Opposition to the East and West Coast Railway.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 156, 29 May 1886, Page 4

Opposition to the East and West Coast Railway.

Some opposition to passing of the Validn r tion Bill in connection with the' Middlen Railway is likely to ba raised by Mr F. Richardson. That hon. member has prepared elaborate tableß thowiug the last of the East and West Coast Railway works and the real classification of lands to be given, &c. ; but he is unwilling to show his hand till he is fully Acquainted with the intentions of the Government on the matter. Be accordingly intends to move on Friday "That the Go vernment be requested to cause to be prepared for the information of this House plans showing the several blocks of land proposed to be given to the Company for the construction of the .East and West Coast and Nelson Railway with schedules'giving descriptions of the character and areas of such lands. j

The Bryce Banquet. There were between 35 and 40 members of Parliament at Mrßryce's banquet, which was a great success. Sir G. M. O'Rorke's speech was about the best of those delivered. His remarks respecting Mr Busden were trenchant, and were enunciated by the keenest satire. If Mr Bryce is usually modest, it cannot bo said that he did not take sufficient credit to himself on this occasion.

The Volunteer Force. Colonel Whitmore says the Volunteer force at the present time numbers about 9,000 men. He considers that- it is the most economically equipped, but by no means the least efficient force in the Australasian colonies. Colonel Brett gave expression to his opinion, at Mr Bryce's banquet, that the time was not far distant when there will be a revolution in Great Britain and Ireland, and he believed the year would not be out before the services of the army and navy would be required. He hoped New Zealand would be ready for the occasion. His prediction was received with derisive laughter.

Mine Managers' Certificates. Hon. Mr Larnach intends to introduce a clause into the Mining Bill by which the present managers of mines shall receive certificates, but which will require that after 3 years from the passing of the Act all managers other than those above mentioned shall be required to possess certificates or diplomas from some recognised School of Mines established here or elsewhere. He thinks that the Government pjbould,as far as it can, bind future Governments to promise that £500 ehall be continued until this regulation comes into force.

RETRENCHMENT PROPOSALS. It is now pretty certain that a move will be made, before the Estimates come down, to pass a motion insisting on their reduction at the rate of £100,000 per annum. The motion is expected to be very much like that carried in the South Australian Parliament last year, but the difficulty at present is. Who is to move it ? lam told that a large party object to any return of Major Atkinson and the old lot to power, while they in their turn do not seem inclined to put new men in. This bears out my statement in a previous telegram that while united in their desire to oust the Government, the Opposition would not by any means pull together if they succeeded in their object. There is now but very little doubt that a motion" will be made, and more will probably be heard respecting it immediately. The Government may not make it a wantof-confidence, if it is brought forward before the Estimates come down, bus I do not see that any other course is honourably open to them. They have given their supporters clearly to understand that they will not submit to any interference whatever with their uolicy this session, and it is essential to the "maintenance of their prestige that they should remain firm. Retrenchment is the cry with a large section of members this year. Foreign Labour. The proposal to regulate the introduction of coloured labour is well received in the obbies. Sensible Protection for Farmers. There ia reason to believe that extensive frauds are perpetrated upon farmers by the sale of valueless substances represented as manure, and to arrest the evil Mr Joyce today introduces the Fertilisers' Warranty Bill, which provides that importers, manufacturers, and vendors of alleged fertilising substances shall affix to each package thereof a certificate of its constituent parts, the object being to enable farmers to have samples analysed by the Government chemist, and if found deficient, to recover the difference between the sum paid for the article and its actual commercial value. Bible Reading in Schools. The Bible-in Schools party, undeterred by their many attempts to get the House to affirm that the Bible should be read in schools, intend making another effort in that direction this session. A meeting of members to consider the best course to adopt is now being held. At the Bible-in-Schools meeting to-day, it was resolved that the initiative bo taken in the Legislative Council, and that it is advisable that the question be kept before the country and made prominent at the general elections. Reprrt on Tauranga Land Claims. Mr Thompson made further inquiries today respecting Commissioner Barton's report on land claims in Tauranga district, and was informed that Jour clerks are engaged upon it, and it will probably be laid on the table of the House this evening. The East and West Coast Railway. Mr Scobie McKenzie has been favoured with a sight of a copy of the pospectus of the Midland Railway, and he was astounded with its audacious plausibility .and the temptations it oflers to English investors. Although acquainted with the character of the land and the poor opinion he holds concerning the project, he declared solemnly to the House that after reading that prospectus he felt inclined to take up Bharos himself. He fears that there will be widespread dissatisfaction among the British public respecting the inducement held out. The statement was frequently reiterated yesterday that large blocks of land are being needlessly looked up in connection with the East and West Coast railway, and MrSeddon warned the Government that in the Provincial district of Westland and Nelson a strong reaction againßt tho railway proposals was setting in, owing to settlement being retarded there. North Island Trunk Railway.— A Cool Proposition. I am told on good authority that there is a feeling amongst a section of members th,at the North Island Trunk Railway should be constructed by a public company. , This is f aid to be the outcome of the discussion last night, by which it is considered that the principle of constructing- railways by public companies is affirmed. Under, any circumstances, such proposal when made would be warmly opposed by Northern members, but for my park, I do not think it is likely that it will be made.' » ' Municipal Corporations Bill Deferred.; Ministers will not go on with the Munici-j pal Corporations Bill to-day; ,as 5 intended,! butbwillidefer iktilljriday. * t,: ;". |

