PARLIAMENTARY.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3966, 14 September 1881, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(Pee Pbess Association.)

Wellington, Yesterday. Mr Hall called attention to an editorial article in the New Zealand Herald of the 3rd September, imputing a collusion between the Chairman of Committees, the Speaker, and the Government, in the late coercire measures adopted in connection with the passing of the Representation Bill. He denounced the remarks as wholly unfounded, and calculated to prejudice the position of the Speaker.— Sir G. M. O'Rorke remarked that the statements wore wholly unfounded and unjustifiable.—Mr Seymour concurred in the remarks, stating that no communication whatever had passed between him and any member of Government on the subject; or, indeed,' between him and anyone, with the exception of the Speaker. —Sir. George Grey gare notice that he would, on going into Committee of Supply, table a motion with the view of getting the subject more fully discussed.

Mr Macandrew moved tha', the House go into Committee to consider tbe report of tbe Direct Steam Service Committee. —Dr Wallis objected to the report, but ou a division for going into Committee, it was carried on a vote of 49 to 11. —In Committee, Mr Macandrew moved, " This Committee is of opinion that tbe establishment of a direct monthly service with Europe would very materially promote the interest and develop the resources, of this colony."—Mr Wood moved, as an amendment, that they had not sufficient information before them to deal with the question, and suggested tbat the Government should prosecute farther inquiries into the matter, and report to the next session of Parliament —Mr Johnstone said Government looked on the proposals contained in the motion as being premature. 'The San Francisco contract did not terminate until 1883, and it would be time enough when that service ended, or was about to end, to take a step of the kind proposed by the report. In the meantime he would make every possible inquiry on the subject.—The House divided on the motion—Ayes, 27; noes, 31. The amendment was carried.

On the motion forgoing into Committee of Supply, Mr Bryce moved the motion standing in his name affirming the desirability of reducing the Estimates by a sum of £30,000. He denied that there was any understanding between him and Government in respect to this motion, and he did not even then know how they meant to take it. He had framed it so that they might accept of it without in any way compromising themselves. He contended that the circumstances of the colony were not such as to warrant them in departing frqm^ ihe retrenchment policy the Government had already tigered upon. Including taxation and railways the profits did not exceed £g,000,000 • of that s*uiri they had £1,000,000 to pay for interest on loan and sinking fund, leaving not more than £500,000 for other purposes. That of itself showed tbat they were bound to exercise the utmost economy.—Mr Gibbs seconded, and supported the motion.—The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. ■■.<■

On the House resuming at 7.30, Major Atkinson said the Government would accept Mr Bryce's motion in the spirit it t^as made, and without pledging them-, selves to the exact sum would do all they could to reduce tbe Estimates by that, or .even a larger sum.—Mr Bryce's amendment was then put and carried. On the question again arising for going into Supply, Mr Saunders mored an amendment that the Estimates be not -proceeded with until the Corrupt Practices Prevention Bill passed through all its stages.—Mr Hall objected to this; but', Yecognising the great importance of the bill, he would, if Mr Saunders withdrew the proposal, himself propose to refer the Corrupt' Practices Bill to a select committee, to put it into a shape in wbijh the House could pass it this session.—Mr Saunders said he would agree to this.— MrGeorge approved of the bill, and Mr Montgomery considered it such an absolutely necessary measure that it should be proceeded with at once by the House.— After some further discussion, Mr Saunders 1 amendment was negatived by 38 to 33, and the House went into Committee of Supply.

On the item of expenses of the West Coast Commission, £2000, Mr Moss questioned the action of the Commissioners; and asked for an explanation —Sir W. Fox said the main expense "was occasioned by the necessity for organising a largo special survey staff. He could not say. how long it would take to complete the settlement of the question, but hoped he should very nearly have completed it by the time the house met next year. So far the work has progressed very(satisfactorily to himself. Up. to the present time he had practically completed ail the work in the south of Oro. About one-half,of the whole work was done, and now he could name every grantee in that part of the district. The other half might be more difficult, but he had no fear of not settling it satisfactorily.—Mr Rolleston said he, as Minister of Native Affairs, was the person responsible, and he was entirely satisfied with what Sir W. Fox had done and was doing.—The item was agreed to, and after some further discussion, on the other items, the total vote passed.—On the Legislative Department, £30,619, considerable discussion took place on the proposed addition to the permanent salary of the Clerk of Parliaments of £100. Tbe item was carried on a division of 32 to 20.

Later, This day. In the Council the Representation .Bill was read a third time and passed.

The Committee of Supply continued till 1.30 a.m.—ln the Legislative Department vote, Andrews would strike off £90 from the Clerk of the Legislative., Council, £100 from the Clerk-of'-Parliament, and £50 from thetSergetnt at"Arms," all'of"Which" proposals were lost by. large majorities. On; a division the;item of«iJl2s for Bellamy's was struck out, and the rote then passed. The total votes for Treasury, Property Tax, aud Miscellaneous class thrWf paaeed; *i also tbej rote for

.'the Customs and Marine, and Harbour Departments. On class 6'the votes for Stamp and Lands and Deed Begistry, and Public Trust Departments, and arrears of survey were passed, the tote for Government Insurance Department some discussion arose as to the administration of the Department, which was impugned by Kutcliinson, but warmly defended by Atkinson, and the vote passed. After 130 the following votes were passed in class 4, District Courts and Supreme Court;. On the vote for Resident Magistrates and Wardens, Finn drew attention to the conduct of Warden Stratford at Kumara, and moved a reduction of £100.in salary.

Seddon spolce strongly against the Warden's conduct, which, ho said, was driving the population away from the

place. Dick promised to ascertain whether it was true the Warden had disregarded the instructions sent to him not to hold bis courts at night. _He would not be allowed to disobey such instructions. '

Finn withdrew his motion, and the vote passed, as did also votes for the Criminal prosecutions, feesand expenses of inquests, contingencies, and prisons.

At 3.15 progress was reported, and the House adjourned.