PARLIAMENTARY. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. (FROM "STAR'S SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) Wellington, July 10.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 161, 17 July 1886, Page 1

PARLIAMENTARY. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. (FROM "STAR'S SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) Wellington, July 10.

Auckland Petitions, Mr Moss presented a petition from Mrs HargreaVee, widow of an engine driver in the service of the Government for 14 years, asking for relief. Aleo a petition from 38 tenants of the Auckland Corporation, asking that they may be heard in the event of any retrospective legislation affecting auch leases being asked. When^the Civil Service Reform Bill is in committee, Sir Geo. Grey will move for a diminution of number of Ministers and the appointment of Political Onder-irfecretaries. Purchase of Railways, The Public Accounts Committee met yesterday and took up the inquiry into five small railways offered to the Government, viz. :— Nightcaps, Whauwhau, Jjunedin ! and Ocean Beach, Shag Point, and Fernhill. The 'urther consideration ia deferred till after the examination of the witnesses on Stark's purchase expected from Auckland to-day. New Plymouth Harbour. While the New Plymouth Harbour Bill was under consideration yesterday Mr Turnbull urged the Government to set their facea against further borrowing by local bodieß. He said the indebtedness of these Boards already amounted to nearly seven millions, thus involving the sending away every year of a vast sum of money for interest. At the same time, he supported the completion of the present works at New Plymouth. Mr Rolleston said that he would never be a party to increasing the colony's indebtedness, unless he was satisfied that the persons borrowing were enabled, out of their own resources, to meet the interest. In the present instance he was not satisfied that the people of Taranaki would be able to bear the additional tax about to be imposed on them. The bill was, however, read a second time, by 39 to 13. Registration Facilities. Mr Tole says he does not see any necessity for providing increased facilities for registering births, deaths, and marriages happening in outlying townships. He considers it always possible to get a friend .vho is going into town to register a birth. He will, however, make inquiries and see what increased facilities are required. Ostrich. Farming, Sir George Grey urged the Government yesterday to encourage ostrich farming in the colony by offering a bounty on the introduction of ostriches from the Cape of Good Hope. He pointed out that at present there was an export duty at the Cape of £100 on each biid, and £5 on every egg. He was satisfied that ostrich farming would succeed in New Zealand, and especially in the Northern part of tho colony. The Premier referred to the fact that a bonus of £5 per bird was offered in ISS2, and he did not think there would be any objection to placing on the Estimates a sum equal to that previously offered. If any person was willing to undertake the work of ostrich farming, he believed the Cabinet would be willing to assist him. Sir G. Grey then remarked that he would place in the hands of the Government, a letter from a man who was willing to go to the Cape and bring 50 ostriches to New Zealand. He believed a bounty of £10 to £100 each would be sufficient to introduce that number. Col. Fraser added that a gentleman in Auckland had raised £5,000 with which to paythe duty on fifty o*striches which he intended to introduce to this colony. Tawhiao and the Land Court. Mr Ballance denies that any assuiance was given by the Government or himself to the effect that until Tawhiao gave nia consent no couit would be held at Kawhia, or elsewhere in the King country. He said he did ayree that the Court be adjourned for a short time to enable Tawhiao to come to Wellington, but went no further. Auckland Harbour Loan. Mr Tole moved the second reading of the Auckland Harbour Board Loan Bill in the House yesterday afternoon. He said it was a consolidating revenue bill. The sum of £300,000 had already been borrowed, and the two loans representing this sum were now to be consolidated. It was proposed to bonow a further sum of £200,000, and expend that amount on haibour improvemeuts, which had been recommended by the Engineer, and approved of by the Board. Mr Tole explained the present financial position of the Board, and stated that there wa« no opposition to the measure in Auckland. The second reading was agreed to on the voices, and the committal fixed for this day fortnight. Government Assurance Association. It ia improbable that an oxteneion of time will be granted to policy-holders for the purpose of deciding the vote as to the future control of the Government Insurance Association recognising that before the policy-holders should be called on to decide it was advisable the report should be received from the Select Committee appointed by the House as to the beat scheme to adopt. Mr Beetham last evening asked the Government whether they would have the time for taking the poll deforred for three days. The Premier pointed out that the matter was not within the control of the Government, and added that thore was no power to extend the time for the poll, which had been fixed in accordance' with regulations for the management ot the Insurance Association. Mr Montgomery, in answer to further questions, said the Select Committee would complete taking evidence on Monday, and would report on Wednesday or Thursday next. * Public Advances on Land. A discussion of the Public Advances on Land Bill, the second reading of which was moved by Mr Macandrew, occupied the attention of members for some hours last evening. The measure is the outcome of , the deliberations of a Select Committee of

