PARLIAMENTARY. (From "Auckland Star".special correspondent.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 204, 21 May 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

PARLIAMENTARY. (From " Auckland Star".special correspondent.

Wellington, May 14. In the House of Representatives this afternoon, Sir J. Vogel moved the second reading of the Women's Suffrage Bill, asking members not to treat it in a frivolous spirit. He "was not proposing it for the sake of novelty. It could be strictly defended on logical grounds. Were the intellectual ! powers of women so much below those of men as to exclude them from the franchise ? He held that with cultivation they would b« developed quite as highly as tho^e of the ' male sex. No one could deny that women could speak readily, nor their thoughtfulness, and sympathy and powers of ondurance. The latter fully made up for their physical inferiority. He did not disguise his belief that if admitted to the franchise admission to share in the government of the country must follow. The glorious reign , of Queen Victoria was an argument in favour of his contention. The laws made in the past had not dealt with women, and it was right their assistance j should be called on to deal with matters peculiarly affecting them ; in fact, on all subjects of social importance. Man consulted woman constantly in all stages of life, and why not publicly V Of late years the old prejudice against the appearance of women in public capacities had rapidly been dissipated. He was persuaded that the full emancipation of the female sex would be followed by vast good to the community in general. If it were urged that women would become less attractive to men he would ask what right they had to ask women to sacrifice their intellectual capacity to them ? It would be asked, if the justice of his remarks was so selfevident as ho insisted they were, how was it fem-ile suffrage had not been granted long ago, instead of leaving it to this little country to set tho example ? Well, it had occurred to him that it was only quite lately that women had been encouraged to become property-holders. Whereas in Great Britain the qualification was largely a property one, it was not so much the case here, where population rather was the basis. He asked them to no longer outlaw woman. Mr Moss said that out of his deep reverence and great regard for women lie should vote against the Bill. The mission of >voman was to purify and elevate, and he did not care to see them dragged down by having to become familiar with the lowest scenes of human life. Mr O'Conor knew of no reason why they should not take counsel with woman as a man did with his wife. He intended to vote for the Bill. Mr Bracken thought woman's sphere was the arena of benevolence and good works. If they dragged her into the turmoil of politics, she would become man's rival, and not Ids helpmate. He looked upon her as the light ot his home, and the genius of the fireside. Air Lance disagreed with Sir. J. Vogel's deductions, and he would do everything in his power to oppose a measure of this sort, because he believed it would destroy domestic happiness and comfort. There was no proof that the women of the colony had asked for the Bill, and if they were polled, he believed they would object to it. What had poor New Z aland clone that she had [ become the "ground for experiment of all these nostrums ? | Mr W. F. Buckland was strongly in favour of the Bill. They thought too much of themselves, and not enough of the ladies. Was the accident of being born a woman to degrade a human being all her life ? Where were the Liberals who had given manhood suffrage ? The experiment had been tried on {State School Boards, Road Boards, &c, with marked success. He ventured to say that if the vote were taken away from men and given to women, they would have a better House sitting there than they had at present. • Mr Bruce could conceive that admission of women to vote would have a prejudical influence on questions of great national importance. He bade them seriously to reflect what the consequences would be of having ladies sitting in the House. He agreed with Mr Lance that women themselves did not want the Bill. Mr Fergus combated Mr Bruces views, and quoted Disraeli, Gladstone, Hare, and Cowen's views in favour of the admission of women to the franchise. Mr Hobbs said Mr Britce's was a speech of a crazy old bachelor. He took exception to the statement of Mr Lance, that petitions in favour of female suffrage had been got up in a way that was no credit to them. Ho knew better, from personal experience. Speaking generally, he twitted the opponents of the Bill with being afraid to give women a vote because they did not want them there or in their clubs. Mi- Wi Pere thought the Bill would become a source of endless trouble. Ladies would distract the attention of some honourable members. Although getting tip in years, he must confess he would be affected with that weakness himself. They would have to confine the suffrage to plain women, for if beautiful ladies came there no business would be done, particularly by tho older members ; in fact, he was quite sure his wife would not let him come back. Mr Monk felt proud to be a member of a House in which the question was first discussed. If he did not vote for this Bill he wonld be an old fossil. \ Other members having spoken for and against the Bill, the Premier said when the question was discussed nine years ago it was only lost by a few votes, and thoi> there was not so many advocates. The strongest argument against it was the admissiou ! of women would lead to the State assuming new functions, and there would be danger from their political ignorance. The sooner, however, they were put into political training the better. He did not believe in the assertion that voting would interfere .with the modesty and propriety of woman. On the contrary, it would raise politicians - women and men-— to a higher plane. Mr Pyke had come to the conclusion, upon mature consideration, that women were quite as capable of judging of a candidate for parliamentary honours as snen, and they were quite entitled to electoral rights.

