PARLIAMENTARY. |From "Star" Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, October 8 to 13.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 224, 15 October 1887, Page 4

PARLIAMENTARY. |From "Star" Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, October 8 to 13.

■&r tfea adjourned caucus helfeab four o'clock this Afternoon there were 42 members .present, and several of cthfcse had nob arlived when the oaucus yesterday was held, -so -that others who took part in the previous meeting absented themselves. '■There was nothing definite as the out.come of the meeting, bub it appeared 'from the tone of those who spoke that. | Major Atkinson would form a Ministry for •the party. Mr Fulton again occupied the chair. , Major Atkinson introduced tho business of the meeting by an explanatory statocmenfc, in the course of which he said it was - not; wise to be hurried in their deliberations. It would be better to discuss the matter again, and have an>adjournment till a future day. He believed that if tho party could determine upon n Premier and give Jbim>andthe Ministry he mi<ht form thencordial and enthusiastic suppoit till the financial Statement is brought down, all their difficulties-would be overcome. Then, if they were not sabush'ed with the Statement, they would bo at liberty to withdraw their support. For his own part he was quite prepared to take any part assigned to him either in or out of the Ministry. At • the same time, while he was prepared to act as leader of tlio wholo party, he would not consent to be used by any small portion of the party. Sir George Grey spoke twice after Major Atkinson had sat down. Ho said tho meeting. yesterday was a wonderful one. jHe had never been a meeting in which so much ability appeared to bo repicsented and displayed in tho speeches made. Of course, if such a party as that proposed could be organised and held together it could introduce a new order ot things in Now Zealand. It would be of immense benefit both to the country and to the people, and he indulged the hope that a strong endeavour would be made to bring , about such a consummation. He had noticed that some question had arisen respecting the appointment of an AttorneyGeneral, and the difficulty in the way of .obtaining a suitable gentleman to hold the .position, but his own idea was that the position of At^orney-Oneiai should 'be held out of Parliament altogether, and-, that the most able gentleman that could be obtained should be elected for the position, and that he should not be ,a.member,of the Minisory. In conclusion, Sir, Ooorge spoke, in terms of eulogy le.specting Major Atkinbon's disinterestedness 'In the' whole matter of the formation of a Ministry. Mi' Pyke, who was not present yesterday, followed. He declared that he was going to av.pport principles, and not men. Tho three planks which he insisted on in any Ministry before he would give them his support Merc— no increased taxation, large reductions in the public expenditure, and no bon-owing beyond what i.>- necessary to complete ,worjcs in hand and to cover the deficiency in the public accounts. He spoke conceraing the large amount of floating debt in JJarch last lepre&ented by Treasury bills, avd said he would support anyone who would carry out the planks in the platform he had indicated, but not otherwise. Mr FisKer then spoke on tho extent to which i - ei£renchment might be made. He said he havl mixed amongst the new members and oiihers, and found that they were not-afc all particular whom they followed, so long as they were men who pledged 'themselves to a drastic scheme of retrenchment. He pointed out that in New South Wales a few years ago the people found themselves in she same condition as we are to-day, and Sir Bums brought down a financial statement showing reductions to the jextent of £400,000. The income of the country was very much larger than ours, and he thought ""our saving should be at least a quarter of a million. Young memibers would be satisfied with a paity that rwould carry out such a scheme, and he felt ithat the persons moving in that direction -were sound at the coreMr Scobie McKenzie thought it was an easy matter for the Northern members to accept Major Atkinson, but in the South was a universal and unfair prejudice .against him. If the country could realise ,±hftt it was simply a question between Major Atkinson and Sir Julius Vogel, theie would .he no difficulty in agreeing to accept Major Atkinson. He suggested that it might ,foe possible tor Major Atkinson bo take & second place, so as to qet> over ■the dijiuculty. So far as retrenchment was concerjsed, it might be popular in name, Jbut woidd be found very difficult to work out. Mr A€epij who defeated Sir Robert Stout, said ho <?£me pledged nob to men but to principles, ,and he would follow any Ministry that w.ould bring those principles into practical legislation. He would be prepared tp fojjtfjv" any men the party liked to Belect until the Financial Statement was brought dow/3, leaving himself free to act according to his own judgment afterwards. Mr Moss insisted that they would not be doing justice to iijjemselves or to the country if they did n<k< ,fix a time within which the Financial Statement should be made. He was perfectly ready to give Major At itinson a cordial support against all comers till he could foim and bring down his pplicy, but they mugfc not allow it to be pub off till so late in the session thab it could not receive careful consideration. Major Atkinson should take hi& own time — two, three, or four weeks, and even adjourn thp House for the time, if he found if necessary. It was impossible they could Isijid. themselves to carry out the policy of th§ Financial Statement, whate^ er it might J?e, $7/uor Atkinson said the policy would be submitted to a caucus of the party, and what a majority might agree to would be adopted, Mr Moss could not regard this as sufficient, A majority of the caucus might bp gob against principles to which many of them were pledged — Drotection, for example, The members would then have to submit to sacrifice all they valued, or be regarded as deserters from their party, If they did he considered it indispensable to limit bhe time for bringing down, bhe -financial policy. This would give rebrenchmeiib the preference. After that was effected they should be at liberty to acb independently and form what parties they bhou^ lib necessary. Sydney Tiiiwhanga made an amusing speech., in which he was severe on the borrowing of past Governments. Sir John Hall, who had also arrived since the last caucus, made some remarks respect--Ing the gre&b victory they had obtained, and hoped that no difficulty would be allowed to arise to take that vicbory from them. Mi* Brace said bhere "was only one man Oubside Major Atkinson who, to use a nautical phrase, could be chosen as the figureLead pf the pa: by — Sir Geoi'ge Grey. Sir George Grey then explained what had transpired between himself and Major Atkinson after the latter was , sent fpr by His Excellency. Major Atkin&on had suggested that he (Sir George Grey) ,

