POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 2978, 15 August 1891, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

[IIY TKLKGUAI'H—SI'KCIAL HKPOUTKK.] Wrllinoton, Last Night. A MONSTER PETITION. Sir J. Ham to-day presented one of tho largest petitions ever presented to the Houso. It was sevonty yards in length, and was signed by about 7,000 women, praying that the voting franchise may bo extended to females. Thorn was much amusement caused as Sir John unrollod tho petition, with a little dramatic effect which was perhaps pardonable when one romom* bera what a strong advocato tho member for Kllesmere is for granting the voting power to women. Mr Kelly held the formidable document at the other end of tho chamber, and by tho time the last .lignatnre wan reached the floor seetnod fairly eovcred with blue paper. Sir John presented several other petitions on the same subject from women in all parts of the colony, and ho told the House that there were about 9000 signatures in all that he thought would convince those lion, members who Btated the women of the colony did not want tho franchise, of tho error they had fallen into. THE GREYMOUTH UNEMPLOYED. In the House this afternoon some littlo time was occupied discussing tho recent trip oftlm Hineiroa to Greymouth. It arose throng!) a question put to tho Minister for Marino by Mr Fish. Tho Hon. Mr McKenzie replied to the effect that when the Hinomoa was sent to Greymouth for the unemployed, Captain Fairchild was under positive orders not to cross the bar, because it was understood that owing to her build it was bettor that she should not do so. On learning of the commotion that was caused at Greymouth, ho (tho Minister) learning that tho bar was smooth, telegraphed to Captain Fairchild authorising him to cross tho bar if he thought he could safely do so. Mr Roeves (Inangahua) thor. m<.ved the adjournment of tho House, and complained of tho slur oast upon Greymouth, for which he blamed Mr Wilson, Secretary of tho Marine Department. Mr O'Connor defended the caution shown by tho Department, and instituted comparison between the coals and harbours of Westport and Greymouth to tho disadvantage of the latter. Cipt. Russell deprecated any attempt to control the managomont of tile vessel from tho Government buildings, which was denied by Mr McKenzie, after which the matter dropped. MR JACKSON PALMER. Mr Jackson Palmer, member for Waitemata, is still suffering from the effects of his late illness, his throat giving him much trouble. Ha left for Auckland to-day to try if a sea trip will give him any relief, and ho expects to return to his sessional [ duties by the end of next week.