PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3902, 1 July 1881, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

[By Telegraph.]

(fbom oub special cobbespondent.)

Wellington, This day.

Although the Hinemoa went away with very few members, there was such a thin House from the commencement of the sitting, and business dragged so, that at about half-past eight they adjourned. The impression is that no business will be done until the Financial Statement is made.

Ex-Judge Weston made his maiden speech, which was attentively listened to, on the Bill authorising the sale by'the Municipality of the Queen's WJiarf to the lately-constituted Harbour Board for £25,000. He supported a proviso subsequently included in the-Bill, that this sum be devoted towards* payment of £39,000 mortgage on the wiarf. Members -privately are to put inquisitive questions to Ministers with respect to the boundaries of the new Electoral Districts under the proposed Registration Bill.

Yesterday Mr Eolleston's retirement from the Goldfields Committee in Weston's faTor was considered a graceful act. It is generally beiiered that Weston's presence in the House, with his great legal and practical knowledge in connection with goldfields will lead to Goldfields matters obtaining better, recognition in the Bouse than has hitherto been the case.

Mr Montgomery moved for a return showing the number of messages (exclusive of Government, messages) sent to each Telegraph Station at which the extra charge, of sixpence per message was imposed during the time the extra charge wai enforced, together with the amount of revenue derived from such messages; also, the number of private' messages sent, and the revenue derived therefrom during the corresponding months or periods of the previous year. The House adjourned last night at 20 minutes past 8. '_^_