MATTERS BEFORE PARLIAMENT.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 121, 26 September 1885, Page 5

MATTERS BEFORE PARLIAMENT.

Wellington, September 18. Ms Cadman to morrow asks the Premier if it is the intention of the Government to give effect to the recommendation of the Goldfields Committee to prepare a Consolidation Mining Bill to be introduced next session. To-morrow Mr Newman asks the Government whether they will next session introduce a bill to tax absentee landlords. The East and West Coast Railway Grant. On the resolutions from Committee of Supply being reported, Sir George Grey moved his resolution, the full text of which I wired you some weeks ago, limiting the grant •of land for the Eaßt and West Coast Railway i to co much as is required for the construction of the line and necessary any sidings and road approaches. The Premier replied that the resolution was perfectly valueless, and that to discuss it would only be wasting the time of the Houee. He read the Solicitor General's opinion to that effect, j and Sir George's amendment was then nega tived on the voices. The Committee of Supply's resolution having been recommitted, Mr Seddon moved that fifty pounds be voted for payment to the Chairman of the Goldfields Committee, and this was agreed to, nem. con. Sir George Grey then stated that he was satisfied that the Solicitor General's opinion was not correct, and that it would get the colony into great difficulties.

Volunteer Uniforms. Mr Reid gave notice that he would tomorrow ask the Defence Minister whether the Government will grant to each recruit joining the Volunteer corps (other than corps wearing the infantry uniform) a euit of serge, or an advance of 20s m lieu thereof. (2) Whether Volunteers will be allowed in future to purchase from the Government stores clothing and other articles at Government prices. (3) Whether the duty hereafter to be paid on all Volunteers' clothing, &c, will be refunded to the corps on production of Custom-house vouchers showing that payment has been made. (4) What Volunteers will be allowed to procure uniform through the Government on the same terms as they previously enjoyed. (5) Whether Volunteers will be allowed reasonable compensation for loss of time while attending as guards of honour.

The End of the Session. The session is dying slowly, and many members fear that it will run into next week. Sir G M. O'Rorke, however, informs me that be hopes the prorogation will take place on Saturday, and that the Hinemoa, with the Auckland members, will leave on Saturday evening, if the bills can be got ready for His Excellency's assent by that time, Should the Speaker's expectations be realised, the Hinemoa will reach the Manukau about eight o'clock on Monday morning.

An Exchange oi Compliments. Mr Seddon is an ugly customer to deal with, and on more than one occasion this session he has dealt some hard knocks. While he was speaking last night on clause 70 oE the Railways Authorisation Bill, which gives Grey mouth and Westport Harbour Boards power to oonstruct a railway, Mr Holmes accused him of having an interest in the matter. Thereupon the member for Kumara fiercely turned on Mr Holmes, and insinuated that in taking his instructions on the previous i evening from the^ Secretary to the Waimea Plains Railway Company (who had sat behind the Speaker's chair), he was acting as a paid advocate for the public. Mr flamlin's prompt intervention put a stop to what promised to give rise to a altercation.

personal Mr Reess Co-operative Soheme. Regarding the petition from Gisborne, asking that lands at the East Cape be made available for settlement under co-operative principles, the Waste Lands Committee report that every facility Bhould be afforded by the Government under the existing land laws to co-operative associations, but they

> do not feel justified in making any recomi mendation to the Government to deal with such bodies in an exceptional manner.

Parsons Drowned In New Zealand. From July Ist, 1884, to June 30, 1885, 45 persons were drowned in JVew Zealand rivers. The total number drowned from 1840 to June last was 2,201.

Sir Julius Vogela Petition. Sir Julius Vogel's petition was advanced a stage by the Petitions Committee yesterday. Sir W. Fitzherbert haa not yet settled when the Committee will report.

Skye Crofters. The Public Works Estimates were further reduced last night by £10,000, the item, introduction of Sky crofters, being struck out of the immigration vote. By dint of hard whipping and canvassing, Major Steward yesterday afternoon succeeded in getting the Waimea railway reinserted in the schedule of the District Kailways Purchasing Bill, and the contract entered into by the Government for its purchase ratified,—Mr Seddon spoke warmly on the action of the House in reversing its vote of the previous day.

