HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, November 1.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 75, 8 November 1884, Page 6

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wellington, November 1.

The session of ISB4 will bo marked in many ways. Amongst other things it may be noted as one during which two whole afternoons, as nearly as possible, were wasted in an inadvisable, wordy, and more or less unseemly wrangle over the Wallsend Colliery lease. As if the matter had not received enough attention on Thursday, the disputing was renewed again yesterday. Mr Kolleston, in order to clear himself in the eyes of the country (the House, he professed to know, was safe enough to believe him right), i"ose to vindicate himself, and in doing so attacked the Colonial Treasurer, who replied with vigour, and the debate lasted all the afternoon.

Wahanui's Address. Last evening Mr Ballance announced that the chief Wahanui will be heard at the bar of the House to-day, so that we shall at least have something interesting to make up for the sorrows of a Saturday sitting.

Otahuhu Block -House and Mangore Reserve. Hon. Mr Ballance has promised Mr Buckland that he will sell Otahuhu blockhouse at once. He will give him an answer in a few days regarding their intentions respecting tho Mangere reserve.

Consolidated Stock Bill. The greater part of last night's sitting was occupied with the debate on the second reading of the Consolidated Stock Bill. Sir Julius Vogel said it was intended to suspend the pressure of the Sinking Fund in the only manner in which relief could be fairly given to the financial position of the colony. To meet a maturing loan it would be convenient to convert the whole of the loan by the issue of fresh debentures or inscribed stock, and by selliog miscellaneous stock. The bill had been framed to give immediate effect to the consolidated revenue. He quoted from financial authorities with the object of show ing the fallacy oi paying off the entire debt by means of sinking funds. These proposals would enable the House to do •without extra taxation, to remit half the property tax, and to prepare for the future a finance unburdened in the funded debt, which would be conveited into a floating debt. Major Atkinson strongly opposed the proposal, and moved that the bill be read that day six months. Mr Moss, who al&o spoke, did not so much object to the discontinuance of the contribution to the Sinking Fund as to the proposal to interfere with that already accumulated. Tho second reading was carried by 40 to 10.

Report on Petition. The Waste Lands Committee has reported as follows on the petition of Win. Wheeler : — " That this petition wa? dealt with in ISS3, and there has been nothing further adduced to warrant the re-opening of the matter ; therefore they have no recoin mendation to make." Two new bills dealing with the financial arrangements of the Government were introduced yesterday in Committee, and read a first time. These were the Property Tax and Nevr Zealand Loan Bill.

Homeward Bound. Messrs Mitchelson, Hobbs, and W. F Buckland all made up their minds to leave for Auckland by last night's steamer.*

Leading Lights for Manukau. Mr Hamlin brought up the question of leading lights at Manukau Heads in the House again yesterday. He asked -whether, in view of the recent application of the Northern Shipping Company to have quid ing lights placed at the Manukau Heads, he will notify the determination of the Government on the subject to the Company as soon as he can conveniently do so. The Commissioner of Customs was understood to say that a Government steamer would shortly visit the Manukau, and if the captain reported in favour of the lights they would be placed there.

Mixed Voting.g The division last night on the Consolidated Stock Bill afforded a proof of the disorganised state of the Opposition. Several Oppositionists showed their desire to get to their homes by voting for the measure. There is on all hands a desire to rush through business and get away, and there is very little doubt next week will see the end of the session. The first Saturday sitting is to-day.

movements of the Hinemoa, The Hinemoa leaves at midnight on Tuesday for Christchorch with Lady Jervois and family, and is expected to return in time to leave with the Auckland members about Friday next.

Highland Crofters for the North. Mr Hobbs intends to ask Government to set apart 5,000 acres of land in the Bay of Islands, Mongonui, and Hokianga as a special settlement for Highland crofters, and take action to induce the crofters to occupy the block. He will also ask Government to extend the telegraph from Mongonui to Kaitaia or Teawamu.

