PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3905, 5 July 1881, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

[By Telegjjaph.]

(from ottjr spectal cokbesponbknt.)

Wellington, This day,

-fending to-night's meeting of the House, political matters are in a state of abeyance, except that in order to make up for a return of a portion of the Laud Fund to local bodies, it is said there will be some alterations in the tariff.

THE VACANCY,

As it is now understood that all the likely men would not accept office iv the present condition of affairs. Speculation as to vacancy is therefore at an end.

There is some talk of an adjournment of the House in order to allow members to visit Auckland in the Hinenua on the arrival of the detached squadron, to pay their respects to Royal Princes.

The following are the chief clauses of the Bill introduced by Sir George Grey entitled "An Act to further enable affirmations to be taken in lieu of oaths. It says: Whereas cases still exist in New Zealand where persons are required to take or subscribe au oatb, and whereas it is expedient to extend tha admission of affirmations to all such cases and in cases where any person is now or may hereafter be required to take an oath but who shall object so to doj it shall be lawful for every person so objecting, and he shall be required to make his or her affirmation or declaration in the words following, that is to say, " I do truly affirm and declare," etc.,, which affirmation or declaration shall be of the same force and effect as if such person had taken the said oath. Every person required, authorised, or qualified by any act or law in force in New Zealand or otherwise to take or administer such an oath shall permit and accept in lieu thereof the affirmation or declaration aforesaid and the same penalties, forfeitures, and disabilities which are now in force, and are attached respectively to the neglect, refusal, and false or corrupt stating or subscribing the oath aforesaid, shall attach and apply in like mauuer in respect of the neglect of the said affirmation.

An inspired Government journalist says:—"The course Government purpose adopting with reference to the Local Government reform is as follows :—Major Atkinson in his financial statement will make a full explanation after concluding his statement, and will ask leave to introduce two bills dealing with local government. It will be in moving the second reading of one of these bills that Atkinson will disclose the entire policy of the Government touching local government. As promised last week, he will review the whole subject very fully, analysing tbe present system, its merits and defects, and indicatiug what reforms Ministers deem desirable. This, of necessity, will bring to an issue the entire question of local government, about which so much has been talked of lately, and a protracted debate id expfcetecl on thfe eubj&ot.