should tstkre *Bhe load, and >he had replied that to t was hot for-, the good of the comtffry *tihat he should bo pub fort ward, yM\% &c himself had the further objection tlaafc Ministries, in this colony rose and "fell so quickly that their .power for good was destroyed. He favoured the adoption of some such system as that in vogce in the United States, where a permanent Ministry was established which lived through four years without question. Mr Wislop spoko strongly in favour of Major <Atkinson as Premier. Soiflae desultory conversation followed, and eventually the caucus adjourned till two -o'clock to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon 1 in order that members might think over what had been said and arrive at some definite conclusion.

The Second Canons. Quite a number of those who were present at the caucus* on Thursday absented themselves yesterday. As there were only 42 present, including several members who had not reached Wellington in time for the first caucus, it was suggested that the majority of those who wero absent were Southern men who wete averse to committing themselves to Major Atkinton for the present. No question of policy beyond that of retrenchment was discussed yesterday, and tho main question under consideration was really the choice of Premier. The Southern prejudice against Major Atkinson was occasionally displayed, but it was quite evident that the only alter- | native was Vogel.

Sydney Taiwhanga Holds Forth. Sydney Taiwhanga, the new member for .the Northern Maori district, occasioned some amusement at the cciucup. He said he had tried for twenty years, to get into Parliament', and had contested seats at nino different elections. Having now sue ceeded, ho came to represent not the natives North of Auckland nlone, but of the whole colony. Sydney then camu to grief in an elaborate statement showing tho extent of the borrowing of various Ministers who had held office, tho calculation really being one which had been published in various papers. Sydney started off by crediting Vogel with sixteen millions and a-lmlf and gave each Minister a turn, being innocent of the fact that the estimate was one of the amount borrowed while each Minister was in office, and that the same loan appeared to the credit of each man of the Cabinet A\ho was in office at the time. He concluded his statement with an astonishing declaration — that the total amount borrowed by these spendthrift Ministers was one hundred and five millions. Great laughter followed this amusing calculation.

An Unsuccessful Intrigue. Among possible leaders of the House the name of Captain Russell, of Hawke's Bay, was suggested yesterday afternoon, and itis said thai an intrigue was entered into by those who were opposed to both Major Atkin&on and Sir J. Vogel with a view to getting the hon. member for Hastings to act as nominal leader of the Government. It was urged that as Capt. Russell had successfully carried a resolution in the last Parliament directing that Government should reduce their public works estimate by half a million, and as he was much respected by both sides of the Hou&e, he was eminently suited for the post. The hon. gentleman, however, was adverse to have so barren an honour as that of figure-head of the Cabinet tlnust on him, and the proposal was nob persevered in.

