PARLIAMENTARY NOTES. [BY TELEGRAPH.-SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2202, 19 August 1886, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES. [BY TELEGRAPH.-SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

The Powers and Contracts Bill. Wru.!N<. RoN, Tuesday. Thk action (if the Legislative Council in cuttinc up the Speci.il Powers and Contracts Bill, lias left a very sore feeling in the minds of members whose clauses were 1 ejected, and it looked to-day a.s if determined resistance would be offered to the amendments made in the Hill. After a somewhat lengthy debate, in which seveial membeis indignantly protested against the manner in which the Council had dealt with the Bill. Mr Ballance's motion for accepting the amendments a* the only way out of the difficulty at hiich an advanced stage of the session was agreed to on division, and the matter

dropped. The End. The whole of the business is now concluded, with the exception of the passing of the Appropriation Act, which takes place to-night, and Pailiament nil! be prorogued to-morrow by commission. Major Atkin son's speech on the third reading of the Appropriation Bill this afternoon was not one of his happiest efforts, notwithstanding that this opportunity is always taken ad vantage of by the Leader of the Opposition to sum up a damaging indictment on the action of the Government during the se.ssion. The Major, however, managed to say some Very unpleasant thing.s of Ministers, and he succeeded in effectually " drawing '* the Premier, who made a vigorous reply. The debate is expected to go on for .some hours longer.

Sir Wm. Fox's Services. The vote of £'2000 for Sir. Win. Fov\ services to the colony, which was carried in the House last night by a majority of nine, has aroused the, indignation of the Post, which comments on it to-night in the following style *—Wt, are astonished that tin 1 Government lent themselves to proposing or supporting such a vote in the present circumstances of the colony. In any cast 1 it was an error to class it under the head of "miscellaneous." One member was quite light in saying they .should have appealed under the charitable aid \ote as a compassionate allowance. It is a singular anomaly that P.uli.unent should thrust l'L'ooo of the public money into the not badly-lined pockets of Sir Win. Fox, while the case of thuMip r joit oftheieally sutfeiing and in digent is thrown on the shoulders of the people to be provided for by voluntary contributions 01 a poor rate.

Prorogation of Parliament. Wednesday. The prorogation ceiemony this afternoon was certainly a dry matter-of-fact affair, and His Excellency's Commissioners seemed greatly satisfied when it was all over. The inclement weather cast a gloom over the proceedings, and prevented a large attendance of the general public. Notwithstanding this, there was a pretty fair sprinkling of spectators, who were eager witnesses of the last act in the drama. About 22 members of the Lowei House were present, and scaicely a dozen Councillors. The present prorogation is to December, but it is understood that Parliament will not be called together again for the despatch of business till April next, and that the Representation Bill will be one of the first measures brought down.

A Social Evening. A dinner was g'nen by Her Majesty's Opposition at Bellamy's last night, at which about 2-*» members of the party were present, including Major Atkinson and Mr Biyce. Mr Holleston was absent, having proceeded South in the afternoon. Several other staunch followers of Major Atkinson were also absent, having left for their homes by the northern and southern steamers. The whips were present by invitation. There were no formal speeches made, but 1 understand a very good feeling ivas shown. General satisfaction was expressed sit the action of the party during the session, and considerable hope held out for the future.

Sir J. Vogel. Sir J Vogel intends to occupy the Treasiuy offices in the Government Buildings during the recess, instead of transacting business at the Ministerial residence as formerly. I hear a patent lift is about to be constructed at the Treasuiy Buildings to enable Sir Julius to be taken up and down stairs in the same manner as at his private tosidence.

The Press Gallery. A meeting of the Press gallery was held this afternoon, at which a heaity \oteof thanks to Mr T. Morrison, chaiiman of the g.illeiy, was proposed by Mr Rons Mai ten, editor of the New Zealand Times, and earned unanimously. Mr Moiiison biieh\\ replied, thanking the members of the galleiy for their good wishes, and also foi the assistance they had rendered him dining the session in carrying out the duties of chairman,