PARLIAMENTARY. WELLINGTON. Monday.

Waikato Times, Volume VII, Issue 339, 16 July 1874, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY. WELLINGTON. Monday.

There is no news of interest stirring. The Electors Qualification Bill, will probably meet with considerable opposition, on the ground that what is wanted is not universal sun"i\ige, but a lodger franchise, and a quicker and simpler'mode of registration. The Hon Mr Reynolds, Commissioner of Customs, moves for the increase of duty on colonial spirits tomorrow 7s per gallon, in July next; to 8s in July 1877T^and^9s in July 1878. Tho direct loss frntfie revemie on spjrit^, distilled in tho colony is about £85,000 per annum. " This year the loss will be over £20,000. The measure is likely to be agreed to by a Luge majority. It is believed that the Polynesia Island papers will comprise voluminous reports on the condition of the population and produce of the Islands. They include statistics of trade and population, and geographical particulars by Mr Seed, the Inspector of Customs j also, special reports by Mr H. B. Sterndale of Auckland, whose letters to the Cross are extensively quoted. The Bill for the Judges' Pensions makes provision that any Judge above sixty years of age who has served over fifteen, and under twenty-five years can retire on half his present salary. This increases the allowance which, under a former Act, was after fifteen year's service, four-twelfths of the salary; after twenty years, five-twelfths ; after twenty-five years, one half ; after thirty years, seven-twelfths ; and' after thirty- five, two-thirds of the salary as a pension. The present Bill does not afl'ect the three later provisions of tho old Act.