Example to Office seekers. I mentioned in a previous telegram that both Ormond and Hall had declined office in the new Ministry, and it will now be news to your readers that either Sir George Grey or Sir Frederick Whitaker might have had tho position of Premier in the new Cabinet, but they declined to accept it. Grey's reasons weie stated at the Opposition caucus yesterday, while Sir Frederick Whitaker's health would not permit him to take the Premiership. It is still probable that Sir Frederick will be chosen Attorney-General unless it is decided not to allot the portfolio.

Distinguishing Features of the House. One of the older members of the House says that to his mind the distinguishing features of the present Parliament aro greater earnestness on the part of the new members, and a greater sen»e of responsibility in all from the fact that they feel the country is watching them, and in earnest. No member has yet turned up who h*?s a job in hand for his district, no money i£ expected, and all are bent on retrenchment. The prestige of the old parties is destroyed by defeat and the absence of so many of the leading members. The under cm-rent, only yet seen by a few, tends to the conclusion that the leasing of

Tbo Southorn Buns is to bo a factor in policies before the session closes. The feeling is that .the country is in a difficulty, and demands the earnest exertions of all. Consequently, there is an impatience of lobbying and intrigue quite new among members. The House is a very promising one. The young members appear likely to impart to it a verve and warmth, and take things out of the old groove. One outcome of the present crisis is the development of a new political " bogie." Grey was for some years the •' bogie " of the Hall- Atkinson party. | "Keep out Grey" made the House swallow everything. Then Atkinson was Vogel's *♦ bogie," and now Vogel is Atkinson's, " Keep out Atkinson" is the cry, and in this case tho country echoes it.

A Young Now Zealand Party. The hope of forming a &trong young New Zealand party.of which so much was heard during tho election campaign, seems to be exploding. The Canterbury phalanx, which would be an integral part of such a body, appear to be returned with the one resolve of prosecuting the Midland Railway, and this of course will not chime in with the sentiments of the young politicians from the Northern and Squthern constituencies. It is amusing to watch the efforts made by leading men in the House to secure the support of the young blood. One of these, in explaining to me the persuasions used to secure his allegiance, ' likened the process to trout-fishing, pi'ofuse promises being the bait to allure the young fry. \ . i

An Attorney-General Discounted. ; In dealing with tho difficulties presented to the Cabinet-makers, the' "Evening Press" aays:— "Two, at least, of, the socalled difficulties of the ' political situation are really neither more nor less than grand, opportunites. We mean the difficulty, of obtaining an Attorney-General from a party containing no lawyer' of eminence, and the difficulty of giving Canterbury a representative in the Cabinet when four-fifths of the Canterbury members- are on . the wrong side, and very, unfit men besides. The way to get over both these difficulties is, very simple. It -is -to do without an AttorneyGeneral, and to leave Canterbury without a representative in ithef , Cabinet. There is 'no necessity for an* Attorneys General .as regards anything lawfully ,to be dohe or suffered by ' that; 'official*, !,, because the Solicitor - General can "fill hist, .place, Neither is there any advantage to anybody in having an Attorney- General

in Parliament, because, thei Government can always consult the law officers when they want advice, while the business of Par-. liament is not to learn the law, but to make the laW. On the other hand there are very strong reasons indeed why the office of political Attorney-General should be abolished. The late occupant of that office has thrown these reasons into special prominence. The manner in which ne abused hie position by pursuing his private practice to J he neg lect of public affairs was a positive •; scandal. So much was this the,, case that last session Sir George Grey gave notice of a bill to forbid the Attorney-General engaging in private practice whilst holding the office of Premier. Sir George Grey .should have gone a step further and made it unlawful for a political Attorney-General to practice in the Courts at all. There is nothing novel in the idea, for it will be recollected that when Major Atkinson formed his last short-lived Ministry he did not allot a portfolio of Attorney-General."