the House last session, and the question is one which has occupied considerable attention in the country amongst those concerned in agricultural interests. In introducing the bill Mr Macandrew said it was very unfortunate that so many of our best settlers were now in anything but a satisfactory condition. Be believed the people of this country were fully able to meet their liabilities, but unless there wan a' "considerable advance in the money value of their, produce, or a decrease in the amount of interest, they would not be able to meet the taxgatherer. Although the H6uae oould not control the value of <$»,rpduce, they could control interest on money, and they knew that m some legislatures that question , was already taken up. It would no doubt be .urged that the State had no right to grant facilities to one class more th/tn another, but land was the only property that could be offered as security to fche State. Other kinds of property took to itself wings and flew away, but land remained as a guarantee of good faith. His bill set forth that the development of the agricultural and pastoral resources of New Zealand was greatly crippled by the high rate of interest on lands, and he thought no one would deny that the bill proposed a very simple and intelligible plan, whereby the State could make advances on land on much lower terms than could be otherwise obtained. In no case should more than £20,000 be advanced to any individual or co-partnership. The land would have to be brought under the Land Transfer Act, which he thought a proper provision. The weakest part of the bill, he admitted, was the method of arriving at the value of the land. He was not satisfied with the property tax valuation ; but no doubt that could be improved upon, and it would be competent in committee to make any change. Advances were to be mae'e in Government debentures, which would'be negotiable either in the colony or England. There could be no difficulty with the Bank of Knglnnd, as the AgentGeneral's Department might be used. He believed if this bill was passed the moneylenders in England would be running after them, instead of the colonists after them ; and it would have been a grorl thing for the colony if the money-lenders in England had refused years ago to lend us any more money. He considered clause 7 of the bill, which provided that debentures could be converted into -tate promissory notes, was a most useful one. The Premier.in opposing the bill, said there was too much a tendency in the colonies to look to the State for everything that would destroy individual effort, and would introduce communism in its widest sense. Th<? tendency of looking to the State for everything must end in despotism of the worst kind. The second readins: of the bill was agrreed to. WELLINGTON, July 13. Western Loop Line. Mr Peacock interviewed the Minister of Public Works again yesterday relative to the proposed loop line to Penrose, via Newton and Ponsonby. Mr Richardson bad, however, not been able to go fully enough into the question to give an answer then. Mr Peacock, on the previous afternoon, had presented a formidable petition, signed by over 4,000 inhabitants of Auckland, in favour of tne route in question. Dr. Purchas and the Industrial Schools. Reporting on Industrial Schools in Auckland, Dr. Purchas says :: — '• The boarding out of children haa, I think, been attended with great success. Aa far as my observation enables me *.o judge, the children are well cared for, happy, and thriving. In cases where sickness has occurred, I have no reason to complain of the nursing. In one case of severe illness, I considered it desirable to have a little girl removed for a short time to Kent-street, and I have no doubt the change accelerated her recovery. Deaf and Mutes Institution. I take the following from Dr. Van Asch's report on the Institution for Deaf Mutes at Christchurch .- — "The pupil who remained at the Home after the Christmas vacation is from Auckland. Her age was over 15 when she entered. She was naturally bright, but wholly ignorant of a written word even. Tho system pursued has awakened her intelligence, and to a vory great extent enlarged her understanding. During the three years ahe remained in the institution, she learned to express her wants and pleasures in simple language She was madetounderatand advertisomentsand ahoi t report of accidents, etc., in the newspaper. She received a fair idea of time, and was trained in plain sewing, and having a good pkisique acquired a ready aa well as an intelligent use of our treadle sewing machine Her parents have made arrangements for her to learn dressmaking, an employment for which she seema well fitted. May it prove the moans of her gaining a livehood." North Auckland Railway. The Minister of Works has been wiring to the Chairmen of County Councils north of Auckland to ascertain their views relative to method of constructing the North Auckland railway. Result is in favour of line being constructed by the Government, and Messrs Hobbs, M.H.R, and Williams, M.L,C, have had another interview with Mr Richardson, to urge on tho work. He says if the House can be induced to vote the money, he is at one with the supporters of the lino, urging the necessity and importance of the work. Mr Hobbs said he waa indiffereno as to the method of constructing the line, so longas it was undertaken without delay. Apropos of this subject, Abolition of Gold Duty. Mr J. C. Brown's new Abolition of Gold Duty Bill provides for an annual reduction in gold duty till the duty ceases. A reduction of Is per ounce on 31st March next is specified. The bill may be brought into operation in any North Island district on a petition forwarded by one-half the holders of miners' rights in such district, on intention being advertised and resolutions being passed by counties and boroughs receiving the revenue. The penalty for false declara tion shall not exceed £500 or two years' imprisonment.

