HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 73, 25 October 1884, Page 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, October 22. The Government Insurance Bill. Nearly the whole of yesterday's sitting was devoted to the further consideration of the Government Insurance Association Bill in Committee. Tho^ proceedings were uninteresting and tedious, but it is a relief to know that the remaining clauses were got through. Sir Geo. Grey, Mr Moss, and several other members combined their opposition to several clauses. The Premier's new clause providing that no person can vote for the election of directors unless he is of full age, and has been a policy-holder of at least £100 for G months, was carried. An amendment by Major Atkinson^ making the Boards elective instead of nominativo, was rejected. It was provided, on Mr Seddon'ej motion, that all policy-holders of the age of 21 be entitled to vote at elections of members of local Boards. Clause 24 was altered so as to provide that five directors instead of thrco should form a quorum. Other alterations were of an unimportant character, and the bill was reported with amendments shortly beforo midnight. The Otago Harbour Boards Loan Consolidation Bill was reported from tho Legislative Council, and the amendments agreed to.

Public Works Amendment Bill. The House then went into Committee on the Public Works Amendment Bill. In clause 12, providing that Road Boards pay the cost of maintenance where the Counties Act is suspended, a proviso was inserted that the clause should not affect existing agreements. Several technical alterations were made, but were of no consequence At a quarter to 2 o'clock this morning, 16 out of 24 clauses in tho Act had been passed. Mr Smith is endeavouring to induce Government to allow a small increaso of salary to those country telegraphists and postmasters whose hours of duty have been increased by the new regulations. Ho asks ' a question on the subject to-day.

The Premier Attacked by Sir George Grey. Sir G. Grey last night twitted the Go- ! vernraent with the fact that if thoy had a servile majority at their back in the Lower Houso, they did not possess such a tail in the Upper Chamber. This was very conclusively proved on the previous evening. (Laughter.) Sir George added that the Premier had broken faith with tho&e who had assisted him to get into power by introducing such measures as that (the Insurance Bill) before the House. A sharp passage-of-aims between Sir Geo. Grey and the Premier terminated by Sir George being called to order. Influenced by the petition of Henry McPherson, Mr J. B. Why to intends to ask Government to-day if they will relax as regards labourers the rule referring to age over which no one can be employed on Government railways.

Insurance Abominations. During the discussion on the Insurance, Bill last night Mr Moss was called to order for the statement that the Colonial Treasurer would be degrading the colony by accepting the control of a department which had beenfguilty of so many abominations. He asserted that the agents of departments had disgraced themselves by the monstrous dovices to which they had resorted in "touting" for business. Sir George Grey added that the institution was merely a trading one, and it would be an undignified position for any Minister to assume to direct its proceedings in a departmental capacity. Mr J. B. Whyte intpnds to ask Government to-day why the petition from the settlers in the southern portion of Thames County praying to be severed from that county has not been complied with.

The District Railways Bill— Counter-move to the " Lords." The general topic of conversation is the resolution given notice of by Mr Stout to overcome the difficulty caused by the shelving of the District Railways Bill. Tho motion is to the following effect : — "That the difficulty surrounding the railways constructed under the District Railways Act, and the hardship of ratepayers are . c uch, that the House considers that Government should seize a favourable opportunity of acquiring the said lines ; the cost not to exceed the amount fixed by a Court of Inquiry, presided over by a judge of the Supreme Court, such amount to be based on the actual cost of the railways at the time of construction, less depreciation and deterioration since their construction." The resolution also provider that it should be made a condition that all proceedings against the ratepayers should be stopped, payment to be made, one-third in cash, and the balance to bear interest at 4 per cent., to bo paid in four equal instalments. A bill is also to be introduced to make the ratepayers liable for any deficiency between the receipts from the railways and 4 per cent, interest. It is the general opinion that the cash required will appear in the Appropriation Act. Of course this Act cannot be amended, and must be either accepted or rejected. If the latter course is resorted to, it means the rejection of all tho votes for public works. The position then would bocome a very delicate one, and the only means by which Government could introduce an Act would be by pioroguing the House for a few days, and then holding a new and short session. This would mean another half honorarium for ! members. All these tactics are quite prohn.hlfl.