JLand Settlement. ' An interesting discussion on the question of land settlement ,was caused yesterday afternoon by the motion for the return of th,e lands surveyed and available under the Homestead Bystem. The advantages and disadvantages of the system were discussed at length. Some of the members advocated extending the operation of the scheme, others considered they should be careful not to proclaim lands in the neighbourhood where lands were being sold at £4 and £5 per acie. Continual occupation was advocated by the Premier, who also said the condition of the finances would permit lands to be given away for nothing without additional taxatioa. Mr Downie Stewart asserted that settlement had been greatly retarded by the large reserves made for the construction of the East and West Coast RaiJ way. The Premier said he had reason to hope these lands would be so allocated that when the contract for the railway was signed several million acres would be set free.

Amending the Licensing Act. Major Steward having failed for two successive years to affecfc the Alterations which he advocates in the Licensing Act, now says he considers it impossible for a private member to carry a bill to amend the Licensing Act in the many particulars in which he considers it requires amendment. He proposes this year, however, to endeavour to effect two things—one being to admit women to the franchise (this principle having passed the Committee last year), and to make the elections of Committees in future triennial instead of annual, thus saving the local bodies a large expense which Mr Steward considers is now unnecessarily incurred.

Government Insurance. Replying to Mr Dargaville re the Government Insurance Association, the Colonial Treasurer said he was aware that dissatisfaction existed amongst the policy-holders regarding the present Bystem of management (Hear, hear). The question as to the desirability of altering its constitution was now before the policy-holdore, and also under consideration of the Government. He was not at present prepared to indicate to the House what decision upon the subject the Government had come to, but he could assure hon. members that the question would have to be dealt with by Parliament during the present session.

North Auckland Railway. Mr Hobbs has been interviewing Ministers with respect to the Helensville Kailway, and appears determined that it shall be provided for in the Estimates. He told the Minister of Works that he wanted £250,000, and would resent a small vote of £10,000 to start the work as an insult if it were offered.

Auckland Fruit. Mr Buckland haa drawn the attention of the Government to the failure to provide a cool chamber for Auckland fruit exhibits on the Rimutaka, and represented that the fruit was expected to reach Home in a rotten state. Sir Julius Vogel says he hopes otherwise, and if the precautions which were arranged for are taken on the voyage, he does not apprehend any injury to the fruit. At bis request, the manager of the Company had given instructions that blocks of ice should be placed in the chamber in which the fruit is stored during the progress of the voyage, and other endeavoura would be made to avoid evil effects.

Coloured Labour in tbe Cclony. Sir Geo. Grey has given notice of a bill to further regulate the introduction of coloured labourers into the colony. The object is to prevent Chinese and others being employed on the Midland Railway.