[ Mr Montgomery said this was not the first time this question had been before tho House. In 1870 " person " was substituted for " male," and it was only struck out on the recommittal of the Bill. He thought they should be very careful how they brought women into contact with matters of this kind, and he asked was it wise for the House to throw in an apple of discord into the household by giving this privilege? In his opinion they would be wise not to extend the franchise, but he hoped the second reading of the Bill would be carried, in order that women with property might be allowed to vote. After further discussion, the motion for the second reading was agreed to by 40 to 22. The following is the division list, from which Sir J. Vogel's name was omitted by an error of the teller's from the " ayes ;" — j Ayes (40). — Ballance, Barron, Bryce, Buchanan, W. F. Buckland, Conolly, Cowan, Dargaville, Dodson, Duncan, Fitzherberl, F. H. Fraser, W. Fraser, Fulton, Gore, Hislop, Ivess, Jones, Joyce, Lake, Macarthur, McKenzie, MitcheKon, Monk, Montgomery, Newman, O'Conor, Peacock, Pyke, Rees, Reid, Rolleston, Ross, Russell, Smith, Steward, Stout, Thompson, T. Trimble, Wilson. Noes, (22). — Bevan, Bracken, Bruce. Fisher, Guinness, Hamlin, Lance, Larnach, W. J. S. McKenzie, McMillan, Most?, O'Cailaghan, Pearson, Pratt, Ricbardbon, G. F. Samuel, Seddon, Taylor, J. W. Thompson, Tole, Whyte. Pairs. — For: Wilson, Hatch, Lcvestam, Hobbs, J. C. Buckland, Fergus, Caclman, Downie Stewart. Against : Menteath, Sutter, Holmes, Moat, Turnbull, (Jarriuk, E. Mitchelson, and Kerr.

Captain Davency's Pensioner Settlements. In the House yesterday, Mr Cad man asked the Minister of Lands if the Government have any intention to promote the introduction of Imperial pensioners in accordance with the views of Captain Daveney. The Hon Mr Ballance, in reply, stated that the subject was one of the [ highest importance. The Government was considering the case, and he would give | further particulars of the action decided upon shortly. -

Auckland PetitionsSir George Grey presented a petition embodying the resolutions adopted at the Maori Parliament. Mr Lake presented a petition from the chairman of the Hamilton Road Board and the Mayor of Hamilton in favour of Vaile's railway system, Mr W. F. Buckland presented a petition from Robert Cleave, formerly railway station master praying a month's pay for every year of service. Colonel Fraser presented a petition from David Miller, Grahamhtown, praying for payment of goods supplied on the order of one of its officers, or other relief by the House.

Extension of Hours of Pol! ing. The country members are gratified at the defeat of the proposal to extend the hours of polling till 7 o'clock. They say they would have offered no opposition if the reform had only been applied to towns, but they objected to attempt to force it on the country. If the present bill were abandoned by the Premier, and taken up by one of his opponents, the result would probably be to unmask those (Government supporters whose professed determination to increase the percentage in favour of the country has simply been a subterfuge to kill the bill. They will not dare to force it through against the Government, and mv.st either absent themselves from the House or submit to exposure.