Fish Preserving Industry. There was a brief but interesting discussion on the question of the fish -canning industry in the House yesterday afternoon. Mr Macandrew asked the Government if they would consider the advisability of encouraging the industry by a bonus for production of the first 20 or 30 tone of ■ canned fish in tho colony. He pointed out that our imports of canned fish last year amounted in value to £43,000. He believed there weie several small canning factories in existence at the present time, but they were not on a sufficiently large scale. The Premier said that the Government recognised the importance ot the question, and drew attention to tho fact that the export of fish alone from America exceeded the value of our whole exports, including gold. He said the Government would see what could be done in the direction of having one such factory established in the South Island, and another in the North.

Wheels Within Wheels. The following suggestive paragraph appeared in last night's "Post":— "lt is' curious how many wheels working within wheels there are in matters of legislation. Few would suppose that the question of who should be Agent- General would have anything to do with the throwing out of the District Railways Bill by the Legislative Council ; yet, if we are correctly informed, it has had a great deal to do with it. A certain gallant knight deems himself greatly aggrieved because the A^ent-Oeneral was nQt dismissed, and himself appointed in bis

stead. By a curious coincidence, following his disappointment, his convictions turn in the direction of throwing out Government measures.' 5

Trip to tho North Island. Mr Hobbs brought forward in the House yesterday his sehenae for a trip of Southern members to the North Island in the month of January. The Premier said if members of the Legislature desired to make the trip, and would pay the necessary outlay independent of the use of the steamer, Govornment would not have any objection. Mr J. C. Brown considered that if the North Island members were to make a trip South they would learn more than would the South Island members bv eoine North.

Answers to Questions. The following information was elicited from Ministers in reply to questions yesterday :— By Mr Bruee— That the Colonial Secretary is taking steps to afford facilities for vaccination in the outlying districts. By Mr O'Callaghan — That it is too late in the session to bring in an Act dealing with the alteration of tariffs. Members would doubtless object to an Act specially provid ing for the abolition of the duty on bindingtwino, and the Government could not undertake to move specially in this direction. The duty would not, however, be collected until the Ist January next, to give farmers time to get their twine for this soason. By Mr Holmes— That the question of a reciprocity customs treaty with Victoria would be considered. By Mr Wakefield — That the field force did not draw long- ! service pay, owing to the temporary nature of their sorvice ; that the forco was liable to be reduced or dispensed with at any time, but men of long standing or good character were constantly being promoted into the civil police. By Mr Macandrew— That a bonus for the production of oil from shale was not confined to the North Island, but applied to all parts of the colony. The Premier believed there were large deposits of shale in the southern part of the Middle Island, and considered there was no doubt that the House would be willing to encourage the development of thohedeoosits.

Rock Drills tor Coromanclel. In the petition of Prescott and others, of Ooromanclel, the Goldfields Committee have decided to recommend the Government to purchase several rock-boring machines, as requested.

Tho County Council Elections. A paper is being lai'gely signed by members asking the Government to delay the County ele;tions till the third week in November. Ifc is understood the object is to allow members to get to their homes before they take place There are no le?s than twelve Lounty Chairmen in the House.

The Costley Bequest. Mr Peacock and Captain Daldy are endeavouring to secure the local administration of the money from the Costley bequest instead of it going to the colonial revenue until a permanent arrangement is made.

Another Injustice to the South. Captain Fraser intends to ask in the Legislative Council to-day if, when making fresh appointments to the Legislative Council, Government will take into consideration the present preponderance of North Island, and especially Wellington, members.

Public Works Bill Reported. After the telegraph office closed this morning Clause IS of the Public Works Act Amendment Bill relating to the licensing of unused roads by the local authorities, was, after a warm discussion, struck out. Clauses 21 and 22 were also struck out, and the cill was reported with amendments.

A Growl at the "Lords." The "Post," which is the acknowledged Ministerial organ, has an evidently inspired article deploring the fate of the District Railways Bill. I make the following extract: — " The Wellington members of the Council, for purely party purposes, have chosen to ally themselves with the avowed Auckland opponents of the Government for the purpose of embarassing the Government. They have thrown out a measure which was deemed of tlae utmost importance by a large section of the Southern representatives, and we shall not be at all surprised to see those who feel aggrieved by what has been done leave Wellington to the tender mercies of Auckland whou the question of the North (Island trunk railway line comes on. If the central route is not endorsed by the House, the result will be largely due to the votes given by the honorable gentlemen who sit for, although they do not represent. Wellington in the Council. Their most ill-advised action last night has created a feeling which will not easily be removed, and we greatly fear that the interests of Wellington will suffer. Those who have watched the attitude of the members for Thorndon and Te Aro towards the present Government, and have noted the votes they have given in the Lower House, will be at no loss to account for the block vote given in the Council last night. We shall not be at all surprised if all the policy bills of the present Government meet in the Council with the same fate as the District Railways Bill. Such a thing would, of course, entail a good deal of practical inconvenience, but it would tend to expedite a reform which is urgently required, and which cannot be much longer delayed. No one objects to the Council fairly considering and conscientiously deciding on the merits of any measure brought before it, but most serious objection must be taken to important policy bills being dealt with in the indecent and improper manner in which the District Railways Bill was dealt with last night." Mr Buckland interviewed the Minister of Defence to-day, and urged upon him the advisability of selling the stockade, as it was becoming an eyesore and a nuisance. Mr Ballance promised that he would do so. It is said on good authority that the tota cost of the four railways referred to in the^ Colonial Treasurer's resolution will bo LGOO.OOO, representing L 150,000 a year for four years. The railways in question are Duntroon, Waimea, Ashburton .Forks, and Rotorua.