A Flood of Bills. Mr J. W. Thomson does not often speak, but when he does he invariably speaks to the point. At yesterday's sitting, no les? than 12 bills were introduced, and the member for Clutha pointed out that there was sufficient work provided in those measures for one session, There was a very general feeling throughout the country that we had far too much legislation, and members could be very much better engaged in other ways than in discussing bills many of which were not likely to pass. He expressed the hope that hon. members of legislative proclivities would be induced this session to keep those proclivities within reasonable bounds. In connection with this matter, it may be mentioned that an aatoundingly large number of bills have already been introduced ; although the House has only been a week in session, there are nearly 40 bills for consideration.

The Waimea Plains Railway. Negotiations are still going on between the member for Hokonui and the Minister for Public Works regarding the purchasing of the Waimea railway line. The difference between the demand of the Company and the offer of the Government is £4,000. The Government insist on a reply being received by Thursday, otherwise the negotiations will be broken off.

The Hours of the House. The question of the desirability of altering the hours ot sitting of the House is to be referred to the Standing Orders Committee to initiate a change, as I advised you the other day. Mr Macandrew pressed on Mr Scobie Mackenzie the question of procedure under the idea that a young member would be able to more successfully carry it through; but the member for Mount Ida, on the other hand, is of opinion that the proposition to alter the procedure of the House should come from an old member who has long felt the evils of the present system. Ultimately it was agreed to get the Standing Orders Committee to initiate the change.

An "Improper" Transaction. A voluminous document was presented to Parliament by the Native Minister this afternoon, in the shape of a copy of the report of .inquiry by Mr Seth Smith. R.M. at Auckland, into the charges of bribery against Waata Tipa and Pomare Kingi (Native Land Court assessors). The acts were alleged to have been committed in connection with the hearing of the Maungatautari and Rangipo cases, and although the evidence does not support any charge of bribery, the Commi-sioner. reports: - " While it seems to me that the evidence doee not disclose any corrupt motive on the part of Waata Tipa or Pomare Kingi, or of the persons from whom they respectively obtained loans of money, I would call attention to the fact that in both cases the money was borrowed by a person holding a judicial office from another who was interested in the result of tbe pending proceedings, and the transactions cannot in any circumstances be regarded as otherwise than improper." Extension of Hours, ox Polling. The Gcvernment are considering Mr Barron'a request that they should introduce his Extension of tbe Hours of Polling Bill. Should they decline to further the measure, the member for Caversham will bring it in! himself. He recognises, in view of what recently took place at Sydenham election, that the necessity* for extending Itfio hours! of polling has become more manifest, ' v . j

The Defence and Police The Defence Bill to he introduced by the Hon. P. Buckley in the Legislative Council is intended to separate the field force from the ordinary police. The requirements of the latter are being filled up from the field force. It is intended next session to introduce a bill to bring the police force under civio control. One important clause in the new measure is that an advertisement in daily papers is sufficient noiice of volunteers orders for parades, etc.

The French Consul in the House. Duung the discussion on the New Hebrides question yesterday afternoon, the Count. D'Albane, the recently - appointed French Consul at Wellington, was in -the House, and appeared to be taking very keen interest in the discussion.

Ministerial Residences. Mr Hurst intends to move for the sale of the Ministerial residences in Wellington and for allowances for rent to be made to the Ministry in lieu thereof. Control of Industrial Schools. Mr^Mitchelson presented a petition from John Hewitt and 682 others, praying that industrial schools and destitute children's homes be placed under the same management as hospitals.

Honours to Cardinal Moran. Several petitions, numerously signed, were presented yesterday, complaining that on the occasion of Cardinal Moran's visit to Dunedin favours were shown and honours heaped upon him by the Government. The petitioners state their belief that such attentions paid to dignitaries of churches will tend very greatly to destroy the harmony tnat at present exists in religious circles in the colony, and they therefore atk for an enquiry, with a view to preventing a repetition of such matters in the future.