Protection. The usual dull routine of the Legislative Council was stirred yesterday in a mild sort of way by Mr Chamberlain's motion in favour of imposing protective duties. Mr Buthgate supported the motion, and Mr Williams declared that New Zealand must do as Victoria had done in order to become prosperous. Dr. Grace declared that the trade depression in England was due to the extravagance of the artisan classes, and the. deleterious effects of trades Unions. He ad-, vocated a reciprocity treaty with Queensland. Mr Stevens also spoke on the free trade aide. The motion was negatived bv 23 to 16. * The Midland Railway. When the Colonial Secretary moved the second reading of the bill to ratify the contract for the construction of the East and West Coast and JNelaon line, Sir Frederick Whit-aker said he did not believe in the work, and was sure complications would arise ; nevertheless, he did not think anything would be gained by re-opemng the whole question. The second reading waa carried. Privilege. The privilege matter in relation to the rejection by the Legislative Council of the Gold Abolition Bill came up' for consideration yesterday afternoon. Mr Pyke had given notice that he would call the atteution of the House to a question of privilege in relation to the rejection of tax remission bill? in another place, and acting under Mr Speaker s advice, he now introduced the matter by moving for the .appointment of a Committee to search the journals of the Council to learn what had become of the bill. The Premier moved that the debate be adjourned till Tuesday next, owing to the shortness of the notice given. He considered it unfair that on so important a matter as a struggle between thetwoHouaea on a constitutional question the eanction of the Government should be sought before the facts were clearly grappled. Mr Seddon suggested that an adjournment till 7.30 to-night would be ample, and mentioned that it had been stated in one of the newspapers that the Government were on the side of the Council in thia matter. The bill was only negatived in the Council by one vote, and one member of the Government, though within the precincts of the buildings, abstained from voting. After further diecuasion, in which the goldfielda members played a prominent part, the Premier's motion for the adjournment of the matter till Tuesday was carried by 36 to 29. The Premier declines to accept all the amendments made by the Council on the Charitable Tiusts Extension Bill, and on his motion Messrs Downie Stewart, Sumuels, and himself ware appointed to draw up reasdn3 for dissenting from the amendments made. Supreme Court Reporting. The Hon. Mr Toles pet measure, the Supreme Court Reporting Bill, was rejects yesterday afternoon, on a motion tor its committal. Mr Samuel? objected to the measure, on the ground of increased expenditure that must be entered into by the creation of a new Department in the Public Service. Mr W. Thomson also expressed the hope that the Minister for Justice would not go on with the bill. Mr Bryce said the effect of the debate on the second reading had left the impression on his mind that the measure ought not to be gone on with. Mr Tole was the only other speaker, and he denied that it was sought to establish any new department. The adoption of the bill would cheapen the judicial system by despatch in the conduct of business. The motion for the committal of the measure was then put and negatived by 34 to 26, and the bill was thus virtually killed. Opposition Caucus. The Opposition held another meeting yesterday, but nothing of any importance was done, except the usual" report as to the progress of business. I hear they are determined in future to allow no matter to be burked as sometimes happens if no one is appoined to watch the leporta and papera printed. It has been decided at a representative meeting of the Opposition party that on going into Committee of Supply Major Atkinson shall move that in the Opinion of this House it is desirable that a Kedistribution of Seats Bill should be passed this session. Illegitimate Children. An important clause has been added by the Government to the .Destitute Persons Amendment BilJ, which passed through Committee lust night. It provides that putative fathers of illegitimate children are liable for all the expense of maintenance 1 of those children in charitable schools, even though lump sums of money may have been paid to the mothers or their friends to cover all cost ot rearing the children. Criminal Code. On a proposal being made for taking the Criminal Code Bill in committee, several hon. members urged that in view of f the impprtance ot the question and the length of time that would be taken in committee with so voluminous a measure, consideration should be deferred till next session. In the course of the discussion, Mr Downie Stewart said that members were exhausted with the good work already done, a remark' which provoked ironical cheers. Mr Samuel thought the House should wait to follow the lead of the Imperial Parliament on so important a question. Mr J. W. Thomson considered it unfair to expect members to deal with the codification of the Criminal Code, unless a week . was devoted to the matter in committee. In hia opinion, the matter was of «o iinnortanta nature as to throw into the shade'the Public Works and Financial Statements The Premier hoped the House would permit the bill to be puched on this 1 session. * He pointed out that it was no consolidation measure framed by the Government, bufc that it had been prepared by one of the ablest criminal judges in the world, and ' the greatest authority on criminal law in England. — Keplying to the latter remark, Sir Geo. GreV : said that judges were generally the worst law makers, and that fact had been frequently recognised. - Mr Seddon moved that' the

bill be referred to a . Select Committee of this Houee to confer with a similar Committee appointed by the Legislative Council.—Mr Montgomery ridiculed the idea that a late period of the session had been reached, and pointed out that the House had beon sitting less lian two months. Mr Fulton strongly urged the withdrawal of the bill and the introduction of a shorter measure, which should merely deal with raising the age of consent and providing for the better protection of female children. Eventually, the motion for committal of the bill wad negatived on division by 33 to 30, and Mr Seddon's amendment was lost on the voices. Thus, two bills, on which the Minister for Justice has spent some considerable time, and had tukon a special pleasure in furthering, were rejected at one meeting Civil Service Bill. The Civil servants, with '* their sisters, and their cousin?, and their aunts," mustered in force laet night, to watch the progress of the Civil Service Keform Bill through Committee. There was a great deal of discussion on tne clauses relative to the reduction of 5 per cent, for superannuation allowance, and fixing the maximum leave of absence at three months, but both clauses were retained. The Premier promised Colonel Trimble that he would introduce an amendment modifying the clause