The New "Lord." The " Poet " has the following respecting the elevation of Mr Reeves to the Legislative Council: — "We cordially congratulate the Hon. Mr Reeves on his elevation to tho Upper House. He lias long been known as a prominent and consistent membor of the Liberal party, and he is not without considerable Parliamentary experience, having sat for several years as the representative of a Canterbury constituency. In 1871-72 Mr Reeves was a member of the Fox-Vogel Ministry, and held the office of Resident Minister for the Middle Island." To this eulogy I may add the fact that Mr Reeves is the proprietor of the " Lyttelton Times," which journal has been an enthusiastic supporter of Sir Julius Vogel since his return to the colony.

Unemployed Workmen in the Colony. From a return laid before the House it appears that tho total number of unemployed who applied for work up to May 9th last was 558, of which. 412 were labourers and 83 carpenters. It is stated that 4§ have been in the cp.lony oyer 2S>' years, 4| Qver 20 years, 3>l over J5 years, 185 over }0 years, 140 over 3? aver 2 years,'[2s over 1 year, and 27 under 1 year,

Waste Lands Committee. The following petitions have been reported on by the Waste Lands Committee : — J. Charleton, claim for the land on which the township of Kawhia stands— no claim against Government ; James Louden — not sufficient evidence to enable the Committee to arrive at any conclusion ; Win. Harrison— that the claim has been already discharged by the payment of L 250.

Buoys for Manultau. Correspondence relative to the stoppage from Mr Mclntyre of over Ll5 for contract money for the manufacture of baoys at Onehunga has been laid before the House, on the motion of Mr Hamlin. From this it appears that Captain Wing 1 recommended full payment because no inconvenience had resulted from delay in completion. Government refused to make full payment on the ground that Mr Mclntyre tendered to make the buoys for L 165 if only five weeks were allowed, and Ll5O if eight weeks. The former tender was accepted, but it is asserted ho took the full eight weeks to complete the contract.

Voting Under Miners' Rights. Mr Seddon has given notice of his intention to ask Government (1 ) It they are aware that the llesident Magistrate at Thames had ruled that in accordance with Section No. 41 of the Counties Act Amendment Act, ISS2, the holder of a miner's right could legally demand a voting paper, and to vote at a county election on simply presenting a miner's right, and answering a question in the affirmative that he resides in the riding for the representation in the Council of which the said election is being held, although at the time the name of the holder of the miner's right does not appear upon the County rolls compiled by the County Clerk under Clause 42 of the Counties Act, 1876. (2) Seeing the whole of tho county elections take place next month, will Government take the necessary steps to have the question definitely decided ?

Auckland Petitions. Amongst the petitions presented to-day were the following from Auckland district : — Fiom settlers ot Bombay, praying the House to grant relief to Catherine Piggott, who has been left in indigent circumstances with a large family (Mr Hamlin) ; from Mary Miller and residents of Te Awamutu, praying for the extension of the franchise under the Licensing Act to women (Mr Lake) ; from Shorfcland natives protesting against tho Act (Puke Te Ao).

Sonus for Cheese Export. From a return laid before the House it appears that the Now Zealand Compary, Ashburton Company, and the Te Awamutu Company put in ' applications for £500 bonus for the first 50 tons of cheese exported. After considerable correspondence on the part ot the Government and the two former companies, the bonus was awarded to the New Zealand Company. Wellington, October 23. The business at yesterday afternoon's sitting of the House was not of special importance. The Destitute Persons Act Amendment Bill was read a second time, on the motion of Mr Tole. It provides that before information can be laid against a husband for deserting his wife, the consent of the latter must be obtained. The Drainage of Mines Bill and Waikato Land BUI passed through Committee, and the Life Assurance Policies Bill was read a second time.