Wages of Asylum Warders. A deputation, consisting of Messrs O'Callaghan, Peacock, J. C. Buckland, and Fisher, waited on the Colonial Secretary this morning, and urged that asylum warders should be placed on the same footIng with respect to pay as gaol warders. Hon. Mr Buckley promised to bring the question under the consideration of the Cabinet.

Mails By Direct Steamers. A memorandum of proposed contract between the Postmaster-General of the colony and the New Zealand Shipping Company for the conveyance of mails has been laid on the table of the House, and will form the subject of a resolution on an early day. By the terms of this document the Company is to convey mails between Plymouth (England) and either of the ports of Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, and Port Chalmers (in New Zealand), and any intermediate ports at which the Company's steamers may call. The service is to be a regular four-weekly one, alternating with the San Francisco service, and the time occupied on the voyage is to be 1,000 hours from Plymouth to whichever New Zealand port may be fixed, and 1,008 hours from the final port of departure in the colony to Plymouth. In order to ensure punctuality, the Company are to receive a bonus of £5 j for every hour in which the voyage is performed less than these times, and to pay a fine of £4 for every hour that the mail is overdue. If a steamer is not ready to put to sea at the specified time, the Company are to pay £200 damages and £50 for each 24 hours that the steamer is delayed. For the purposes of this service, the Company are to keep ready the steamers Ruapehu, Tongariro, Aorangi, Kaikoura, and Eimutaka, provided that, in case of accident, the Company may use a substitute-vessel, which shall not be of less than 2,500 gross tonnage. The rates to be paid under the contract are proposed to be as under :— Letters, 12s per lb. ; packets, Is per lb. ; newspapers, fid per lb. The agreement contains a number of other provisions as to inspection, arbitration in disputes, &c,

Wellington, November 3. Work Versus Play. There was quite a scene in the Houee immediately before the adjournment on Saturday afternoon. A. number of members were anxious that the House should sit again that evening, while others were equally anxious for an adjournment till Tuesday. When the question was asked whether the House should sit or not that night, there was a perfect babel of voices calling '• aye" and " no" for seA^eral minutes. A division had eventually to be taken, with the result that the adjournment till Tuesday was only carried by one vote, tho Government voting for it.

Mi* Sbeehan's Recovery. Mr Sheehan has so far recovered from his illness that he is able to get about again.

Native Lands Settlement Bill. The debate on the Native Lands Settlement Bill was continued well into the afternoon on Saturday. A number of members spoke, and sti-ong opposition would probably have been offered to the measure had not Mr Bal lance promised that Government would modify tho bill so that it would only contain a pro\ision to prevent individual dealings in native lands. On tho strength of this promise, tho second reading was carried on the voices.

Bills Passed. The amendments which had been made by the Committee on the Timber Floatago Bill and Impounding Bill a\ ere considered in the House on Saturday afternoon, and agreed to, both bills being then read a third timo and passed.

Members' Ball To-night. Wonderful preparations are being made for the members' ball to-night. A large staff of mon are engaged preparing the rooms and making decorations. The whole affair is to be carried out on a scale of great magnificence. This is the first members' ball that has been given sinco 1877.

Volunteer Prize Money. The division of the Volunteer Prizefiring Vote formed the subject of a meeting of Southern members to-day. It was agreed as a compromise to request Government to hold the next colonial prizo-iiring at Christchurch. Mr Hobbs changed his mind at the last moment, and did go by the Waihora on Saturday evening.

Colonial Contributions to the New Guinea Protectorate. I am given to understand that Sir Julius Vogel has just received a cablegram from the Home Government stating that thoy wish the contribution of the colony towards the A T e\v Guinea Protectorate to be doubled.

The Question of Binder Twine. Mr O'Callaghan intends to ask the Commissioner of Customs to-morrow whether he has &een a letter in the "Lyttelton Times" of 31st October signed by the Secretary of the Co-operative Association in Christchurch, stating that the invoice price of binder twine manufactured by Auckland Fibre Company, delivered to the Association to sell again, ig KUd per lb. net, which, he states, means lid to Is per lb to the farmer, while the price of imported twine is 7d per lb, delivered to farmers.