Auckland Harnour Board. The Auckland Harbour Board Bill got finally through the Legislative Council yes-

terday. Immigration. A Bharp discussion occurred last night over the vote for £30,373 for immigration. Mr Ballance said that Government thought £10,000 would be sufficient for the introduction of Highland crofters as proposed last year. The Government had corresponded with the Agent-General, who had, however, received no assistance from the Imperial Government, there being no disposition at home to send out those people. The late Minister for Immigration suddenly suspended immigration to the colony, and the present Government had to spend a considerable sum in bringing out immigrants who had been nominated. He thought if they were to carry on the public works scheme, they should have to provide for the introduction of a certain number of immigrants of the most desirable class, and should also bring out a good proportion of single women, There was another class to which they might also turn their attention, and that was small capitalists, fie thought that it was very desirable that a class of small farmers should be introduced, and Government proposed that if a man possessed £100 capital half his passage-money should be paid by the Government.—Mr W. White moved that the vote of £30,373 should be reduced by £10,000. No reason had been shown for this vote for the introduction of crofters —Mr Moss wanted to know what right they had to spend borrowed money in bringing people into the colony to swell the ranks of the unemployed. He moved, "That the vote of £lb,ooo for the introduction of immigrants be reduced by £s,ooo.'"—Mr Barron thought it very inconsistent on the part of the Government to endeavour to bring out more people to the colony in the face of the repeated statements of the Treasurer and Minister for Public Works when the Estimates were reduced lately, that the effect of such reduction would be to throw a large number of people out of employment.—After considerable discussion, Major Atkinson said he should have great pleasure in supporting the vote, and only regretted it had not been larger. He wanted to see a million people in New Zealand, and he believed that if a million people were in the colony it would be infinitely better off than at present.—Mr tfcolleston saw great difficulty in the way of bringing out people to the colony v?ith capital, and the conclusion he had come to was that the best thing to do was to make the passage money between here and England the same as to Manitoba. Mr 3. McKenzie thought that if £100,000 could be devoted to bring out population to the colony, it would be money well spent, and would materially assist in lightening the burdens of the country.—Mr Macandrew defended the vote to assist in the introduction of crofters. He said he had been urged by the Government and by many others to go Home in connection with this matter, but he had refused to do so, as he was unwilling to go Home at the public expense. He thought, however, the subject was of sufficient importance to warrant a member of the Governmont in visiting the Old Country to arrange for the crofters being sent to the colony. The item was struck out by 24 to 14. The total vote as reduced, £20,373, was then passed. Wellington, Sept. 21.

Other Questions. Replying to Mr Ross, Mr Tole said inquiries would be made into the circumstances under which the Chinese inmate of the Seacliffe Asylum met his death. Replying: to Mr Richardson, Mr Stout said the Government would consider the question ot appointing a special committee for the purpose of considering all bills and matters affecting local government. Replying to Mr Beetham as to whether the Government would consider the advisability of appointing a Royal Commission for the purpose of inquiring into the position of all local bodies, so that legislation next session might be brought to a satisfactory decision, Mr Stout said the matter would receive careful consideration. Repl>ing to Mr Hobbs, Mr Stout said members of the Legislative Council did not receive honorarium when absent from the Council,

Bills. The Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act, 1877. Amendment Bill, was read a second time and committed, read a third time and passed. Mr Larnach moved that the amendments made by the conference in the Miners Act Amendment be agreed to. Carried after discussion.

Customs Interpretation. Sir Julius Vogel introduced the Customs Tariff Interpretation Bill, which provides that the market value of cotton and dress-prints should not exceed 3d per yard. The bill was read a second time, committed, and passed. Honorarium. Mr Hobbs moved for a return of the names ot all Legislative Councillors from whom deductions were made in honorariums for 1884 5. Sir Juuua Vogel objected to the question, and moved the previous question. Major Atkinson agreed with the motion, and said it was rumoured (aLhough he did not believe it) that certain Councillors had overdrawn their honorarium, and in fairness to those hon. gentlemen the return should be prepared. Sir Julius Vogel said if possible he would prepare the returns and withdraw his amendment. He hoped the names of members of the Lower House would also be inserted. Mr Maoandrew moved an amendment in that direction, which was agreed to, Mr Fergus moved as a further amendment, " and the number of days in which each member attended in each session." Mr Stout strongly objected to thia amendment, and Sir Julius Vogel said if it was carried it would prevent the return being prepared this session. The amendment was carried, by 42 to 14.