Sunday Offences. The debate on the Sunday observance clause in the Police Offences Bill occupied the House till the 5.30 adjournment, some members waxing wroth because the clause prevented cricket-playing, boat-sailing, and gardening on Sunday. One member even went so far as to say it would prevent piano-playing on that day. The opposition to the clause strong. The Government has informed Mr Hamlin that they have received the necessary information on the petition of John Duncan and others, but the matter was of such a complicated character that it was occupying the attention of the law officers of the Crown. They hoped to have their report in a few days.

Petitions. The following petitions were presented in the House yesterday -.—From Michael Furly, Coromandel, praying for the refund of L 39, costs incurred in a civil action brought against him for the recovery of the 1 value of a horse (Mr Cadman) ; from John Moffit and 43 other residents of Devonport and Wade, and Maclurdy and 42 other residents of Lucas Creek, against any alteration in the Education Act (presented by Mr Mitchelson for Mr Hurst). Mr Thomson intends to ask Government to-day if they will have the lecture recently delivered at "Wellington by His Excellency the Governor on defences of the colony published for general circulation throughout the colony. The amendments made in Committee on the Public Works Amendment Bill and Government Insurance Bill, have been agreed to by the Lower House. Government abandoned the clauses in the latter measure providing for foreign business, and also investment of funds in Australian and foreign securities.

Penalties on Printers. Sir George Grey's bill to amend the Printers and Newspapers Registration Act provides that the fine for not placing an imprint on a document shall not exceed £5 for each of the first 25 copies ; that it shall not be lawful for any other person than the Attorney-General to prosecute ; and that no part of the penalty shall go to the in- 1 former.

Binder Twine. While the House was sitting yesterday, Mr Peacock read a telegram from Mr Messenger, of the Auckland Fibre Company, stating that sales of binder twine manufactured in Auckland had already been made to the extent of 180 tons, and that 20 tons of so-called binder twine recently imported into the colony had been received from Otago to be converted into rope, not being suitable for the purpose for which it was imported. The communication appeared to cause great surprise amongst Southern members, who were not aware of the existence of this industry, and Messrs Macandrew, Reese, and Duncan were immediately afterwards seen in conversation with Mr Peacock on the subject.

North Auckland Railway. Mr llobbs intends to ask the Minister of j Public works on Friday next if he will have a detailed survey made of the railway voute from Kawakawa to Hokianga.

The TrunH Railway Debate. The debate on the railway route last night was a.rem.arkably interesting one, and it was a noticeable fact that the best speeches were those delivered in favour of the Stratford route. Sir Geo. Grey made an admirable speech on behalf of that line, antfMesirs Peacock, Moss, and Atkinson also spoke exceedingly wejl. Mr asks Government to-day if they wiU give effeot to the recommendation of the Petitions Committee on the petition of R. P, Hodge. Mr Smith drew the attention of the Government to the claims of postmasters and telegraphists who are compelled to

work extended hours under the new regulation, and a reply was given to the effect that a sum will be placed on the Estimates to give a small gratuity to each of the officers in charge of country post and telegraph offices. In regard to telephone offices, the gratuity would be according to the fees received. In offices where there are two or more officers who could relievo each other, no such payment would be made.

Proposed Disfranchisement of Wellington. In the House yesterday, Mr White (for Mr Holmes) gave notice that he would move on going into Committee of Supply that, in the opinion of this House, if Wellington is to continue to be the seat of Government, it is detrimental to the interest of the colony that the district embracing the city of Wellington and the surrounding country within five miles of the boundaries of that city should be represented in the House, or that any person permanently resident and interested in property within such district should be a member of the Legislative Council.

Questions Answered. The following information was elicited from Ministers in the House yesterday :—: — By Mr J. B. Whyte— That the rule referring to age over which no one can be employed on Government railways does not refer to labouters, and no such reason had been given for refusing employment;. By Mr Seddon — That Government could not review the decision of magistrates, and could not express an opinion as to whether they concurred in the decision of Warden Kenrick at Thames relative to miners voting at county elections. The question was pressed further, and the Premier said his private opinion was that miners should be on the roll. The difficulty likely to arise at approaching elections was pointed out, and the Premier gave it to be understood that, if necessary, Government might take up the Counties Act Amendment Bill, which provides for the difficulty. By Mr J. B. Whyte — That the petition of settlers in the southern portion of Thames County, praying to be severed from the county, was under the consideration of the Colonial Secretary.