Winding Up the Business. It is believed that the remainder of the business will be got through safely in the next three or four days. The second reading of the New Zealand Loan Bill and the Property Tax Bill has been agreed to. Major Atkinson has stated his intention to move in committee in respect of the scheduling of the loan,

Reduction of Property Tax. The Property Tax Bill met with great opposition, many members considering it xxny, ise to reduce the property tax '.\ hile at the same time they "\\ ere going in for further borrowing. After a long debate, the second reading was carried by 40 to 21. The effect of the passing ot the Act will bo to reduce the property tax by one-half. Members took up very curious positions in their arguments for and against the measure, and there was a considerable mixing of parties in the division lobbies. Among those who opposed the measure were Sir Geo. Grey, Messrs Montgomery, Moss and Barron, and they walked into the same lobby as Major Atkinson, Col. Trimble, Mr Hamlin, and other advocates of the property tax. Even Mr Grigg, big propertyowner though he is, was not satisfied with the proposal, though he voted for it. The contradictory reasoning of members was remarkable, a number arguing against the bill because they were in favour of a land tax, while Mr Hamlin opposed it because he was an opponent of the land tax, and foresaw that the reduction of the property tax must inevitably lead to the imposition of a, tax on land. Though a number of Government supporters deserted the Ministry over this measure, the personal interests of members in the lightening of direct taxation were strong enough to secure the substantial majority of 19 in favour of the reduction of the tax. Wellincjtox, November 4.

Signs of a Speedy Close. The Parliamentary birds are all on the wing, and there are daily departures for North and South. The loquacious Seddon is expected to take his departure to day, and then there will be every probability of the remaining business being run through belore the end of the week. The majority of Auckland members are expected to leave in the Hinemoa on Friday night, while Messrs Peacock, Thompson, and probably one or two others will go overland. It is intended to make application to have Wahanui heard at the bar of the Upper House. The Lords are understood to be favourable.

The Beetroot Business. A report in current here that the New Zealand Agricultural Company, in which Sir Julius Vogel is interested/has gone in pretty largely for the cultivation of beetroot with a view to sugar production, and hence Sir Julius's bill to provide a bonu.s There may, however, be nothing in the story, which I give as I heard it.

The Cox's Creek Bridge. The Minister of Public "Works has promised Mr Peacock that he will have a report made on the advisibility or otherwise of shifting the present useless bridge at Cox's Creek to a more suitable position higher up the creek, and also that he will see what can be done in the matter of traffic.

Ministerial Visit to the North. The Premier and Minister of Public Works have stated to one of the Auckland members that they intend to pay a visit to the districts North of Auckland during the recess. Settlers vrill thus have an opportunity of agitating for the ledress of their grievances. 1 notice that any references in the House to roads and bridges North of Auckland are invariably received by Southern members with expressions of dis-

ravour. Pending Petitions. The petitions of Henderson and others against the seizure of an island by McArthur and Co., of John Lundon, and of Mackay, insurance agent, for alleged wrongful imprisonment, have been repeatedly under the consideration of the

Petitions Committee during the last few weeks, but no decision has boer. arrived at.

Tho Duty on Binder Twino. Pressure is again being brought to bear by Southern members for a reduction on the duty of binder twine, but I am given to understand that the Government will not accede to the request. A letter from Mr Johnston, manager of Auckland Fibre Company, on the trade being devolopod by the works under hia charge, appears in the "OaniaruMail."

The Order of Business. The present arrangement of business is that the committal of the Nativo Lands Settlement, New Zealand Loan, Property Tax, and Consolidated Stock Bills will bo taken this afternoon. It is understood that Government members will refrain from speaking in order to facilitate the business. The Goneral Estimates aro expected to come on to-night, and the Public Works Estimates to-morrow.

Another Injustice to Constables. Mr Thompson has been interesting himself in the case of two Auckland constables whose previous servico on rejoining has not been allowed to count, although a promise was mado that it should. So far ho has been unsuccessful, proofs of claim being required by the Defence Minister.

