police under British officers, raid Courts under English Jedges.

{Special to the Melbourne Age.) Loudon, iS»>v,. 11. „ •Speaking at the Lord Mayor’s banquet, Lora Beaconsfield declared that the trim Solidy of England was the development of er Imperial destiny, combined with true regard for the liberties of the people, in calculated by the motto “ Imperium et libertas.” He condemned the Parnell agi tation as calculated to create social con-’ fusion and ill-feeling, without achieving go>odresults. An insurrection has broken out at Luna. London, Nov, 12. The Transvaal Boers are defiant. The departure of the dragoons is postponed.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter’s Telegram.) . 1 Melbourne, Nov. 12.

The Reform Bill passed through Com mittee in- the Assembly, except clause 6, ■which Government intend to re-cast making money available only after rejec tion by the/Upper House of an Appro priation BilL ■ Sailed—Ringarooma. ' Newcastle, Nov. 13. The affairs in the district are quiet, the artillery being-withdrawn from the mines ■ - (Special.) ■ -i Sydney, Nov. 12. . The-audit of the special Municipal ac counts disclosed deficiencies. The Council. resolVed- to . lay an information against Bent,'late Paymaster. , B id stated that an unpleasantness has, occurred between Government and the Bank- of New South Wales, the latter complaining of heavy withdrawals. There has been an extraordinary poisoning case here. - The victim is a man named Miller. . ■ , Melbourne, Nov, 12. •Mit J. Conway states that the counties of Gloucester, Kent, and Lancashire re fuse- to play- any -Australian team, in conaequence of the. Sydney row, and the sohemehaS been'abandoned. The Kellys were seen near Benalla a month ago. They imposed a pledge of silence.

i:. (Special.) Melbourne, Nov. 13. Breadatuifs, 'are easier. A Mauritius telegram; states that the shipment of sugar Colonies generally is very light. Oily 350 tons have been shipped to Dune din anA Lyttelton. The' market is active.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

' ‘ -12.^ railway accident occurted at Hamil ton. Tie ftoihts were left unlocked, and the'train crashed into a contractor’s wagon, Bending if 'through the’massive door of the goods shed. One carriage was thrown off the line butriooheinjured. ' A chUd named Daniel Sandy, of Mata whilernhning with a stick in his month fell, injuring his tongue. Hemor hage ensued causing death. ’"Efforts are being made here to obtain a Government subsidy of £SOOO for a steam Service between Auckland from and to New Caledonia. „ Atrived—Rotorua, at Russell; left Sydney on N6v. Bth; experienced fine Weather. 1

Auckland, Nov. 14. : Owing 16 dirty weather the Rotorua did n<A.»rrjye till daylight. She sails south ffiiii afternoon.' J The Waikato brings 264 immigrants. One birth and'bhe death oOcurred on the voyage. Thtrd ire no complaints, and tKe uhmigrints appear a lot. fe'iiw composedprincipally of families. • • wiuadAßfbr,' Nov; 13. of the Native Court now sitting at Otaki, died on Wednesday altOr three' days’ illness. * • Nkw Plymouth,- Nov. 12.