The Continuous Ministry Cry. The member for Egmont is fully alive to the necessity of getting rid of the Continuous Ministry cry, and in assigning his portfolios will therefore go in strongly for new blood. It is safe to hazard an opinion that a preponderance of the occupants of tho Treasury Benches will not liave served terms hitherto as Ministers of tho Crown.

Retrenchment Proposals. The Ministerial proposal for reduction in salaries will probably bo £500 off the Premier and £250 off the others— £2,ooo off all. Members' honorarium will be cut down by .£5O, and that of Council by £100.

Reduction of Members. I hear on reliable authority that Major Atkinson favours bringing in a bill reducing the number of numbers to seventy, to take effect on the expiry of the present Parliament.

Tho Young Now Zealand Party, Tho adjourned meeting of the Young New Zealand party held this forenoon was attended by Messrs Allen, Rhodes, Percival, "Ward, McGregor, Valentine, Hodgkinson, Fekhvick, Carroll, Fitchetb, McKenzie (Clutlia), and Anderson. It Avas repolved to give a qualified support to Major Atkinson till the Financial Statement is brought down, and that if any unnecessary delay is shown in bringing the statement down, the support would be withdrawn. It was stated that tho general policy of the Government would be declared in His Excellency's speech on Wednesday.

Preparing the Policy. There is now every probability of a period of three weeks of enforced idleness before members. Practically nothing will be clone this week beyond the delivery of the Governor's speech, and it is almost certain that Major Atkinson will ask for the two following: weeks in which to formulate and mature the financial policy of the Government. Some opposition has been made to such a long delay in getting to work, but the feeling of the majority is that, whatever time is asked for should be granted, so that the Government may not be unduly hurried in the preparation of their policy. This feeling exists on both sides of the House. An idea appears to prevail amongst Government supporters that if the House sab daily until the Financial Statement came down the Opposition would embarrass the party with resolutions on questions of policy, affirming, for instance, the desirability of affording protection to industries.

The Mining Industry. Since the retiring Government took office they have established no fewer than twentyfour Schools of Mines in the colony, of which 19 ore in the South Island. The importance of the mining industry is shown by the fact that up till the end of last year the productions from this source represented in round numbers a value of fifty millions of money. Last year's productions were worth a 'million and a half, made up as follows: Gold, £922,600; silver, £2,946; copper ore, £390 ; antimony ore, £1,764 ; manganese ore, £1,316 ; mixed minerals, £1,846; kauri gum, £257,653; coal exported, £52,848 ; coal consumed within the colony, £244.108.

The Electoral Bolls. Representations have been made to the retiring Colonial Secretary respecting the manner in which tho business of the Registration Office in Auckland was can led on. It is alleged that no book was kept for the purpose of entering the claims to vote as thoy were received, and that there was so little check that any of the clerks might have destroyed a number of these forms had he chosen without anyone knowing that they had disappeared. It is said that 25 [ claims to vote for Ponsonby, including | that of the Rev, \V. Calder, were put in by Mr Wright, and never heard of again. The Hon. Mr Buckley (late Colonial Secretary) informs me that Auckland was no exception—that he had complaints from nearly every district in the colony, and that some reform in the electoral laws was necessary, land would have been made by his Government if they had remained in office.

Saturday was a day of mysteries and surprises. It was not difficult to see early in the forenoon that the talkings of the .last few days had culminated in a definite understanding. Secrecy was observed by the favoured few who were in the confidence of Major ■ Atkinson, and even the party were wholly in the dark with respect to what was being done. So close was the secrecy observed that neither of the Wellington eveningpapersonSaturday night had any information respecting the progress made with the new Cabinet. I was enabled to place your readers in possession of details early in the day, but the position then was that portfolios assigned were liable to alteration at any moment. The news that Mr Fisher had been allotted the portfolio of Colonial Treasurer obtained circulation when the caucus met, and caused some sensation.. Late in the afternoon it transpired that a change had been made With respect to him, and that Major Atkinson would combine the portfolios of Premier, and Treasurer, and that Mr Fisher would be Minister of Education. Subsequent developments followed each other in rapid succession. - After the conclusion of - the caucus it transpired that to Mr G. F. Richardson had been allotted the Ministry of Lands, and soon afterwards it was whispered that the Hon. E. J. C. Stevens, of the Legislative Council, would also be in the Cabinet without portfolio. Mr Mitchelson was persuaded to accept the Public Works portfolio, and the office of Minister of Mines was offered to Mr Fergus. He expressed himself very loth to accept it, having been' led to expect the portfolio of Public Works, but eventually he yielded to the persuasion of his friends and accepted the position. Mr His* lop was chosen as Minister of Justice, and at half-past four I was enabled to wire youthe first news of the new Ministry formed with the portfolios allotted, 3everal hours 1 beford it was known to anyone beyond Major Atkinson> and his new colleagues. I believe Major Atkinson availed himself freely of ths ati vice and assistance of the Hon. GeO; McLean* >' while engaged in the task of drafting the new Cabinet, which was finally settled as follows—