Tlie Tariff. People here are just beginning to realise the serious nature of tho proposed increase of duties, and tho Wellington Chamber of Commerce holds a meeting to protest. There does not appear to be any likelihood of the tariff proposals being accepted by a House in which the free trade element is strong. Local papers oppose the new tariff and financial statement. It is quite on the cards that the Hou^e may not get so far as the financial debate. There, is no doubt that the statement was prepared for an appeal to the country, and this fact is made clearer every day. The retrenchment and Protection proposals are considered by the Government supporters to be strong cards for the elections. Ministers themselves are making no secret that they are willing, if not anxious, to go to tho country on their Budget, while the Opposition will endeavour to prevent them getting a dissolution till the new Kepresentation Bill is through. In compliance with a request made by Mr Peacock, the Colonial Treasurer promised to lay before the members a detailed statement showing the rate of duty levied on each class of article by the existing tariff, and the gross amount of revenue received from each, together with, the proposals now submitted, and the amount of revenue which each class of article is estimated to produce under the same.

Crown Lands Boards. Mr Ballance has written to the Commissioners of Crown Lands Boards, suggesting that they should hold monthly instead of fortnightly meetings of their bodies. This step is in consequence of the large payments made to members of these bodies for travelling expenses. One of the Auckland members, whose identity may posßibly be guessed, voted yesterday presumably in accordance with his own feelings, but finding there was already a substantial majority in the lobby, he had his name erased from the division list and crossed over and voted with the noes, who were a hopeless minority, but who, perhaps, represented the views of the lion, member's constituents. Mr Monk raised a laugh at the exponse of the member in question by asking if such a thing was lawful.

Law of Libel. A bill of very great importance to journalists has been introduced by Mr Downie Stewart to amend the law of libel bo that any report published, in any Newspaper of any proceedings of a public meet ing lawfully convened shall be privileged if the report is accurate and publication made for the publio benefit. The defendant, however, shall be, held culpable if. he refuses to publish a contradiction when wrong. The

consent of the Attorney-General must be obtained before any prosecution for libel can bo commenced, unless the prosecution is sanctioned by a Judge of the Supreme Court.

The Engineer in Chief. The statement has been freely made here that Mr Blackett, Engineer-in-Chief, intends to retire on a pension. The Minister of Public Works took occasion yesterday to deny the statement.

Ministers' Salaries. Ministers are not inclined to reduce their own salaries materially. Sir Julius Vogel stated yesterday, in reply to a question, that the Government do not considor the present salaries and allowances excessive, and it was only fair to those who might succeed them to express such an opinion.

North Auckland Railway. A deputation consisting of Messrs Hobbs, Moat and Monk waited upon the Minister of Public Works relative to the Northern Auckland Railway extension. Mr Richardson informed them that the Government would ask for authority to expend the balance of the £70,000 during the present financial year. Surveys were now being made through Kaukapakapa 'to a point fifteen miles north of Helensville, opening up Government lands. Any further extension must depend upon the action of Parliament, as their resources from loan were exhausted. If the House voted the money he would complete the extension to Omapei'e within two years from the present time.

The Volunteer Farces. The annual report on the New Zealand Forces shows that there are 8,029 Volunteers in the colony, of whom 4,494 are in the South Island, and 3,535 in the North. The force comprises 146 corps, which represent 5,016 Riffes, 1.238 Navals, 723 Cavalry men, 721 Navals, and 157 Engineers. There were also 929 cadets in the North Island and 1,9J51 in the South Island. The Permanent Force numbers 450 men, of whom 78 ai'e in Auckland and J65 in Wellington. The report says : "We are behind every civilised country in arms," and recommonds a rote of L 20,000 for at least 5,000 rifles of the approved repeating arm pattern, with bayonets and ammunition. It also asks for a naval vote.

! Wellington, May 18. My prediction that the Representation Bill would be the first order of the day for yesterday afternoon was verified. This order in question was reached soon after 3 o'clock, and the animated appearance of the House showed that the interest of members in the bill had not abated. The rumoured arrangement between the Premier and Major Atkinson was made the subject of a question by Mr Seddon, but very little respecting the intention of the Governmentwasdiselosed. Major Atkinson took occasion to state in explanation that what had been done in the matter of ai ranging a compromise had been done as a private member, and not in his capacity as leader of the Opposition. Mr Seddon made a strong protest against the proposal to reduce the concession of twenty per cent, which had been given to country members, and openly declared that he was losing faith in the Premier.

