PARLIAMENTARY GOSSiP.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4898, 20 September 1884, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSiP.

[By" Telttgbaph.] (fbom ottb own ooebespoifdent.) Wellington, Last night. Mr Hobbs, M.H.E., is introducing n bill to render penal' the publication in » newspaper of any sweep or consultation advertisements. It is drawn on the lines of a Victorian Act. Mr W. F. Buckland wants to protect orchard owners by imposing a duty on the importation of fresh apples ; he has given notice of his intention to ask the Government its views of the proposal. Upon resuming this evening, and upon the motion for going into Supply, Major Atkinson rose and commenced an attack upon the Financial Statement, asserting that it made uo attempt to solve the financial problems of the day, but was simply a document put together to attract applause from all sides.

This day. On all hands it is admitted that in opening the debate last night, Major Atkinson made a brilliant speech, only excelled by the crushing reply given a few moments afterwards by Sir J. Vogel. The former gentleman spoke for an hour and forty minutes, and the latter about an hour and a half. The completene»s of Vogel's reply is most astonishing, when it is remembered that he labors under such physical infirmities, his deafness being a great disadvantage to him. Generally speaking, Mr Stout has to take notes of what opponents say, and from these notes, and having only imperfectly heard the speeches, Sir Julius Vogel at once delivers most crush ing replies, with a readiness simply marvellous. Last night, however, Mr Stout was incapacitated from an attack of neuralgia, though present during the debate, and Mr Ballance assisted Sir J. Vogel in this way, although the latter appeared to hear better than usual, and often during; the debate gave his opponents a " Eoland for an Oliver." Mr Wakefield excelled himself, and delivered one of his banter* ing, irritating, and hard-hitting speeches. The member for Selwyn, however, is laying the rod in pickle for his own back, and will pay richly for his light fencing with so skilled a master of debate as Sir J. Vogel. Our Railway. Messrs Cadman and Whyte, with Col. Fraser, Capt. Morris, and Mrßrodie, had arranged with Sir George Grey to meet the Premier again this morning, and to discuss railway matters, but owing to Mr Stout's illness necessitating rest and a change of air, the meeting has been post* poned till Monday. Col. Fraser has received another letter from Mr Eitso, protesting against Government taking up the matter, and stating that his people had already incurred considerable expense, and were prepared to carry out the works when the concessions asked for are granted.

Members are working assiduously in the matter of your requirements, notably Col. Fraser and Mr Cadman in connection with the high level water scheme, and prospecting the deep levels. The Prince Imperial shareholders here expect ads dividend. The Thames mining news is always eagerly looked for when the northern mail arrives.