A Missing Boat. The case of Connolly, the waterman, who claims compensation for a boat which he believes was taken by somo Kohitnarama Training School boy.s avlio went missing, has been under the consideration of the Petitions Committee. There is, however, no ovidenco to support the claim, but only the coincidence that the boat and boys wore missing at the same time. The Committco, therefore, declines to make any recommendation. WhLLTNiiTOX, November o.

Popularising ° Hansard." It appears from a report which has been laid on the tablo of the House Unit since tho reduction was made in the price of " Hansard," tho circulation of the publication has increased from 109 to 1,495. Tho reduced price is 2d per part, and thero arc about two parts each week.

Special Settlement for Highland Crofters. Mr Hobbs has failed in hiscllbrts. to induce the Covernmont to set apart blocks of land in the Bay of Islands, Hokianga, and Monpfonui districts for special settlements for Highland crofters. lion. Mr Ballance .says the climate of the district is not suitable, being too warm, and requests Mr llobbs to wait until the experiment lias been tried in the South.

Return of the Auckland Members. The Hinemoa leaves on Friday night, taking the Northern members home. This time the Speaker m ill not leave Wellington till the end of tho session, owing to a " scene " that occurred at the prorogation last } car, The Appropriation Act is expected to be down either on Thursday or Friday.

Auckland and Wellington Harbours. The " Post" has another snarl at Consul GritHn. Referring to his speech at the luncheon on the Tiiumph, it says : — " What Auckland's promised industries have to do with the harbours possessed by the colony we do not know, but wo think it a great pity that a gentleman occupying an important official position should allow himself to be so daz/led by the glory of even Auckland's .sun as to render him blind to the existence of a harbour at the seat of Government, which will in every practical manner compare more than favourably with the at present sole object of his admiration. In future, when Mr Gridin performs his consular duties, we hopo he ay ill keep out of the sun, and will remember that after all Auckland is but a small part of the colony, and, despite the firm convictions of its own inhabitants, by no means the most important part "

The Binder Twine Question. The subject of the duty on binder twine came up again in the House yesterday, on a question by Mr O'Callaghan. The Premier said the statement in letters in the " Lyttelton Times " was inaccurate. He held in his hand a communication from the manager of the Auckland Fibie Company, in w hich that gentleman said they had never sold any twine to the Canterbury Co-operative Association. Mr Holmes : " They offered it for sale, though." The price last year was only Okl, subject to 10 per cent, discount, and this year it was loA\cr. It was not for Government to I impose a duty on binder twine. It had been impof-ed by statute, and it was only for them to administer the law. In conclusion the Premier said if they made one reduction in the tariff, they would have dozens of other requests of a similar nature.

Petitions. Petitions of Auckland interest were presented to the House yesterday as follows :—: — From residents of Alexandra, praying for a new bridge across the river between the east and west portions of the township (Mr Lake) ; from John 11. Jones, formerly of the 08th Regiment, praying for consideration for military services (Air Holmes) ; from Juhn McLachlan, praying for inquiry into an assault on Fanny Knight (Sir George Grey) ; from natives, praying for a rehearing re Maungatautari and Waotu South No. 2 blocks (Te Ao) ; from Honora Oakes, pressing claim to a block of 33 acres of land at Lucas's Creek (Sir George Grey) ; from Arama Hatautu, claiming land at Takapuna (Mr Dargaville).

South Island Railway Route. In a report to the Government, Mr Blair, Assistant Engineer, says ho can unhesitatingly recommend the Arthur's Pass route as the best for tho lino of railway between the East and West Coasts of the South Island. The report, which is a lengthy one, goes into tho respective merits of the various routes. The Late Death in Auckland Gaol, Mr Moss has given notice of his intention to ask the Government if they are aware that one Benjamin West was sent to gaol in Auckland as a vagrant on the 28th of last month ; that he was then in a dying condition ; and that he died three days after his admission ; also if they will make proper provision for unfortunate persons of this kind, instead of their being necessarily sent to the common gaol.