After further discussion, Mr Brown i moved an amendment, "That as far as possible.the return be laid on the table tomorrow, and completed next session." j This amendment was carried, and the original motion as amended oarried. I I I i [

Land Bill. In the afternoon, the report of the Conference on the Land Bill was agreed to. - Mr Bai/I/Anob explained the amendments that had been made. As to tendering for land, it had been decided that unless there was only one tender for perpetual leases, that tender should be accepted at the upset price. The homestead clause had been re stored, with a modification that not more than 3,000 acres of land should be taken up in any one district in one year The purchasing clause in the perpetual lease had been restored, but was not to apply to educational reserves. In the punishment clauses the imprisonment portion had been Btruck out, and the fine of £20 increased to £50.

District Railways Bill. Sir Julius Voqel troved that the amendment of the Council declaring that "no new railways be constructed under the District Railways Act" be agreed to. The Speaker ruled that the bill was a money bill, and its amendment by the Council a breach of the privileges of the House.—Sir Julius Vogel movedfortheappointment of a Committee to confer with a Committee of the Council on the subject, but the Speaker insisted on his ruling, and on the motion of Major Atkinson an amendent declaring that the insertion of the clause was a breach of the privileges of the House was carried. At a later stage a message was received from the Council stating that while the amendment would not be insisted upon, the Council maintained its right to insert the clause. Replying to questions, the Government said they would take steps during the reC3BS to settle outstanding claims under the Forests Tree Planting Act. Replying to Mr Guinness why the Collector of Customs at Greymouth charged duty on prints invoiced 5d per yard and upwards, which hitherto had been admitted free. Mr Stout said that whan the Customs Bill passed it was clearly the intention of the House to allow cotton and dress prints free, but attempts were now being made to bring in most expensive prints free.

Mr Buckland and Dr. Buller. Replying to Mr J. C. Buckland, Mr Stout said Dr. Yon Haast would be the only paid Commissioner representing New Zealand at the London Exhibition Several other Commissioner might be appointed ! without pay. Mr J. C. Buckland contended that the Treasurer had informed the House that Dr. Yon Haast wo aid be the only Commissioner. Mr W. F. Buckland said he could pro <3uce proof that the Government had given Dr. Buller an understanding that if he squared the native vote they would make him either a judge of the Native Lands Court or Commissioner at London Exhibition. Mr Te Ao denied the assertion, and said the natives had voted as they thought best. Mr O'Connor thought it unfair for any member to speak of the natives as Mr Buckland had done. Mr Ivess attacked Mr Buekland for his remarks, and also Sir George Grey for defending him. Mr Hislop thought theattack unjustified, especialiy when made by a man who was ao inferior in talent and nobility as the member for Wakanui. He opposed the appointment of a second Commissioner. Mr Tubnbull regretted what had taken place, and said if it continued he would call attention to strangers in the gallery. Mr Seddon said members should restrain their feelings, and part good friends. M. Parata denied that he had been influenced in his vote. Mr Stout said no one but Dr. Haast would be sent Home by the Government. Should other gentlemen go, it would be at their expense. Dr. Buller had been recommended by Dr. Haast. The House went into CotnmifteeofSupply, and at 1,15 p.m. adjourned until 2 p.m. |

Supreme Court Reporting. Mr Tole intends inviting the Supreme Cpurt Judges to Wellington in November to discuss the matter of reporting in Courts. Should they agree to the rules, a trial will be given of the system, the necessary vote having been carried on the Chairman's casting vote in the House last night.

onus to Civil Servants. Of the £2,500 bonus to Civil servants on the Supplementary Estimates, £1,000 will go to the Postal and Telegraph Department, the rest being distributed amongst other departments. No officer receiving over -€250 per annum will participate in the bonus,