Amalgamation of City Constituencies Negatived. Discussion on the bill in committee was resumed at the clauses amalgamating city constituencies in Auckland, Wellington, Christclmrch, and Dunedin. The principle of amalgamation was attacked by Mr Peacock, who did not think such a proposal would be objeotionableif it wereadoptedwith a modified form of the Hare system. Failing this lie moved to strike out the clause, and his amendment was supported by Messrs Thompson, Fulton, Trimble, Rees, Taylor, Samuel and Russell," while the amalgamation was advocated by the Premier, Dr. Newman, Messrs Dargaville, Bracken, Pyke, F. H. Fraser and Fisher, There was very little that was new in the argument on either side. Mr Fulton gave it to be understood that he would support the proposal if it applied to the provincial districts or to a whole island. Colonel Trimble, who feared the amalgamation would make elections more expensive, remembered an instance of an election in which £10,600 was spent on one side, and a voice suggested " bribery," but the Colonel did not reply. Mr Taylor took the opportunity to get in a puff for his pet Sydenham, which would, he declared, have a larger population five years hence than Christclmrch. Mr Pyke favoured the amalgamation of country as Avell as town electorates, and declared that the single electorate system had been a lamentable failure. The House were, however, not of the same opinion, and the proposal to amalgamate the city constituencies was rejected by 47 to 33. The Wellington members were unanimous respecting the desirability of amalgamation, and Mr Fisher sought to have the principle applied to the city of Wellington. He said the feeling to a man among the electors was that this should be clone. The Premier expressed a hope that this would be done, because he would move that the principle be applied to Dunedin, the representatives of which city wore unanimous. Mr Dargaville, too, "promised that if the Wellington electorates were amalgamated he would move that the Auckland be included, because two out of three city members were in favour of the change. The voices were taken, and showed a decided opposition to Mr Fisher's motion, and that matter dropped.

Concession to Alining Districts. The clauses making a concession to mining districts by enabling the commission in allowing a margin of 750 to take into consideration the proportion which the male adults bear to the entire population, was attacked by Colonel Trimble. Mr Seddon made a determined stand on behalf of the miners, and pleaded with the House not to Wko away thia concession, He was successful in his appeal, the clause being passed on division by 40 to 32. Mr Seddon did not, however, abate his opposition tactics, which, it is said, are aroused by the fact that the bill, if passed, w*H have the effect of cutting up Mr Sod.d.Q.n'B

electorate and adding one-half to Mr Bevan's and the other half to Mr Guinness's, leaving Mr Seddon, so far as his occupation is concerned, very much in Othello's position.

Terms of the Compromise. It now became necessary for the House to rescind clause 3 in order that a new clause embodying the arrangement arrived at between the Premier and Major Atkinson should be proposed in its place. The effect of the compromise was precisely as I wired ta you — viz., 15 percent, actual, and 18 per cent, nominal in favour of country districts, a margin of 750, and the number of members fixed at S6. The Premier suggested that the bill should be recommitted at 7.30 for the introduction of this clause. Determined opposition was offered by Mr Seddon. who sought to have the bill postponed till Friday, and he was supported by Messrs Levestam and Hatch in talking the proposal out till the half-past five adjournment.

Another Government Shuffle. The astonishment of members was very great when the Premier announced ab 7.30 p.m. that he had agreed to fix the number of members in the new clause at 91, and leave the House to reduce it if they pleased. This aroused the opposition of Mr Hatch, who said that after such inconsistency he would oppose the bill in any form. Mr Turnbull also took the Premier severely to task, and said that unless they adhered to their decision to make the number of members 71, they would be making themselves contemptible in the eyes of the colony. Mr Samuel, who&e district is also likely to be wiped oufc by the bill, attacked the measure, and abused botli the leader of the Opposition and the Government for extravagant administration.