Telegraphic Extension. Mr Hobbs has not succeeded in inducing the Committee of Telegraphs to extend the telegraph linos from Mongonui to Kaitaia or Te Awamutu. The reply was that the expenditure would be so large and the revenue so small that Government does not see its way to carry out the work.

Quarantine Petition. The Petitions Committee have had under consideration the case of W. Smith, who prays for an investigation into the conduct of Oliver Mays, Superintendent of Auckland Quarantine Station, for the manner in which ho was compelled to resign his office of depOt master. From the evidence before the Committee they considor the petitioner has no claim, but the Committee recommend, if the petioner still desires an investigation into his case, that an independent inquiry should be made in Auckland. i (

The following reply to questions were made yesterday by Ministers: —To Mr Locke — That Government would not appoint a fixed resident magistrate for Wairoa, but it might be necessary to appoint a compe tont clerk ; to Mr Joyce— That it is not the intention of Government to call for tenders for any further supply of railway sleepers from outside the colony ; Government would again call for tonders for creosoled sleopcrs ; to Mr Brown — That Government were doing the best they could to have a native school established at Kawhia; it was for Auckland Board of Education to deal with the establishment of a European school there.

Bills Advanced. The Consolidated Stock Bill, New Zealand Loan Bill, and Property Tax Bill were all passed through Committeo at yesterday's sitting of the House. Mr Moss spoke at some length on the Loan Bill, and endeavours wore made to induce Government to schedule the railway works to be passed out of loan, but in vain. The immigration vote was also strongly objected to.

Auckland Petitions Disposed of. The following reports have been made on Auckland petitions: — J. Lynch, Coromandel — that the Committee see no reason to depart from the report of Committee in 1882; residents of Auckland, stating that only an olected committee can give satisfaction under the Licensing Act— the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion to the House on the subject matter of this opinion ; Romana Tautari and 339 otheis — that in the opinion of the Committee it will be necessary to bring in a measuro by which relief can bo given to the petitioner, and that they will be able to bequeath the land to their children and relatives — that is to say, that the lands at Opotiki and Whakatano granted to csrtain natives by the Compensation Court. This Committee therefore recommend that the (Jovernment will introduco the legislation necessary for this purpose.

Imperial Federation Resolution. Mr Boetham, when Mr JS tout's motion regarding the Sydney Congress is proposed, willinove that iho following words be added: — "Further, that the time hasanived for considering the question of establishing such a union of the colonies with the mother country as would secure to them a voice in determining the Imperial policy of the Emnire."

The Estimates. The House sat till half- past 2 o'clock this morning, end succeeded in getting the Estimates through. The following reductions were made in the Legislative Council voto : — Chairman of Committees, L4OO to L3OO ; clerk to Council, L6OO to LoOO ; assistant cloik reduced to L 35 0; second assistant i*educed to L2OO ; examiner of Standing Orders on private bills in the Lower House, reduced to Ll5O. A mistako was made about the Chairman of Committees of the Legislative Council, which was really for two .sessions, and the Treasurer promised to have tho voto replaced on the Supplementary Estimates. Mr Peacock made another attempt to have Lunatic Asylum \\ ardors' salaries increased, but in vain, and tho vote was agreed to. A sum of L 1,200, 200 was granted to Auckland and Wellington Domains. There were no other alterations.

Reinstatement of Police Officers. On the vote for Armed Constabulary, the Defence Minister said, as he considered that .soveral police oilicers had lost their rank without any fault of their own at the time of reduction, he was favourable to lhair reinstatement in the former position, providing it did not cause any increase of the pay of the officers referred to. Wellington, November 6,

The Legislature at Loggerheads. It usually happens that there is a deadlock of the Houses at the close of the session. The present session is no exception to the rule. The Lov er House ha 3 refused to accept two amendments made by the Legislative Council in the Wanganui Harbour Bill, and a committee has been appointed to draw up reasons for the objections. The amendment which is being opposed provides that the loan shall be by a majority of the burgesses on the roll, instead of the majority of votes polled. On the other hand, the Legislative Council has managed the Municipal Corporation Act, and made alterations in the federation resolutions. Of course this does not amount to a deadlock, butjt appioachcs to one.