Volunteer Regulations.. In reply to Mr Reed's questions (already wired) re Volunteer clothing, Mr Ballance said the regulations as to the serge suite had been repealed. It was not intended to increase the allowance to Volunteers. Volunteers would be allowed to purchase B tor eB from Government at cost price. Go vernment did not intend to refund duty on Volunteer clothing. It was not proposed to unduly encourage Volunteers as guards of honour,

Land Bill. A committee was appointed to draw up reasons for disagreeing from certain amendments made by the Legislative Council on the Land Bill. Coatley Training Institution. The Bill was passed by the Legislative Council yesterday. Special Powers and Contracts Bill. The Housesattill 3 35 this morning on the Special Powers and Contracts Bill. After some discussion, the proposed grant to Te Kooti was struck out on the voices. On Bubsection 11, granting to Mrs Robert Graham the right of acquiring the fee simple of 10 acres near Lake Rotorua, and the right of acquiring some land adjoining not exceeding 300 acres, Messrs Rolleston and Trimble objected to the grant. The Native Minister defended the grant, and thought Mrs Graham had a just claim ; clause passed. Clause 11 8, making it lawful for the Governor to issue Crown grants to Mr Thomas Russell of two allotments of land of 6,000 and 1,487 acreseach.inWaiharuheke East and West respectively, was, on the motion of Sir George Grey, struck out by 33 to 12. Clause 22 A, providing that two town sections should fall into possession of the Crown, unless claimed by the heirs of the late William Ho wells (who was owner) within 12 months, passed by 25 to 18 The bill was reported as amended. Progress was reported on the Railway Authorisation Bill. The District Railway Bill was recommitted to consider the schedule, and then adjourned till next day. Waimea Plains Railway Bill was read a third time and passed. The Special Powers and Contracts Bill was also read a thiid time and passed.

Supplementary Est mates. The Supplementary Estimates were circulated at five o'clock. The principal totals are:— Ordinary Revenue Accounts, £30,000 ; Land Fund Account, £3,081 ; State Forests [Account, £8,100? Public Works Fund,

£78,130. . The items of T general., interest ate:—TH© destruction'of''sciabby' sheep on Crown' lands, • £2,500 ;" introduction of , fish ova, £250; grant in* aid of Royal Humane Society o£ Australasia; salaries of officers in Treasury Departmentdispensedwith, £1,458; bonuses to officers* in lieu of increases to salaries, £2,500; subsidy of £1 for £1 on rates levied and collected within counties containing one or more goldfields during the year ending 31st May, 1886, in excess of 3s 4d in' the £, exclusive of rates, under the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act 1882 and 1883, £1,000; less moiety chargeable on the Public Works Fund, £5,000; shorthand reporting Supreme Court, £500; direct steam service additional bonus, £500.

Auckland Votes. The following are the Auckland items in the Estimates '.—Additional salary of R.M., Gisborne, £50; gaoler, increase £10; telegraphs, sub-inppector, Auckland, additional £50; Health Officer, Auckland, £50 ; repairs to Bean .Hock Lighthouse, £350; payment to Sheehan's executors to cover balance of official account at bank at Napier in terms of arbitration award of 12th August, 1885, £27S ; bonus La Monte gold-saving process £1,000; Hone Werahiko, reward for gold discovery, £350; gratuity to widow of Thomas Maeffarlane, £300; retiring allowance Sergeant- Major Haslam, £224; New Zealand State Forests Expenses Introducing and Carrying Out Act, £500; payments to local bodies for assistance, £600; and to local bodies for planting, £1,000; Winugarei Forestry School, £2,000 ; compensation under Forest Trees Planting Encouragement Act, 1871, £4,000; roads to open up lands for sale, Auckland: Wbiri Whirl, £3,000; Aroha Swamp, £300; Puriri to Tairua, £500; draining Tatarika, £100; drain Te Aroha, £100; Cabbage Bay to Cape Colvilie, £350; total, £1,650; halfcost Court-house, Mercury Bay, £213; half-cost telegraph-office, Mercury Bay, £213. The wholeof the Supplementary Estij mates were approved. Captain Sutter moved to strike out the vote of £1,000 to the La Monte gold-saving process, but the item was retained on division by 36/ to 20.