PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4812, 30 August 1894, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Considerable discussion has been caused by a statement attributed to the Colonial Treasurer indicating that tho Government proposo to increase the import duties on wheat nnd ilonr, Mr Ward says that nothing has been decided on the subject. Enquiries are- being made to see which classes tho duties will affect—producers or speculators; but if tho Government decide to make any change they will not proclaim it from the house-tops; tlioy will prefer to got tho duties from those liable.to pay them. This was what Mr O'Began was informed yesterday when lie asked a question about tho matter. Onoof tho now clauses put into tho Gaming Bill, that which trans-,

fors from the Colonial Secretary to tho president of tho New Zealand Jockey Club tho powov of issuing totalisator licenses, is objected to by the Houso of Representatives. The Premier says tho responsibility ought to remain with the Colonial Secretary. If tho proposed change ia given elloctto says ho, there is the fear that certain big clubs will dominate. Mr Poutawhera spolco for tho first time last night in thoHouseand was complimented by Mr Stevens. The Promier stated yesterday that ho had not yet received a reply from Colonel Fox regarding the olfor made to luiin of the position of military adviser to the Government. Tho salary would not bo £7OO as had been stated. Tho Railways Committee make no recommendation ns to the petition of I), M. Brooks, Mauricevillc, for compensation for loss of office in the Railway Department. The Speaker had to check a man behind the Chair last night for talking. While the Divorce Bill was under discussion in the Council last night the public galleries, which are usually deserted, were well patronised. Five ladies and three youths hung expectantly on the words of wisdom falling from tho lords— Timu '