The R.M. stated .in. Court that the further sitting, of the District Court will not be held until a Validation Act is pnyuid in' Pafcliiinent, ‘ If app&tbs thtif on gStient of Certain altOTations - thO'Dis friot Courts of 'Taranaki, Wanganui, r and Ifydtum,, if baa; become ; necessary to re T Gazette - the defining? the Ihmta of itKe* various' districts'. " The pro- bisen‘duly gazetted in May hUt,blit a mistake had been made- in the proclamation, 1 which, rendered all-sittings of .tfceap .Courts.tovaHd : T. :; ' ~ . ’ Wellington, Nov. 12. WefiliigtonLadies’ Christian A# inade"arrang6fttonts for es ttbftsMrigw? httihe tot friendless women. - •if| ifcOuest t<£dayv on the l body of fciielft'filt&ka, i;he jury i returned the fbl!<s*ltig : verdict ‘ That deceased 1 came by'hto'dfeatb itt"oonaequence of jumping Mif of i the horses of which had baited, being frightened by steam issuing f&rißbe trAmway engineofthe Welling* fOtl> Steam TraffiwayCo. ■" Cji-vSt?. -j..'i'--’ Gbeymouth, Nov 12. . ■ \ A splendid vein of stone Was struck last blkhtln the Bonanza claim by Boase and «3ty, ‘ ’ Langdbwti’s reef. The stone is with gold' tit is deepening to ffiSJ'Wrtb and Winding. A f sample was flushed, ’and-if yielded a dwt to the .dish; The news hiss caused exoitement in town, i • Oam ABU, Nov. 13. An inquest on the body of O’Brien was held to-day, and resulted in a verdict of t( Accidental death.” ; r>< ■■. * ' : 1 Dunedin, Nov* 12.*

>, At the City Police Court this morning,; V J John'Weeks Tyrell was charged with hav ing obtained gdodsand cash/ amounting to £7, from John Stening, Christchurch. Defendant described* himself as an opera singcr and ballet dancer. He was re-’ manded to Christchurch. ...rv. :;:' ». -t—...

LATEST.

( per our Special Wife- INTERPROVI NOl AL. * <• ■ *■ '"J" '* ■*" •'* "Tniiittv'NoV. ■ ' ‘ The ;weath4t ’for the last few ‘ dayShas •;seen ex^pnbtiilly’cold and Wintiy. ’ The ‘oops'all over thd district : are looking j magnificent, but warm weather is now i - Dimtonr, Nov. 14. : «i ‘odjourtied meeting' of; the! - iCammwif of CoduhercC to-day the’ Special’ jypOrt'waa received. It ro • that ; for purposes’ of revenue ■louldbe imposed and the tariff interfered with as ' Bat' ih the event of a meetingthe requirements, I bo made up by an in- ] inrirfttr 1 or by imposing new duties on

sugar, tobacco, cigars, matches, wines, and all goods on which ad valorem duties are now levied. The reportof tie Committee was negatived, as was also an amendment by Mr Stuart to the effect that if more revenue was required from a property tax to meei the temporary crisis, the present land tax should bo increased for a period of two years. After a long discussion it was agreed to recommend that the increase of revenue should be raised on the following articles : —Beer, soft goods, hardware, boots and shoes, jewellery, fancy goods, furniture, manufactured wood ware, drugs and druggists goods, sugar, spirits and tobacco. The articles suggested by the Committee as those upon which revenue might be raised, but which the" Chamber declined to recom mend Were timber, grain, packing bags, woolpacks, and coals.

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. [By Telegraph.] W ELLINGTON, NoV. 14. The talk of the lobbies to-day has been the ’Government telegrams, laid on the table for an hour to-day, and now referred to a committee. They show how freely Messrs. Sheehan and Whitmore have been using their public offices to practice private electioneering trickery. Mr. In glis is-promised a seat in the Upper House, and is not only permitted to vilify the Government which was to give it him, but is actually advised to, if he thinks it will increase his chance of election. A Greyite was also to have been brought forward tb‘ split the votes with Mr. Saunders, but then Government don’t seem to have been sufficiently liberal with their offers to him.

Sir G. Grey’s proposal for a new Legis lative Council fell very flat on the House last night, as he. said nothing new about it, and everyone felt that it was a waste of the public time, as there was not a single provision in the Bill to do away with the present Council, and no one sup poses that they are anxious to commit suicide.

The Greyites are still a lopting every means to obstruct public business.

PARLIAMENT.

, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Thursday, Nov. 13. Nearly the whole of the sitting was taken up in discussing in Committee the Elections Validation Bill. After several hours’ debate, all the amendments were negatived and the Bill reported. Colonel Whitmore gave notice to ask next day what Government intend to do in the question of harbor defence for the colony and Colonel Scratchley’s visit. The following Bills passed their second reading Building Societies Amendment, District Law Societies Amendment, Fine Arts Copyright Amendment, City of Auck land Loans Consolidated, Wairarapa Race course.

Third readings—Wellington Highway Boards Election, Deceased Intestate Ad ministration, and District Courts Valida tion.

The Hon. F. A. Whitaker proposed the second reading of the Triennial Parlia ments Bill, postponing the discussion on the Bill.

A motion was moved to go into Com mittee, but several members opposing this course, the second reading was deferred till next day. The Council rose at 5.10 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. AFTERNOON SITTING. Thursday, Nov. 13. The House met at 2.30. HEW BILLS. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time:—The Patent Act Amendment (Hon. J. Hall), To Amend i The Forest Trees Planting Act, 1871 (Mr 1 Wright). ; ' : PROOF OF SPEECHES. i - Mr DeLautour ■ moved—“ That this ; House 'Concurs in the recommendation of the Reporting Debates Committee, and that in future’no proofs of speeches made in either House be sent out from the printing office except to the two Speakers, and members whose speeches are repor ted;” He said that since 1871 it had been customary to send these reports to the Government.’ The House Committee did not see any necessity for such a practice, So 1 long as members were enabled to cor rect their speeches. The Committee could see no reason why these speeches, with all their inaccuracies, should be given to any one but members for correc tion.

Mr Saunders did not agree with the motion. 1 He thought the speeches should not be revised at all in “ Hansard. These speeches were bo greatly altered and im proved that he thought it was a great pity they were not sent out to the public as originally delivered, so that it might be seen what nonsense was talked in the House.

The resolution was put and carried. REGULATION OF THEATRES.

■ Mr Dick moved —“ That it is expedient for Government to have power to control theatrical performances and that a Bill should be brought in by ,Government giving such power.” Government had said they were alive to the importance of the matter; but he questioned much if they were, otherwise recent scandals would not have been tolerated. In the South Island it was thought that an Ordinance for this purpose was in force, but it was found that such was not the case. > What was aimed at was that powers of this kind should be restored; and that matter should be taken in hand by Go vernment; and not by a private member. The motion Was put and carried. FINANCES OF THE COT.ONV,

The Hoil. John Hall moved—“ That a Select Committee, to consist of 14 mem bers, be appointed to examine into and report upon questions relating to the public accounts, toconsist.of Major Atkin son, Messrs M‘Le»n, Stevens,' Wood, Saunders, Dick, Ballance, Hislop, Mont gomery, Moss, Gisborne, Johnston, Sir G. Grey, and the mover. ” Mr DeLautour suggested that provision Should also be made for a more efficient audit of the accounts of local bodies.

Mr Pyke concurred in this opinion, adding that it wai a fact within his own

knowledge that. County Councils had paid away monies they had no authority to do. and when the accounts came before the auditors they added a note to the effect that while the accounts were correct, the sum or sums had been disbursed in viola tion of the Act under which the body was constituted. There was nothing then for it but to pass the accounts as brought down, unless a ratepayer took upon him self the duty of suing the Council for re covery of the amount illegally disbursed. Mr Turnbull thought that as local bodies raised their own revenue, they were quite sharp enough to look after its proper disbursement. He objected to hamper these bodies with too much out side influence.