, > Premier :Ako Treasurer: MAJOR ATKItfSON (Taranaki). .

PUBtIW WoftKS : ' Me E. MITCHELSON (Auckland). '

Education i M$ GEORGE FI&kER (Wellington).

Lands : ' Mr G, F. RICHARDSON (Southland).

Mikes :' Me FERGUS (Ofcago).

Justice : Ma HISLOP (Otago).

Hon. E. C, J, STEVENS (Canterbury) has been offered the portfolio of Colonial Treasurer, but has not yet accepted it. t

The Feeling at the Caucus. The feeling shown at the caucus on Saturday was strongly in Major Atkinson's favour, and the expressions -of opinion weie con- ( sidercd by the party to be very satisfactory. Practically, the only speaker who might be classed in any way as a dissentient was Mr Allen, who defeated Stout at Dunedin. He seemed anxious to leave the way for retreat perfectly clear without laying himself open fco the accusation of ratting, and explained his position fully. Some of the more independent members of the party thought the latter part of the resolution binding them to future support unnecessary, but it wasallowed to pass. The fortnight asked form which fco prepare the Financial Statement w&b conceded willingly, the general feeling before the caucus having been that it would not be wise for the House to meet during the inteival, as the new Government might be harassed by resolutions from the Opposition, -which some of their supporters might feel bound to support on principle. Overtures to Sir George Grey. In talking over the situation on Saturday, Messrs Thompson, La wry and Goldio thought it would be well to make another attempt to get Sir George Grey to join the Ministry, as the prejudice against Major Atkinson was very strong in the South. Messrs Thompson and G oldie therefore sought an interview with Sir Goorge, and urged him to reconsider his decision of the previous day. Sir George, in reply, stated that he was then on his way to Major Atkinson, and he would see them later on after his interview with the Major. They again saw him, when he stated that things were all arranged and that it would be better to let them take their course. In conversation with Sir George subsequently, he informed me that he considered one leader in the Government sufficient, and preferred the remainder being entirely new men, as had been decided upon.

The Fublic Works. Portfolio. The refusal of Mr Mjtchelson to accept the portfolio of Public "Woiks caused very considerable surprise, as it was considered that he was certain to be chosen, and was quite willing to take the office. It is said that his refusal was due in a large measme to the anxiety of Mr Fergus to get this particular portfolio. Mr MitcheUon persisted in his desire to retire and allow Mr Fergus to be appointed, until Major Atkinson absolutely refused to allow the change to be made, on the ground that Mr Mitchelson had previously filled the office with credit. Mr Mitchelson was then persuaded by his friends to accept, and what appeared likely to become an awkward position uas avoided by Mr Fergus's acceptance of the portfolio of mines which had been previously allotted to him.

