HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Waikato Times, Volume XII, Issue 961, 20 August 1878, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

[special to press agency. I WELLINGTON, Friday. The House met at 2.30 p.m. ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS. Mr Pyke presented a petition from the Roman Catholics of Otago and Southland, praying that their schools may be placed on the same footing as other schools. VOLUNTEER FORCE. In reply to Mr I'eldwick — The Hon. J. Ballanoe stated that the Government were taking steps to reorganise the Volunteer Force, and would lay the particulars before the House m a few days. COMMITTEE OV SUPPLY. The House went into committee upon the estimates, and objection was taken to the following additions to the salaries made, on the recommendation of the dpeaker, viz., — Addition to the Speaker's salary, £200 ; addition to the salary of the Chairman of Committees, £100 ; addition to the Clerk of Parliament's salary, £100; also, the new salary, Clerk of Writs, £100. ; The Hon. J. Ballance quoted statistics to show that all the above officers received smaller salaries than similar officers m any of the Australian colonies. Messrs Swanson and Rees asked that a fixed salary be .decided upon at once for all the officials, and stop the bringing down these annual additions, as if they were accidents Mr Saunders opposed the increase as unjustifiable expenditure, and, if no one else did it, he would divide the House upon every item. He moved, " That the additions be struck out." Mr Swanson vehemently demanded that the ll ouse should repeal all the items, and compel the Government to bring down a Bill fixing the salaries once and for all, and so let them prevent such offensive and unseemly discussions for the future. After nearly a two ho\irs' discussion, a division was called for by Mr Saunders. The additions were retained — 51 being against 17. .y. ; r Taiaroa moved, " That the expenses of the members of both Houses, £21,575, be strirck out," and set an example before they began cutting down other salaries, tie divided the House upon the amendment, which Avas lost by 47 against 17. Mr Saunders then moved, " That the Bill be reduced to £16,181 ; and that the honorarium be reduced from 200 guineas to £150." Inl-eply to arguments, that the matter ought to be settled once and for all by statute, The Premier pointed out that the more advisable course would be to accept what was put on the Estimates, and leave the next Parliament — which wonld be elected by the constituencies with fuller and more liberal electoral privileges — to deal with the matter, so as to give the question some formality.' A division was taken, and the amendment was lost, by 41 against 19. Mr J. E. Brown moved, " That the item be reduced by £2007, representing the honorarium for 10 members of the Legislative Council who resided m Wellington." : After some discussion, the amendment was withdrawn. Examiner of Standing Orders and private bills, £250. Mr Shriinski moved, " That the item be struck out." Hon. J. Sheehan pointed out that the Standing Orders required such an officer. Mr Swauson said that of all the shams connected with that House, that office was the greatest sham of all. The item was retained. The item Bellamy's, on account of establishment, £250. Mr Wakefield moved, " That the item be received." The Hon. R. Stout said if he thousrht he would be supported, he would move that Bellamy's be abolished. He did not soe why it should be necessary to have a drinking place m connection with their legislative machinery. Mr Swanson, for a second time, pointed out the unfairness of keeping the item of Sub-librarian, that officer having been practically librarian for a number of years ; and having given most unqualified satisfaction, the title of librarian ought to be assured to him. As the title of an officer of the House could not be altered on the Estimates, The Premier said he would see that justice was done to that officer. • The House then divided on Mr Wakefield's amendment, which was lost by 29 against 22. Mr Fitzroy said that as they had already voted £250 for Bellamys, he would move, " That the item, Custodian, £250, be struck out." It was the understanding last year that there should be notliing voted m aid of Bellamy's. The item was retained. The remainder of the Legislative vote then passed. Progress was reported, and the House adjourned at 1 o'clock.