PARLIAMENTARY NEWS

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 186, 31 August 1871, Page 5

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS

(From the "Daily Times" Telegrams.)

Wellington, August 23rd.

In Committee of Supply last night, Mr. Gisborne moved for an imprest of £150,000, to last up to the end of September, by which time he hoped the Appropation Act would be. passed. The delay in calling the House together was owing to the desire of the Government to learn the result of Mr. Vogel's public works negotiations in London. The House would be informed of the result of these negotiations iti a few days, and Messrs Brogdan and Webb would probably be here before the end of the session. Since the end of the financial year the Government had spent between £20,000 and £30,000 without the appropriation. The motion was agreed to.

The Port Chalmers Railway Bill, the object of which is to validate the Provincial Ordianance from the date of passing, to legalise all acts done under it, and to enable the work to be completed, was read a second time and passed through Committee -without amendments.

Mr. O'Neill gave notice of a motion in favour of reducing the gold duty to Is, and miners' rights to 10s each. Mr. Stafford presented a petition from Mr. Smithies, asking to be heard at the bar of the House on his case.

Mr. Gisborne moved the second reading of the < 'oastal Regulations bill.

Mr. Fitzherbert said that it raised the whole question of protection versus free trade.

Mr. Reynolds said that it raised the question of the present San Fransisco mail contract.

The debate was adjourned until Tuesday next.

August 24th. Mr. Stafford was yesterday formally offered a seat in the Ministry, but unhesitatingly refused. The offer was made through Mr. Hall, t> whom, it is understood, a similar ofe has been made, and it is thought not improbable that he will accept it/but nothing is as yet known a3 to what his decision wili be. The House only sat for two hours to-di-y The Government, in reply to Mr. Steward, rromised to bring in a Bill to tx'endthe franchise in the direction ctf including lodgers. Taiaroa's motion for a Council of Naiive Chiefs of the Middle Island was carried.

August 25th. Mr. Vo^el explained in the House that owing to the strike in the Government Printing Office he was'unable to lay on the table his report and the papers connected with his mission. He hoped, however, to do so on Tuesday, and to make his Financial Statement this cfciy fortnight. Owing to the late period at Which Parliment had met, the Government would endeavour to expedite the business, and confine it to absolutely necessary measures.