A Peculiar Point. " Lawyers are generally credited with a very keen scent after fees," saysthe "Post," "but the recent discussion which has taken place in regard to tho Attorney-Geneial-sliip has drawn attention to the extraordinary fact that it is very doubthil whether the three gentlemen who have held the office for the last ten years — Sir F. Whitaker, Mr Conolly, and Sir Robert Stout — have not between them draw £11,500 less than the salary they were legally entitled to by the Civil List Act, 1873 — the annual salary of a member of the Executive Council holding any one or more of the specified offices, amongst which is that of Attorney-General, drawing £1,250 a-year as salary, the number of paid Ministers being limited to six ; it is under this Act that the Attorney - Genex*al has heretofore been paid. In 1876, j however, Parliament passed an Act entitled the Attorney - General's Act, which provided that any barrister may be appointed Attorney - General whether a member of Parliament or of tho Executive Council or not. If not a member of the Executive Council, the AttorneyGeneral is to receive such salary as Parliament may vote, but the Act provides that ' ' if the Attorney-General shall be a member of the Executive-Council he shall be paid a salary at the rate of £1,250 per annum in addition to any other emoluments or allowances he may be entitled to by virtue of his office as such member of the Executive Council, As, therefore, the three gentlemen we have named drew salaries as paid members of the Executive holding other portfolios as well as the Attorney-General&hip, it appears to be quite arguable from the above that they were entitled to £1,250 a year extra as Attorney-General. We have known much worse founded claims advanced."

San Franolsco Mail Service. There is a fgreat deal of discussion here just now respecting the direction which the proposed retrenchment should take, and it is worthy of remark that a number of the Southern members are advocating the termination of the San Francisco Mail Service. Northerners have contended that a great benefit to the community would thus be des£royed,*and there would be no saving,as the service" pays for itself. This argument the Southerners say is bad, and thoy hold that the saving effected would not be the difference between the revenue and expenditure, but really the aggregate cost of the service, because the revenue at present accruing from postage could be carried by the direct route. ' ,

Defence Retrenchment. The defence force is "likely to suffer" veiy severely in the proposed retrenchment. I hear fchab it is quite on the cards that arrangements will oe made by \yhich Sir Geo. S. Whitmore will return to his seat in the Legislative Council and will still retain control of the force,but without pay,and his salary of £1,000 thus be saved. Sir George himself says that if men in the Permanent Force are disbanded, damage to the extent of fully £100,000 will becauscd in six months to war materials now fitted up, which re T quires constant attention, besides further loss that would accrue upon the jloss to the colony of the services of ment for whose training so mu,ch has already f ,been expended. -, ' , , '

> Police Retrenchment. ■ Several members 1 also propose that tho police force shall be made to bear a portion of the reductions. ' It is asserted that under Mr Ballance's administration the promotion of higher officers has been far to 6 rapid,and that there are - now" 23 inspectors 'in the colony where 1 • eight -would; sumcev For instance, ifc is said that the work formerly done by Mr Inspector Thomson in

Auckland now provides employment forfour inspectors at £350 or thereabouts eacli ) with his staff. These promotions are likely to be severely handled when the Estimates are before the House-

The "Post" on Sir G. Grey. Tho proposal, that. Sir, G. Grey would betho figure-head of the new Ministry is considered by the I "Post to have been a brilliant stroke of ■ genius, and the article proceeds t6 say.: — ♦• Sir George 1 Grey is not the man* to make «a dummy figure-head. There is'no man in New Zea> land who better loves power, , or is more * autocratic in the exercise of such as he may possess. He will have no .divided authority. He will neither share thethrone nor tolerate any rival near. When, he was Premier he was the most dictatorial thab ever held the office ; , he interfered in every department,, and liad to be conr sulted on every detail. His colleagues were little moi*e than mere ■ heads of departments. Their duly was to register and obey his behesfcs ' r he dominated everything and everybody. It. is urged now that he is old and feeble, ho would becontent with a nominal leadership, and would leave the work of practioal administration as well as the determination of questions of ' policy to Major Atkinson and his colleagues. Those who argue or believe this know nothing of Sir Geoi'ge "Grey.i When . he has power he will exercise, and stretch it) to the fullest extents"

Boards of Appeal for Railway Servants. .. Mr Moss saw tho re Living Government on this subject several days ago, but they pointed out that it was too late for them to do anything. It is scarcely pps&ible that) anything can be done in tho matter by the new Government this session, even if they are favourable to tho idea ; but Mr Moss does not intend to lose any opportunity of j urging the scheme on their immediate at- | tention.

