PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3900, 29 June 1881, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

[By Telegbaph.]

(fbom oub spbgial cobbesponbent.)

Wellington, This day.

Mr Johnstone's reply to the question as to whether the Government had communicated the names of the Telegraph strikers to the other Colonies, was lame in the extreme, and created a Tery bad impression. He said the men struck for higher wages, which is not correct. He hedged the question as to whether the Government had sought to deprive them of their cbauces of obtaining employment in the other colonies, but on being challenged he could give no satisfactory explanation as to why their names were forwarded to the other colonies, unless for that reason. The exhibition of personal incompetency and inability even to follow the iustruetjuua of hjg w\te*suw was v«fy

apparent. It is, howerer, only just to Mr Johnston <o say that having a difficult part to fill, be did to the utmost of his ability. Mr Wright's notice of motion for a select committee to enquire into 'the financial condition of the Taranaki Harbour Board and its relation to the public creditor, with power to call for person and papers created a sensation in the House yesterday, more particularly amongst the Taranaki members. The applause was very general, and some remarkably disclosures are fully antici* pated. Ex-Judge Weston will probably be appointed chairman, which is quite a sufficient guarantee that no hoodwinking will be allowed. The Government may make a feeble attempt to oppose the motion, but the House is not in a temper to stand anything of this sort.

On being introduced by Messrs Beeves and Kied, Mr Weston was warmly welcomed from both sides of the House.

Reader Wood says he will not take office, but it is generally believed he is merely coquetting and biding his time. In making permanent the 10 pec cent, civil service reduction, it is proposed to apply it only to salaries of over £200, that is all salaries of £200 and under will be exempt, and salaries of over £200 will be reduced 10 per cent, on the amount over £200.

It is now thought importable that a sufficient number of members wish to go to Dunedin to warrant the Government in sending the Hinemoa. The cost to the country would be about £50.