Reports on Petitions. The following Auckland petitions have been reported upon :— Ellen Jeppovat— That petitioner .seems to have a prima facw claim to the timber in Waikanae Block, Coromandel, and the Committee would recommend that Government bo re quested to carefully inquire into the ca&o. J. W. King, oldest English native of the colony —That the Committee has no recommendation to make.

Death in Auckland Gaol. Mr Moss brought the case of the man Benjamin West, who died immediately after his admission to Auckland Gaol, under the notice of the (ioveinment yesterday. Hon, Mr Tolo said the man was taken into the infirmary, and ho admitted that the patient, who was an old offender, died three days afterwards. The Goldfields and Mines Committee has parsed a reso'ution requesting Government to make provision for the payment of the Chairman,in consequence ot the amount of work devolving upon him.

Subsidy to the South Sea Island Trade. In introducing the Supplementary Estimates lato last night, Sir Julius Vogel said although the South Sea Trading Bill had been thrown out by the House, the Government was not disposed to relinquish the trade of the islands. A subsidy of £1,500 was therefore promised for a steam service. Under it a trip would be made, once every two months, the steamer coming up the coast and then leaving Auckland for Tonga, calling next at Samoa, and proceeding on to Tahiti. Provision would be mado by which the service could bo discontinued by a few months' notice. Replies to Questions. Information was elicited from Ministers in reply to questions as follows yesterday : — By Colonel Fraser : That the telegraph line from Taupo to Auckland would not go by way of Katikati ; it was, however, probable that the line would be taken from Katikati to Paeroa at no distant date. By Mr Hatch : That if the number of members of friendly societies travelling to their annual meeting ot delegates was sufficiently large, Government would afford every facility to them to travel cheaply on the railways. By Mr McKenzie : That To Kooti had been warned by past and present Governments against visiting the East Coast. By Mr Wakefield : That every facility would be given to the promoters of the Belgian settlement to visit all parts of the colony.

Northern Railway Construction. The Railways Authorisation Bill provides that before entoring into any contract for the construction of the branch lino to the Whauwhau colliery, the Governor shall be satisfied that an amount at least equal to the amount of the tender for such construction has beon paid to the public account of the colony by the Whangaroi Coal mining Company (Limited), or else that a guarantee

by some bank approved by the Minister for Public Works has been lodged with the Colonial Treasurer binding the bank to provide funds as required for the construction of the railway up to at least the amount of the tender. Before entering into any contract for the construction of the branch line of railway across the Waikato Eiver at Huntly, the Waikato Coal Company and the directors thereof shall enter into a contract with Her Majesty the Queen insuchform and upon such terms and conditions as the Minister of Public Works approves, binding the Company, when the said line is open for traffic, to be despatched from Huntly not less than 20,000 tons of coal per annum for carriage to Mercer. Canterbury members held a farewell dinner last night, but there was no speechmaking of political importance.