The Minister of Mines. The gentleman chosen as successor to the - Hon. Mr Larnach seems to be specially qualified for tho position, having for many years past been more or loss identified with mining. In the days of provincialism, he was District Engineer on the Otago goldfields, and resided ot Cromwell. His appointn ent was made by the Bastings-Tum-bull Government, and though a servant of the Provincial Executive he, at the request; of the General Government, at once laid off tho Carrick range water race which .supplied the whole of Bannockburn Gold 6 elds. Me Fergus continued to hold the office of District Engineer till a few months before the ' abolition of provinces took place, and he - then lesigncd in order to go into the contracting- bu&iness. Ho was highly thought of, and on quitting office was presented with testimonials and congratulatory addresses from the people of Arrowtown, Alexandra and Ciomwell.

Native Affairs. As an outcome of the meeting of the Cabinet yesterday morning, Mr Mitchelson will take over the control of the Native Department. This is in accordance with decision to do away with tlio portfolio pi Native Minister, and Mr Mltchelson will gradually wind up the Department. He has con.siderableacquintance with native affairs, . and the choice has given great satisfaction - here.

The Attorney-General. I wired you on Satiuday that the port" folio of A ttorney-Geneial would be abolished, and I found on inquiry yesteulay that - this information was substantially correct. It was considered desirable to have one poi tfolio in the Upper House. ISJv Stevens being unable to take the Colonial Secretaryship till after the session, Sir Frederick Whitakor was persuaded to accept the Attorney - Generalship for a time, the arrangement being that he may refciro after the session, still retain in a; a seat in the Cabinet without portfolio. No appointment of Attorney -General will be made after Sir F. Whitaker's retirement.

Reducing the Portfolios. The firsfc great step tow ards retrenchment) has been decided upon. The Government? are pi-eparing a bill which reduces the number of Ministers to ii\ c. lfc also provides for the limitation of the Governor's salary and allowances to £5,000 ; reduces Premer r 8 salary by £500, and 1 other Ministers by £250 each, and limits their travelling allowances to the amount actually spent, or tO one guinea per day.

Otago Doclc Trust. Ib is probable that a Select Committee will be asked for to inquire into the proceedings of the Otago Dock Trust, especially relating to Mr William Elder's mission with respect to floating a loan.

Revision of the Tariff. The "New Zealand Times " publishes a statement that the Government intend to propose an increase of duties for protection purposes this session. The report is without foundation. Ministers recognise tho | -difficulties in tho way of raising such a question this session, and they also say thau it would tako three or four months to prepare a revised tariff that would meet with the approval of the country and would meet the popular demand. The whole question is therefore to be gone into during the recess.

Registration of Votes: The Government are alive to the necessity for reform of the electoral laws, and have decided to introduce a bill providing thafc every man shall register hig' own vote. This will have the effect of preventing the bai'efaced roll stuffing vrhicn was such a scandal in connection with the recent elections.

Cabinet Meeting. The cabinet meet at noon to-day for the purpose of considering who shall be asked to move* and second the address in reply and the nomination for the Chairmanship of Committees. Mr Hamlin will certainly be the Ministerial candidate for the latter office.

Sir J. Hal]« Sir J. Hall leaves by the Haurofco to-day for Sydney, where his family are at present. He will nob return for three weeks, and if tho adjournment of the House for a fortnight is agreed to, many other members are likely to return ta their homes for thajj period.

Auckland Custom House. Mr T. Thomson has interviewed .the Minister of Works relative to the delay in the construction of Auckland Custom House. Mr Mitcheteon promised to look into the matter and let Mr Thomson know how soon the 'work will be gone on with.

Railway Board -of Appeal. ■ Sir Maurice O'Rorke, Messrs Mbss, La\vry,and Thompson had an interview with Mr Mitchelsori to lirge the formation of a Railway Board of Appeal for Auckland similar to 'that in Christchurch, •Mr Mitchelson replied that 'he would give tho matter 'his carlist attention, ,and was in favour of a Board in the interest of the Government 1 as' well as giving, confidence ' to the railway employees^ thab they would, riot suffer from the possibility of arbitrary or unjust treatment by departmental * officers'. He , also thought* well'bf'a euggestibh made by the deputetloh" that Wi e 1 City ' ' Council ' or some other elective Body-should he asked to recoihmend Wie' third- m f ehib l er y in addition to Jiidg6 Smith and Mr J. P. King, whose names had been submitted to the late Government