fixing the fourth standard of education as a messenger's qualification, in the next clause, making the fourth standaid the qualification for police defence or prison officers, an amendment was agreed to, providing an equivalent to the fourth standard, and the Premier promised, if po^sib'e, to üb"lish the examination board, and make arrangement^ with the Education Department to undeitake the examination, and also that he would consult his colleagues ad to whether they could supplement the retiring allowance fund. Clause 11 was amended to provide that no t-uitH accruing to the Superannuation Fund shall be attacktd for debt or fceized in the event of bankruptcy. In clause 12, the Premier ea ; d ho would alter the clause so that in thy event of the com mission ot crime the funde would to the family of the seivant. Clauses 5, i), 10, 17, and IS were postponed. Tbo pievailing impression is that clause 17, providing for the appointment of a Royal Commission to report on the cost of living, will be with drawn. The bill was reported with amendments In 'he course of the debate on this bill Mr Wakefield made a capital epeech in defence of the Civil servants, and Mr Kerr, who followed, created a greit deal of amusement by reminding the House of the rumour published in the papers to the effect that the member for Selwyn intended «to stand tor a Wellington seat at the next election, at the same time adding that it was well known that Civil Servants weie pretty thick in Wellington Mr Wakefield indignantly repudiated the insinuation that he «as influenced by such a consideration. Tne Police Force Bill. This bill was committed, and the remaining clauses passed with slight amendments. Wellington, July 14. Mining Representatives in the Council. In asking whether the Government in making future appointments to the Legislative Council will take into conside ation the propriety ot nominating rrembers representing the miningdifetricts of thecolony, Mr Bevan explained that the agricultural and industrial interests were well represented in the Council, but that on the basis of population the mining interest had not received a like consideration. The Premier said he had no doubt this matier would be considered in future appointments to tho Council. The Minister for Mines yesterday afternoon gave notice of tho introduction of a Gold Duty Repeal Bill, and the Premier thereupon suggested that Mr Pike's privilege motion regarding the rejection of the Tax Remission Bill by the Legislative Council be allowed to lapse Mr Pike readily consented to withdraw his motion, at the same time explaining ihat it would be open for him to renew the motion at a future time should the necessity arise. By the withdrawal of this motion yesterday's talking was saved. Representation. Major Atkinson seems in earnest in his. desire to have the representation question discussed as soon as possible, and again yesterday afternoon he inquiied when the Government would be prepared to allow the matter to come on. The Premier suggested that the discussion on the Public VVorks Statement should be delayed till Friday, by •which time the Loan Bill would have been circulated, and that both these matters might be considered together, leaving the matter ot representation over till next week. This reply, however, did not seem to satisfy the Opposition leader, for he assured the Government that many members were anxious that a date for the representation question should' be fixed. It was finally resolved that the Premier 3hould give an answer to-day, and Sir Robert added that he might be üble to deal with the matter by a bill. Mr Bryce mentioned that if the discussion on the Loan Bill and Works Statement were taken together he might have to traverse certain portions of the Statement that did not pertain very much to the loan proposals. Mr Macandrew occasioned a laugh by inquiring whether the Government could form any idea sb to the probable date of prorogation. Progress of Bills. The Defence, »Civil Service Reform, and Animals Protection Amendment Bills were reported to the House with amendments yesterday afternoon, read a third time, and finally passed. The Track System. The Hon. Mr Richardson has introduced an important measure, which should have the effect of removing the evils which working men suffer from — what is known as the truck system. The measure is called Workmen's Wages Act Extension Bill, and provides that the entire amount of the wageß earned by or payable to any labourer or workman shall be payable in coin or bank notes, and not otherwise. The Seat of Government. The session will not be allowed to close ■without the annual shot at Wellington as the Seat of Government. Members are being whipped to secure support for a proposal to hold the next session of Parliament *t Christchurch. A similar motion was carried some years ago, but was not acted upon by the Government. Beer Duty. The Bill introduced by Government to Amend the Beer Duty Act provides that brewers shall not be required to take out a license for the sale of beer - of their own brewing. Bulk beer is only to be sold in stamped casks. Stamps on casks of less than the proper duty shall be deemed to be fraudulent stamps. No business but brewing ie to be carried on in any brewery under penalty of £20 ; in the event of conviction licenses may be refused. Government Insurance Association. The Government Insurance Association have not yet completed taking evidence, And it is unlikely that they will report until

next week. I hear that come comment ia likely to be made in connection with the amount of commission paid in respect to the purchase of Wise's block in Dunedin. Government Printing Office. The report of the Government Printing Office was presented yesterday. MrDidsbury reports that the departmental returns for ISBS show a profit to the ciedit of the colony of £6,757, notwithstanding the fact that during the past year a large portion of the work such as reprint of *' Hansard '• was of exceptionally solid and unremunerative character. The monthly average of employees had been 137 against l'dd for the previous year. The number of subscribersto "Hansard" was 720, being less by about one half than that tor 1884. Five tenders from London and nine from New Zealand firms had been received for printing* telegraph fojras, and the tender from the Government Printing Office being the lowest by £94, wan acj cepted. A t-et of designs for postage stamps for Tonga and Wamoa were now being engraved by W. Rock, of Wellington. The receipts from the ea'e of official publications amounted to £1.689. The Dunedin paper mill takes all the waste-papsr the department could supply at 50s per ton. Reporting on petition of E. L. Clark, of Auckland, who asked that rule 267 of the Supreme Court may be t*o altered that a judge should not have the power to nonsuit a plaintiff and discharge a jury, with out giving plaintiff the benefit of a verdict of the jury, for which he has paid, the Petitions Committee state tbat having considered the petition and the report from the department therein, they recommend that the petition be referred to Government for