WELLINGTON.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2936, 28 June 1888, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

(From Our Own Correspondent),

Tea. Tlio Parliamentary atmosphere yesterday was, figuratively speaking, thick with particles of tea, and nothing was heard of but orange pekoe, gunpowder, and the like. The subject of debate was the extra 2d proposed to inflicted as a tax upon the commodity supposed to cheer but not to inebriate. Mr Seddon, chastened in manner—he has been somewhat heavily sat upon lately—had as usual much' to say. "I will not detain lion, members much longer," and the applause which thereon came from every part of the House was no where more pronounced than that which emanated from the benches of Mr Seddon's friends. Mr Taylok Also had his little say, indeed he had it, amidst considerable laughter on several occasions. He was against taxing tea and would increase the property tax. We should miss our Taylor. Mr Hutchison Waxes exceedingly ornate-he was ever very dramatic—when he addresses the House. He drew a moving picture of the "sturdy miner, who when drinking his rough tea from a smoky pannikin, pays quite as much for it as an M.H.R., sipping orange pekoe from fragile porcelain." Considering Mr Hutchison's smile, I should not permit him to drink pekoe from my fragile porcelaiu, had I any—for fear he might bite a piece out. Government majority for tax, A number of members protested strongly against the increased duty, This was the more unselfish because members as a rule do not drink tea. Their beverage is stronger, The pro.

tests, no doubt, were intended as sops to constituencies. Eventually Government, who stood or fell on . the extra 2d, carried the tax by a meagre .majority of 8, The tax will have served a useful purpose if it induces our people to drink less of this herb. the Premier, Sir Harry does not look the thing. He sat yesterday at the table of tho House, his hat drawn over his eyes in Guy Faux manner, and looking sick and worn. He works too hard and ' grizzles' too much. If the gallant gentleman bad been a horse he would have been'a crib-biter. The dismals kill more people than disease.

Governor's Salary.

Mr Samuel will ask the Government " Whether the Governor's Salary and Allowances Amendment Act, 1887 has been assented to." Mr Samuel and other people are anxious to know what has become of the Act, whether it was lost going home, or lrow? The evidently thought-of dodge of re-appointing Sir William Jervois for a further. period, and thereby shelving the question of reduction of salary certainly seems to be an both unpatriotic and disgraceful ruse. Grandma of the 'Leading Jernal' thinks it would be dreadful to cut the Governor's screw. He assures lus that "we all hope" Sir William (and the salary, understood) will be retained in statuo quo, Grandma, I believe, is sometimes seen in Gubernatorial lialls—hence this excessive loyalty. As for the remainder of us, we could trudgelife's weary pilgrimage without a Governor at ail-but then we are not in ' sassiety.' At the same time I have nothing to say against the excellent Jervois. Indeed, I like to see him occasionally taking his walks abroad. He reminds me of the sunny side of Piccadilly, and his coats are works of art.

ACTING JUDGE WABD. Grandma' is also terribly exercised because the Premier will not immediately appoint Mr Ward to the vacant judgeship. Grandma' in this case too declares that the whole Colony is pining for the promotion. How does Grandma' know? Has she interviewed our half million inhabitants? As for me, I would strive to exist were there no judge extaut, aud I am utterly indifferent as to whether Mr Ward or the Whifflerare raised to the ermine. Many other people are of a similar way of thinking.

ITS AN ILL WIND &C. Although the new tariff has been a universal incentive to profanity, it has not afflicted everyone, One firm alone of our wholesale merchants will clear from £15,000 to 120,000 if it (the new tariff) comes into foice, the sums named representing tho difference between the duties at the old and new rates on their stock in hand. Of course the wholesale men will charge the retailers at the new rates. This is one of the" inestimable benefits of Protection. THE WEATHER. is simply beautiful again to-day, mild, balmy, and sunny, aud as we are now past the shortest day, we may fairly anticipate that we have got over the worst of the winter which here, taken all round, has been mild aud pleasant.