The Strength of Parties. The question engrossing the largest amount of interest at the present time is the probability of a new Representation Act being passed without delay on the basis of the new census returns. There is nob the least doubt that herein lies the scent of the Opposition action. Ihe Ministry have lost a number of their best supporters; others are practically on the rail; and as a matter of fact the Government party are believed to be in an appreciable minority. This being so, it might naturally be supposed that the Opposition would seize the first opportunity to test the strength of parties ; but the tactics of a section of the Opposition, at least, are to avoid anything of the kind. The reason is obvious.

The Representation Question. It is considered that a dissolution would be almost certain to follow the defeat of ihe Government, and it the Representation Act is not previously passed the elections would take place before the redistribution of seats wa3 made. The Opposition profess to fear such a result, and claim that especially' n Auckland, where a considerable increase is expected, the additional representation would be decidedly in their favour. Their hands are therefore tied, and conscious of the possession of a good hand, the Government will not lead trumps. lam told on very good authority that there is no difficulty in the way, that the census returns are practically available ; but that the Department, acting, it is believed, under^instruetionp, are taking no steps to tabulate them. I give you the story as I heard it, and I may add that it is pretty generally believed here. In the House yesterday afternoon, in_ asking whether tho Government intended introducing a Representation Bill this session, Mr Macarthur hoped that the Premier, in answering the question -would b© able to give the House an assurance that immediately the census returns were completed a Representation Bill would be brought forward with all possible despatch. fle also hope d the assurance would be giVen that the measure would be based on population. Mr Stout, in reply, said he did not know that he could add anything to whit he had stated last evening beyond this;—Thosemembers comiDg from one or two districts in which it was stated there had been an increase of population must not run away with the idea that they alone were entitled to increase representation. Increase of Taxation to toe Resisted. "Apparently," says the "Time?," "the determination to resist any attempted increase of taxation is daily strengthening in the House. The Southern members in particular declare openly that that part of the colony simply cannot bear any additional burdens, and needs rather relieving of some of its present loads. Waikomiti Funeral Train?. Mr j.\los3 gave notice to ask the Minister of Public Works if his attention had been called to the imperfect and unseemly arrangements connected with railway funeral trains to Waikomiti Cemetery, and if so, whether he will take steps for their prompt remedy. The Proposed Loop Line to Penrose, I understand that serious obstacles are arising in connection with the proposed loop railway Hue to Penrose. The difficulties are caused by claims for compensation by persons having fron« tages to the foreshore between Mechanics Bay and Orakei. I have reason to believe that the loop line may have to be abandoned and some other connection effected either by means of a duplicate tunnel or a line which will enter the city from a Western point.

Shipping Facilites at Whangarei. Mr Dargaville saw the Minister of Public Works to-day, relative to the proposed extension of the Whangarei linu to deep water to enable coal from the minea to be delivered at the vessels side. Mr Richardsou promised last session that when the survey was completed, he weuld endeavour to have the work carried out. He pointed out to MrJDargavelle to-day that the necessity for extension might be avoided by blasting the reef which at present intercepts the navigation, and thus enables vessels to come to the wharf. This would only cost £10,000 or £12,000, being less than half the aoiount required for the extension. It is, besides, supposed to be more advantageous .in so far as the cost of conveyance will be assured, and commerce would be* brought right up to the Whangarei township, instead of btine diverted to a rival township, which might spring up at the terminus three miltß distant. Mr Richardson gave it to be understood that if he did nut carry out the extension he would be prepared to clear an entrance, but Mr Dargaville will pub tho question in, the Order Paper to ascertain the intentions of the Government definitely.

The Commissioner of Police. The Defence Minister informs me that Col. Whitmore will continue to act as Commissioner of Police. It is not intended to make any other appointmentinCol. Header's

place, 1 ' Fish Auctions. Mr Thompson _ has been interesting himself in Mr Eaton's grievance respecting the sale of fij»h. He.saw Mr Stout this morning, when the Premier promised, that if there was a likelihood of Col. Frasers Bill failing, to get through this session the Government would take it up and, push t ion. ' - " " * - ' *~"