consideration. Civil Service Reform. " We shall be rather surprised" (pays the "Po*t") "i* the Legislative Council swallows the Civil Service Reform Bill in anything like the shape lr has passed the flous-e. The nomination clauses especially will be likely to ri e Ptruck ont, As the bill now stands, the only harm it can do, however, is that it may. if placed on the Statute Book, stand in the way of a more radical and complete measure of reform. The clauses relating to periodical revieion ©f salaries being struck out, absolves the Premier from all responsibility for giving eflect to the saving of £30,U00 or ±40,00 U, which he professed hope of saving through the operation of this bill as originally introduced." Loans to Local Bodies. The Colonial Treasurer having ?ufficiently recovered from his indisposition to enable him to take his seat in the House yesteiday, the Government Loans to Local Bodies Bill was further considered in committee. In clause 13— "The Treasurer not to lend local authorities in exces-s of sums stated"— the umount3 had been left blank, and Sir Julius now proposed to fill them in as follows : - To a County Council, not exceeding £10,000 ; to a" Road Board, £4,000 ; to a lown Board, £3,000 ; to a Kiver Board, £1,000. He explained that he placeJ hun-f-elf in the hands of the Committee, and if they desired ho would be willing to fix the maximum at £6,000 for counties, and 1.3,000 for Road Boards. Mr Seddon said he would move that the limit to counties be fixed at £6,000, \\ hich was agreed to. Mr Guinneas then moved that the sum proposed to bo given to Road Boards should only bo given to tuch Boards wheie the Counties Act is not in operation Sir Julius Vogel baid this was only turning the act into a burlesque, and lie hoped it'vsould not be agreed to. The amendment was withdrawn. On Mr ceddon's motion, it was agreed that the amount to be loaned to Ruad Boardd should be reduced to £3,000. Mr Mentcith then movod the following proviso : "Provided th «t the amount payable in any one year to the local bodies within the boundary of any one couutryshaUiioiexccedthe?umof £10,000 ;" b>'t thit> was lost by ,i 3 to 13. The clause as amended v>ai agreed to. Several new clauses were added to the bill before the dinner adjourned. On resuming, the following clause gave use to an animated discussion : " For the purpose of making special provision in aid of the erection of buildings for schools established under the Education Act 1577, and in addition to the amounts that may be author i?ed to be lent to local aulhoiitiea utidt r the preceding provicions of this Act, the Troasurer may in each financial year and until j otherwise otdeiedby resolution of the House i of Representative.-, make loans to Education Boards not exceeding £00,000. The Minister of Education may in each financial year issue to the Education Boaid of an education d'etrict a certificate setting forth the amount such Boaid would be entitled to borrow under this Act." The Premier, in strongly defending this olaube, said that if the House wanted an assured finance, it ought to maintain all its public buildings, especially wooden buildings, out of current revenue. Be defended the clauee because it gave an opportunity of erecting more buildings than the colony could afford to pay for out of loan. Objection was taken to the clause by Messrs Montgomery, Fulton, Turnbull, and others, because it was an attempt to reduce the capitation, and to put the cost of maintaining school buildings on rates. Eventually the clause was struck out on the voices. The House then resumed, and it was resolved that the amendments be considered next day. Medical Coroners. There was a fairly full House last night, and all the seats in the Ladies' and Strangerß' Galleries were occupied On the motion to go into Supply, Mr J. S. McKenzie moved, " That it is desirable that the resolution of this House of date Ist October, 1884, by which practising medical men were disabled from holding the office of Coroner, should be rescinded." He urged that the reeolution was carried in a very thin House, only 39 members being present at the tune. The arguments used in favour of the resolution were, he submitted, very weak. He denied, as had been asserted on that occasion, that medical coroners were accustomed to sit in judgment over themselves or their professional brethren. Very little knowledge of law was required by a coroner, but he did lequire a great deal of medical knowledge. The Hon. J. A. Tole held that medical coroners were constantly being brought into rivalry with their confreres in practice, and thought the resolution passed by the House was a wise one. There had been no discontent consequent upon tho resolution, except from the gentlemen who were ousted trom office. The agitation had all been from Dunedin. Messrs Fulton, Ivsse, Dr. Newman, Soddon, Hatch, Roes, Wakefield, Connolly, Buchanan, and Kolleeton also spoke on the question. The motion was lost by one vote, the division being 36 to 35. Supply. The House then reßolved iteelf into Com mittee of Supply. Class S, Public Schools, £337,150.— Mr Turnbull pointed out that there were at present 5,000 children over school-age attending the schools. He suggested that a saving might be effected in this direction. The Premier wished there were more than at present. The vote was retained. Native Schools, £15,050.— Passed. Industrial Schools, £17,121.— Mr Holieston urged the advantages of thd boarding-

oat system. The Premier said the sj'stem had proved very efficient. Mr Fulton thought it a mistake to bind lads licensed out till they were, 21 years of age. This system was likely to cause boys to be mutinous and escape. They should have some of their money. —The Premier said the money was banked for the lads, and in some instances it had enabled them to buy small farms. If th< y had been given the money, they would probably have spent it to no good purpose. — The vote passed. Deaf and Dumb Institutions, £3,025. — Passed. Higher Education, £3,500.— 50 me members thought it sufficient for the country to educate up to the Fourth Standard, and wished to have the vote struck out. •• Major Atkinson, in a forcible speech, denounced this us an attempt on the part of the wealthy elapses to prevent talent amongst the poorer classes from coming to the front and competing with their sons. They claimed that they wished to save the poorer classes the co&t of higher education, while at the same time they sought to secure a monopoly of higher education for the wealthy. — Mr Kerr held that the poorer people wero unable to take advantage of the facilities for higher education, and that the poorer people had been paying for the education of the wealthy long enough. —Mr Peacock, Mr Moss, and others defended the vote -Mr Mobs objected to these echooJs being placed under separate Boards of Governors, and said the effect was" to make the High Schools primary schools for those whose parents could afford to pay high fee«, The vote was carried by 40 to 12. The following votes aleo passed :—Miscellaneous services, £4,000 ; Native Depart rnent, £3 565 ; Native Land Court, £15,839 ; miscellaneous services, £700 ; Minister of Defence : Artillery and other corps, £27.513; field force, £9,512; volunteers, £.'45,652; stores', magazines, £3 511 ; armed constabulary, £102, t16. Mr Bryce said this force was largely over-officered, and that several officers who were disrated by him had since been restored to the nnivs, and aleo other officers taken on. Mr Ballance said they were restored as a matter of simple justice. He contended that the cost per head or populatton was less now than it was three years «go. Miscellaneous, £726. Progress vas reported, and the House roeo at ten minutes past one a.m. The Contagious Diseases Act. Messrs Menzies and Dignan presented petitions praying for the repeal of the Contagious Dideates Act, Bible-reading in Schools. Mr Re> uolds presented a petition in favour of Bible-reading in schools. Employment of Females The adjourned debate on the Employmen i of Females Bill, to which an amendment by Dr. Pollen had b'.