Parliamentary Gossip.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3603, 14 July 1880, Page 2

Parliamentary Gossip.

(FEOM OTJB OWN COBREBPONDSNT.)

Wellington.

I have little to report to you. On Thursday a long debate took place on the Chinese Immigration Bill, introduced by Mr Hutchmson. Dr Wallis, the woman's rights man, was highly complimentary to the celestials who, he said, set an excellent example in some things to Europeans. The debate'was very dreary.

Mr Bryce is, I understand, about to introduce the Peace Preservation Bill on Tnesday. It is absolutely necessary that it should be passed by the 22nd inst. as on that day the present powers for dealing with Maori prisoners cease. I believe the bill will also authorise Government to detain those ploughmen who were first arrested and sentenced to a term of imprisonment which has now nearly expired, or rather to release'them only by degrees, a few at a time, until it is ascertained how far their release may be attended with danger. A strong attack will be made on the measure by the Opposition, on the ground of hardship in keeping , these prisoners in custody without trial or conviction. This is in my opinion only reasonable, as the fact of keeping the Maoris in durance vile for such a time without a trial is arbitrary. The action of the Government is without precedent so far as I know, and iis contrary to all principles of British law and justice. In my opinion, the manner in which they have, been treated is worthy the severest. condemnation. The .wiser course, I should have thought would have been to have tried the offend* ing natives as soon as possible after the committal of. their offences; But this could not be done for State reasons.

With regard to the estimates, I believe that a great deal of amalgamation is to take placp. The Postal and Telegraph departments are to be under one head. The extra capitation allowance of 10s per head under the education vote is, I believe to 'be discontinued. The Teachers' Pension Fund scheme seems to meet with universal condemnation from the House. It has been mooted that the meteorological department over which Doctor Hector presides will be amalgamated with the Weather Reporting Department presided over by Capfain Kdwin. I do not think this will be carried as Captain Edwin's services have been of great service.

I noticed that there were no members from the Thames present at the discussion on the goldfields question. I notice that a great alteration is about to be made in the railway tariff charges. The alteration is to be made to suit those places which are unrecuperative. Thos telegraph stations which don't pay have been ordered to charge extra. Tt viill I believe be the same with the railways. This has been tried on the Wellington line with success). In future lines must pay 4 or 5 per cent, instead of 2^.

I believe Mr Hamertou, present Secretary for Stamps will receive the vacant appointment of Public Trustee. In this way £700 will be saved. Mr Elirenfried has brought Hie matter of Borough wants under the notice of the House, but I fear your Borough will not get anything in the shape of money. Mr ■Khrentried also interviewed Mini ters.on the subject of the late action of the Licensing Bench, and Sir George Grey presented his petition, and also moved for a committee to enquire into it.