Supplementary Estimates. The Supplementary Estimates were circulated late last night. The following aro those of interest to Auckland readers :— * Grant to Fire Brigade demonstrations, L 250 ; widow of Downes,Returning Officer, drowned at Poverty Bay, L 10 0; Captain .Raymond, inventor of phosphorised oats, poisoning process, L 50 0; salmon ova, pound tor pound subsidy, L 350 ; industrial exhi bition, LI, 000 ; bankruptcy clerk, Auckland (additional), L3O ; cadet, LSO ; rental, L 5 ; 11. M. Court Cadet, LSO ; refund to colliery, L 34 ; compensation to Shearer, L5O ; bonus to officers of country post and telegraph offices for extra hours, LI, OOO ; conveyance of mails to Pacific Islands, L 1,500, 500 ; Russell, boatman (additional), LI 2 ; Kaipara launch engine driver (additional), L 37 ; public schools, including three morths' capitation which was taken off, L11,C40 ; cost of Blick's and Ulrich's lectures at mining centres, L 35 0; prospecting subsidy, LI ,000; to repair flood damages at Thames, L5OO ; railways : compensation 1o Worry fcr loss of office, LSOS ; compensation to Slater (clerk) and Freney, Auckland, for loss of office, L3i2; Auckland Domain (additional), L 125 ; unemployed in South, LlOO ; additional Volunteer capitation, 5s per man, L 1,079, 079 ; Volunteer Rifle Association (additional), L 250 ; allow auco to widow of Sergt. Jackeon, L 183; allowance to widow of Constable Naughton, LIGS ; Lands Department clerk, Auckland (additional), L 200; expenses in connection with the development of Thermal Springs (additional), L 2,000; purchase ot now premises for Government Insurance Depaitment, Wellington, L 20,000; branch line of railway from Kaipara-Wai-kato main line across the Waikato River at Huntly, on condition that tho directors of Waikato Coal Company guarantee to supply 20,000 tons of coal per annum for ten years for carriage to Mercer, Ll0,000; compensation to Hursthouse and Nowsham for detention by Maoris, L2OO ; roads — Ormr>nd-Opotiki, L 3.00 0; Ormond-Waiapu, L 5.00 0; Gis-borne-Waimata, L 2,000 ; Hamilton-Whata-whata drain, L5OO ; Churchill punt, L 10 0; Otonga bridge, L'2so ; subsidies to roads on goldiields, L 5,000 ; to works on goldfields, L 2,000; telegraph line, Pan mure to Howick, L 36 0; Hokianga to Herd's Point, L 95 0; Court-house, To Aroha, L 1 0; Cu.stom-house, Russell, L5l ; lunatic asylums, additional L 2,000 ; charitable institutions, additional L 5,000 : paid to Young, late warder Auckland Gaol, LG2 10s.

The Federation Proposals. In the Legislative Council yesterday the debate on the above subject was concluded, and the resolutions were carried. After quoting the resolutions passed by the Federation Conference at Sydney, the motion carried by the Council proceeds : — "And whereas at the said Convention a draft bill to constitute a Federal Council of Australasia was also agreed to ; and whereas, in pursuance of an undertaking given by delegates from the colony of New Zealand, it is desirable that the resolution of the said Convention should be sub mitted to the Legislature, that the Council agrees generally with resolution of the said Convention ; but in order that its views may bo specially expressed, resolves as follows : — Approves of the steps taken by the British Government for the establishment of its rule over New Guinea, and hopes like measures will be taken for a protectorate over the Islands of the Pacific Ocean not under dominion of a stable Government. That this colony is willing to pay in proportion a share of the sum of £] 5,000 proposed by the Imperial Government. That it desires respocttully to protest against the transportation of criminals to the French possessions in the Pacific. That it requests tho British Government to make such l'epresentations to the European Poweis as will prevent the maintenance of penal establishments in any of the Pacific Islands. That the establishment of such a Federal Council as is proposed in tho Conventions Draft Bill is premature so far as New Zealand is concerned, the geographical position of New Zealand requiring that the Federal Conven2 tion between New Zealand and Australia should be less close than that bet'n eon the various Australian colonies."

The Proposed New Minister. The proposal to appoint an extra member of the Cabinet as Minister of Mines has been defeated. In the House yesterday the Hon. the Piemior moved the second reading of the Civil List Act Amendment Bill, which proposed to have an extra Minister appointed with the portfolio of Mines. After a short debate, the motion for the second reading w as lost on the voices. In the courso of thediscussion, Sir Geo. Grey said he would move, if the bill got into Committee, that two Under-Secretaries should be appointed instead of an additional Minister. Sir Julius Vogcl said tho Government would be prepared to consider such questions if the llouso desired it.

Without in the least wishing to detract from the extraordinary feat performed by the Australians, which stands alone in the annals of tho game, I would remind the cricketing world of a somewhat similar phenomenal score. This occurred some years ago at Grimsby, when the All England Eleven scored some nino hundred (not out) against tho Grimsby Club.— "Vanity Fair."