-en pioposed — " i'hat the bill be road that day six months" — was resumed by Mr Lahmann, who supported the Bill. Mr Wilson regretted that Dr. Pollen had ueed the words as applied to the working classes, such as " eight-bob-a-day men." These men were tho bone and sinew of the colony, and wore thoroughly respectable persons. He would support the bill. Dr Pollen remarked that the hon. member had evidently misunderstood him in his remarks. What he meant was that the wot king classes bad benefits in the colonies of selling their labour at the highest prices they could obtain. Mr Wilson was pleased to hear that he had not understood what the hon. member had said on the previous occasion. No dcubt the bill required amendments, but he believed the bill was required. Mr McLean supported the amendment It was absurd, he said, that f-hopgirls should not put the goods of their omployeis in order when they were not engaged in <-ci \'ing customers Attur further discussion, the second reading was carried : Ayes, 20 ; noes, 16 The bill was then read a cecond time. Bills. The Native Lands Administration Bill and .Native Lands Court Bill were road a second time, and referred to the Native A ffairs Com mittee. Midland Railway. The Fast and West Const Railway Construction Bill was committed. Dr. Pollen did not like th-j idea any more tb.in he did a year ago, but he should offer no fuitber opposition. Mr Miller had ma le |j a calculation by which he had ascertained that every ton of coal carried on the lino would cost £1. The reason why all opposition to the project had been withdrawn was because everyone in the colony was staggered at the pamblinLr transaction [of the proposed line. The bill was reported with one verbal amendment, and the bill as amended wan ordered to be sent back to | the Lower House. Progress of Bills. The Counties Bill and Sharebrokers Bill were read a second time. The Stark Property Purchase. The Public Accounts' Committee resumed tho inquiry into the Stark purchaee to-day, Mr Seaman and Mr Alison, two of the witne=se^ from Auckland, both say the price paid was a fair one. The Gold Duty. The Goldfield members want the Government to introduce a bill to take 6d off the gold duty this year, and 6d more the following year. The matter is to be considered in Cabinet this afternoon. The Mines Rill has been ?o altered and " eviscerated " before the Goldfields Committee, that it has been found necessary to entirely reprint the measure, which will probably be reported to the House, as amended, on Wednesday. It is understood that the Government will con=ent to introduce a Gold Duty Repeal Bill thia seesion. I hear that the majority of the Council have promise! to support the measure in the amended form suggested by a deputation of goldfielda' members. Railway Debentures Scandal. Consideration of the Seloct Committee's report on the purchase of district railways engrosses the minds of members, and ib is about the only item now discussed in the lobbies. It is admittedly the ugliest document ever presented to the New Zealand Parliament, and in considering it the constitution of the Committee has to be canvassed. I believe that Mr J. W. Thompson was moved to take action for the purpose of disposing of the ugly rumours circulated during the recess regarding the purchaee of certain district railways, and that before proposing his resolution for | the appointment of a committee he submitted the names to Major Steward, who eaid that ho would like to have had on tho committeo one member whoee name did not appear. His wish was promptly met by the substitution of the name lie desired for one of those mentioned in the motion, po that no reflection can be made regarding the constitution of the Committee The whole question of the passage of the Dietrict Railways Purchasing Act, it is said, will be revived in the course of Wednesday's debate. Commenting on the matter, the " Press " cays : — *' It would be most unfair, of course, to asaurae that the House will adopt the report. For our part, we sincerely hope that when the evidence is circulated, and when Sir Julius Vogel and Mr Steward have

been heard in self-defence, the House will be able, conscientiously, to come to a different conclusion from that of the Committee. Wo hope so for the sake of the two members themselves, and still more for the fair fame of public men and the politics of New .Zealand, which will be deplorably besmirched if this report is adopted. But this is essentially an occasion where the House ought to be guided by no other sentiment than respect for their own dignity as a Legislature and for the public welfare, and no false ehame or false sympathy, no prejudice of any sort, should be allowed to influence them in any direction. The attitude of the Premier will be observed with the keenest solicitude, for no public man, perhaps, was ever placed in a more difficult or delicate position Ithan that he occupies in relation to the ! report of the Committee. As leader of the • House, it is his bpunden duty to vindicate their privileges and guard their honour. As a prominent politician of unsullied reputation, it behoves him above all things to keep himself and hie Government as a whole free from the faintest suspicion of complicity in or identification with a serious public scandal. At the came time it is impossible for him not to be subject to a warm impulse to defend his colleague and his supporters, whatsoever evideuce against them may be. Never, in all his career, has his political character been exposed to so crucial a test. The question of the adoption of the report of the Committee is of the utmost importance to the House, to the Ministry, and to the public life and credit of the colony. Will Sir Robert Stout deal with it as a statesman or as an advocate ? A train of consequences of very great magnitude depend upon the answer which he will be required to give to that question." It is stated that Mr Puncan was not present when the report from the District Railways Committee \va c adopted. Lobby rumour hath it that the Government will propose a refcolution or aeries of resolutions upset ing the report and exonerating Major Steward.

