mr Montgomery's unpopularity that should they onco follow him into the lobby Ihoir constituencies would throw them over.

The Opposition Tactics.— A Bold Move to Prevent a Dissolution. A section of the Oppositionists have determined, by refusing Supply, to prevent a dissolution, at a«y rate till the Government has sent for one of the leaders of the party.

A Ministry and a Policy Outlived. The Opposition are quite ready to form a Ministry which, it is said, would consist of Sir Goorgo fJrey as Premier, and Messrs j Montgomery, Richardson, Dargavillo, DoLautour, Macandrew, and probably Water- j house and Whitmoro in the Upper II ouso. However, a meeting of the Opposition is to be held to-morrow. The policy on which tho Opposition would go to the country would bo the union of the colony repeal of the Property Tax extended powers to local bodies, and a negative policy with respect to the following matters : — Federation, civil service pensions, alteration of freehold tenure of land, and compulsory national insurance scheme.