Stonewalling in Committee. Stone-walling tactics were resorted to. when the new clause was read in committee. Messrs Seddon and Hursthouse took a prominent part in this opposition, and endeavoured to LaA r e progress reported. The Premier stated that tlie Auditor-General could not act as one of the Commissioners, and on his motion the Property Tax Commissioner's name was substituted. A proposal in favour of the Deputy Surveyor- General was negatived. Mr Moss offered opposition to this clause, and said he would rather see the bill thrown out than see Government officers appointed to the Board. Members of Parliament were disqualified for seats on the Board, but a proposal to disqualify past members also was negatived. The compromise was again discussed, and the question being put direct to Major Atkinson, he said no agreement) ' was arrived at beyond one that the clause should be recommitted for reconsideration of the House.

Number of members. It was on the Clause fixing the number of members at 91 that the greater part of the evening was spent. Sir Julius Vogel gave expression to his sentiments during the discussion, and declared himself in. favour of 91 members because he thought ifc ■n ould be undesirable to decrease the number. If they did so and made the quota larger, the result would be to leave a large portion of the colony unrepresented. Sir George Grey al&o gave expression to his viewb in very forcible language. He considered the Premier's proposal to make the number of members 86 a mean proposition, and unworthy of any statesman or any Government. He hoped 71 would be adhered to, but would rather vote for 91 than SO. Mr Hobbs also made a capital speech, and warned the Premier that if he dropped the Representation Bill, the House and country would compel him to carry it through. A vote was eventually taken, and re&ulted, amidst some excitement, in 39 votes being recorded on either side. The division list, which should prove interesting, is as follows : - Ayes, 39 : .Ballance, Bevan, Conolly, Dargaville, Fitzherbert, Fraser (F. H.), Guinnees, Hirst, Ivess, Jones, Joyce, Lake, Lance, Levestam, Locke, Macarbhur, Mackenzie (M. J. S.), McMillan, Menteath, Moat, Montgomery, O'Callaohan, Peacock, Pi v att, Pyke, Reid, Richardson (E.), Rolleston, Samuel, Seddon, Smith, Stout, Taipua, Thompson (T.), Trimble, Vogel, Walker, Wilson. Noes, 39— Allwright, Atkinson, Barron, Beetham, Bracken, Bruce, Bruce, Buchanan, Buckland (J. C), Buckland (W. F.), Cadman, Cowan, Duncan, Fergus, Fraser (W.), Fulton, Carrick, Grey, Hatch, Hislop, Hobbs, Hursthouse, Larnach, Mills, Mitchelson, Moss, Monk, Newman, Ormond, Richardson (G. F.), Ross, Russell, Steward (W. J.), Sutter, Taylor, Thomson, (J. W.), Tole, Turnbull, Whyte. Pairs -For 91 : Gore, Rees, Grace, Kerr. Against : J. Mackenzie, Wakofield, Pearson, Fisher. Immediately the number was fixed at 91 stonewalling disappeared.

Percentages and margin. The country members sought to increase the percentage in their favour, but were not successful. Mr G. F. Richardson proposed 20 per cent, instead of 18, but the Houserejected the proposal by 43 to 3& Mr Hursthouse moved that the margin, be 1,000 instead of 750, but this was negatived by 47 to 29. The other clauses were passed without division. Mr Scobie McKeime succeeded in inserting a new clause providing that when Commissioners intended to alter boundaries they must advertise the proposed new boundaries in the ** Gazette," and objection shall be received and heard. The Premier stated, in reply to Mr Whyte, that members of the Board Avould be nominated in the House after the bill had passed. The bill was then reported to the House in an amended form.

The Financial Debate. Before the House rose in the morning the Premier said the House might take the financial debate on the Customs Tariff Bill on Friday. He would, however, make a statement on that, day. He would not promise to dispose of the Representation Bill on Thursday, as it was a private members' day. Major Atkinson offered to move to give Wednesday, one of private members' days, to the Government, but the Premier said he would state thete intentions on next day*