Rotorua Railway. The debate on the report of the Committee relative to the commission paid on the purchase of district railways has been fixed for Wednesday evening. Speaking to this motion this afternoon, the Premier said the report implicated Mr Peacock as well as Sir Julius Vogel in the imputations ca3t upon Mr Steward by the Committee. Major Steward declared the report to be contradictory in itself and contrary to the evidence. When the House met at 7.30 p.m., Mr Peaeeok made the following explanation :— " Sir, I have to crave the indulgence of the House while I make a few remarks with regard to a personal matter affecting my position with my constituents and the country. I allude 10 what took place in the House this afternoon in connection with the report of the District Kuilways Debenture Purchase Committee, and what appears iti the newspapers this evening. Sir, I regret that 1 was not in the Ho-.fe when the report was read, but od enveiing the House afterwards I was astonished to hear the Premier mention my name as being reflected upon m than leport. I was quite taken back, as I could not conceive how I could be dragged into the matter. In the ' Evening Post' I find the following paragraph : ' The Premier said he had no objection to fix a'day,as reflections were cast upon Messrs Stewaid and Peacock and Sir J. Vogel. The debate might be taken on Wednesday.' And in the 'Evening Prescs' this paragraph appeared in their Parliamentary report : ' The report was I read and, summed up, it etated that he hud not committed a breach of the Disqualification Act It found Mr Steward guilty on all point?, and included al&o in his condemnation by inference Sir J. Vogel and Mr Peacock, member for 1> ewton, one of the directors of the Rotorua Railway.' Now, f^ir, knowing how careful I was when ! the District Railways Purchase Bill was betore the House la«t year to abstain horn voting or to influence in any way whatever the passing of that measure, and that with regard to the purchase ot the Kotorua Kailway debentures, per sonally I neither initiated nor took part in the conducting of that transaction, nor did I, directly or indirectly, participate in any profit lehulting therefrom. I could not believe that the Committee could intend to ca^t any refleutiou upou mo in the matter. Subsequently, 1 saw the report, and while 1 think the mention of my name was quite unnecessary in refen-nce to the evidence given by me to | the Committee, I tailed to pee that there ! was any intention on their part to reflect upon me; and I should be glad if the Chairman and oihor members of the Committee had an opportunity of making u statement to that effect, as I believe they are prepared to do. My excuse for bringing this matter belore the House is this : It ia well known that when an erroneous and damaging statement ie made with regard to a public man like myself, which has no foundation, it is necesaary to give itja prompt contradiction, for once it gets a start, it ia difficult to overtake it and destroy its effect. I have to thank the House for giving me this opportunity of making an emphatic protest against what I consider an aspersion of my character, and setting tny&elf right before the country," Mr J. W. Thomson, Chairman of this Committee, twice rose to move the adjournment of the House, but the Speaker ruled that as another mattor was then under consideration he could not introduce any extraneous matter I have Mr Thomson's authority for stating, however, that he intended to say that the Committee had no idea of reflecting in any way whatever on Mr Peacock, mid that in looking at tho resolution in which Mr Peacock's name was mentioned he did not think it bore the interpretion placed upon it by the Premier. \ When the debate on the District Railways Purchase Committee comes on to-day, Mr Peacock will read the following telegram which he has received from the Chairman of Directors of the Rotorua Kailway Company: —"I notice your name being taken in vain re the sale of Rotorua railway debonfcures When Mr Steward's offer to purchase came, I treated it purely iv a business [manner, as from any other commidsion agent. Mr Steward I have never even econ, nor have I ever had any communication with him, save only over the sale in question. I remember, when his offer to purchase came before the Board, you thought it ought" not to be entertained before fiiat asking the Government if ifc would purchase the debentures. This waa over-ruled, the Hoard deciding to carry on the negotiations through Mr Steward. —J. LottAN Campbell a '

Wellington, July 15. The , order for consideration of the Committee's report was then called on, and the Premier rose and said he was satisfied that both Mr Peacock and his directors, and the hon. member for Waimate, were not conscious of having done anything wrong in the matter; but it was necessary to be caroful in dealing with transactions of this nature, and they should lay down more definite rule? for the guidance of their members. He did not wish to create an acrimonious discussion, and therefore moved

the following motion, which he believed would meet the matter ;— " With reference to the report from the District Railways Committee, itisresolvedihatwhile it appears that there was no corrupt motive on the parti of Major Steward, whose action in relation to the matter in question has been open and straightforward, this House desires to express their opinion that the members of the Legislature should aot act as paid agents in the negptiation of any transactions in which the Government i8 directly or indirectly a party, either as buyer or seller. " Mr Ballance seconded the motion without comment, and no one else rising, it was put and carried. Midland Railway Bill. j When the amendments made on tho | Midland Kailway Bill by the Council were reported to the House the Premier moved that they be agreed to. Mr Jdursthou3e facetiously inquired /rhat the amendments, were, and the Premier humorously replied that two very important words had been struck out from the third schedule.. Instead of mapg to be attached to tha schedule as amended, it reads " maps attached." (Laughter.) Fisheries Conservation. The Fisheries Conservation Act Amendment Bill passed its second reading on tha motion of the Minister for Marine.. An amendment proposed by Mr Joyce, that it be read a second time that day cix months, was lost by 38to 19. First Offenders' Probation. The First Offenders' Probation Bill ia the outcome of a suggestion made to the Minister for Justice by Mr Howard Vincent, when he visited the colony two yeare ago, and is in accord with a measure introduced into the Imperial Parliament by that gentleman, but intercepted by complications arising out of the Home Rule proposal The Hon. Mr Tole,iin moving its j second reading, said he had never introduced a bill of so important a character, and that on its face it bora evidence which would meet with general approval from all sides, of the House It not only dealt with the classification of prisoners, but was to bo commended on grounds of morality and economy, for it was clear that the larger the prison the smaller the cost. The principle -of the bill was that it was cheaper to reform prisoners than to build gaols. Several hon. members favourably criticised the bill, the second reading of which was agreed to, and its committal made an order for Friday. The Truck System. There was quite an interesting disdussion last night on the bill introduced by the Minister oi Public Works with the object of abolishing the truck system. Mr Richardson said considerable pressure had been brought to bear outside to indue© the Government to introduce this measure. Ie was de&irable that the bill should bo passed this session, in view of the probable extension of our contracts. The bill provided for the payment of workmen at sawmills and elt-ewhere in coin or bank notes. Mr Downey Stewart approved of the bill, and thought no payment should be legal unless in coin. The truck system, in his opinion, was vicious, did an injustice to workmen, and should be put down as soon as possible. Mr Buckland would vote for the second reading, but at the same time spoke strongly aguins-t the measure, which, he eaid, would destroy the presents system of employing labourers. Speaking from his own experience as a millowner, he feared the bill would be oppressive to the men, who were best served with. their goods by contractors. Mr Peacock urged .the same objection in the case of bush ?awmilis in the North, but) would support the bill in the interests of workmen The Premier made a forcible appeal in the inteiests ot working men, and accused Mr Buckland of describing workmen in the North as a parcel of rogues and loafers. Mr Buckland retorted that he did nofo say that all were. Mr Fergus replied warmly to the assertions of the Premier that he was invariably antagonistic to the interests of working men, and twitted him with some remarks made concerning him (Mr Stout) in the Otago Piovincial Council by Mr George Turn bull- remarks that he could not repeat in the House, but would inform the Premier of privately. Mi Fergus proceeded to refer to a statement made by the Premier concerning himself as false. The Speaker insisted on the withdrawal of the expression, and Mr Fergus eventually withdrew the terms with apparent reluctance. He at the same time contended that his sympathies were entirely with* working men, but he thought this Act was utter humbug, and could easily be avoided by contractors. Mr T. Thompson strongly supported tha measure, which was, by the way, introduced through his own exertions. He said that in the timber districts in the North, mill-owners owned large tracts of land, and would not allow other stores than their own to be erected. Vessels had been sent back to Auckland without freight, because they had taken down stores, while employees had been threatened with dismissal if they dealt with any other than the Company's stores. Then, again, refusals had been given to honour orders for buyers if they were changed at any buo the* Company's store. Sir George Grey strongly urged the abolition of the truck system, but feared the bill would not efiect the object in view. The Premier : In what way? Sir George Grey : I could draw a better bill. 1 think ie is childish Sir George Grey proceeded to cay that if the Premier wished to do working men good, there were many ways in which he could accomplish that object. In that connection he referred to the cry of distress in Auckland, andalsoto the action of the Premier in giving increased votmg power to property in the Counties Bill They had that day seen £1 000 pass into the pocket of a private member without a dissentient voice. The Speaker called Sir George Grey ta order, and Maid he could not allow reference to a pier debate. Sir George Grey said it was not a debate, but a lact. The Speaker : I cannot allow reference to it. Sir George Grey : I only refer to a report on the table. The Speaker : I c\nnot allow the hon* member to trifle with the House. Sir George Grey replied that &a be was ordered to sit down he would do so. The second reading was carried on the. voice?.

Old Judge Saunders is a great brag and has told about a dozen different stories in regard to the weight of a certain catfisß that he caught. A friend, trying to entrap him, asked : '* Judge, what was the precise weight of that big fish you caught?* Judge Saunders (to coloured waiter) : " 1 say Bob, what did I say yesterday thai catfish weighed ?" " What time yesterdays boss — in de mawning, at dinner-time, <n after* supper ?"