Mr Bowen dissented. The policy of ! Government was to look after the proper disbursement of the funds of friendly and other societies, and he looked upon the step proposed as a very proper one. Mr Speight said it was no uncommon thing for the funds of these institutions to be squandered away in the most unjusti fiable manner. Receptions were got up, towns decorated, and other extravagancies gone into, which were wholly unjustfiable and illegal and yet the ratepayers were powerless to check the evil. The Hon. W. Gisborne thought that in the case of subsidised bodies, the sugges tion was a proper one. The proper audit ing of the accounts of these bodies was very necessary, not only with the view of seeing that money had been expended, but also with the view of ascertaining that the objects aimed at had been strictly kept in view, and that the expenditure was not carried outside the object for which it was provided. . The motion as amended by embodying the suggestion, was put and carried. -UQLLINGWOOn ELECTION. Mr Gibbs moved—“ That a copy of a telegram addressed individually to numer ous electors of the Collingwood electorate, and signed ‘ G. Grey,’ and received on the day of the election, be laid before the House.” Mr Macandrew said it was absurd to ask for productions like this. It was open for Sir G. Grey, or any other person, to send whatever telegram they thought fit, provided they paid for them. The Hon. John Hall concurred, but thought the mover should be allowed to withdraw it.

The motion was put and negatived. “ HANSARD.”

Mr Saunders moved—“ That in the opinion of the House 20 copies of “ Hansard ” should be placed at the dis posal of each member of the House, and that the price at which they be sold to the public should be as low as will cover the cost of paper and extra printing.”

The debate elicited the information that “ Hansard ” cost over £SOOO per annum, while the revenue derived from sub scriptions was £lll. The cost for the extra copies would be £46 per week, or at ths rate of £23 per issue.

It was moved as an amendment— “ That the question be referred to the Debates Reporting Committee,” and on a division the amendment ■was carried; ayes 39, noes 22. On the motion for adopting the motion as amended, a division took place; ayes 35, noes 18. The motion as amended was put and carried, and the House ad journed at 5.30.

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. BREACH OF PRIVILEGE.

Mr Macandrow called attention to a grave breach of privilege. Copies of tele grams had been laid on the table that day. He wished to know how they had been come by. They could only be got from the Telegraph Department, and that, to his mind, was a violation of the secrecy of the system. He moved—“ That they be withdrawn, and that a Committee be ap pointed to ascertain as to how these copies were come by.” The Hon. J. Hall said this was not the first occasion on which copies of telegrams had been produced in accordance with an order of the House, and when it appeared to Government that it was judicious to do so. In support of that contention, he quoted from the records of the House. The telegrams alluded to were not con sidered to be of a private nature, or paid for by the sender. The right to frank telegrams was not given to ministers to carry on their own private business, but to carry on that of the public. When copies were called for, the late Government did not dispute that they were public pro perty. What they did was to dispute that any such telegrams had been sent. If they looked upon them as private com munications, the time to raise the ques tion was when they were called for. In using the telegraphs to the extent they did during the .elections, they were guilty of the abuse of the public confidence. Sir G. Grey contended that the mere inspection of a telegram of this kind would show whether they were private or not. If, on inspection, such a telegram mani festly private had been sent without being pre-paid, then the Minister sending it should be called upon to pay for it. The Government Had no right to make the contents of such a telegram public.' If a mistake of this kind was made it was a mistake of his Private Secretary. He complained that unfair proceedings of this kind had been too common.

Replying to Mr Montgomery, The Hon J. Hall said that the copies were asked for by Mr Saunders three weeks ago, and from that day to this nothing had been said. about objections thereto.

The Hon. W. Gisborne argued that the telegrams in question should have been treated as private telegrams, and as such Government had no order from the House to lay them on the table. All that Go vernment could properly do under the cir cumstances was ; to have called upon the sender to pay for their transmission. Mr Stewart contended that the produc tion was outside of the request made. What was asked for was that copies of 1 telegrams sent by the Government should' be produced, whereas the replies to these telegrams had also been laid on the table. The Hon. J. Hall said that the tele grams in question having been paid for by the public, Government bad treated them as public property, and coming within the demand for production. Mr Stewart went on to say that the Premier had told them he had just seen the original of those telegrams in the office. He'assumed that to mean, that ho had taken upon himself a roving commis mission to look through correspondence passing through the Telegraph office. If that view of the case were carried, there would be an end to secrecy of the system,

and violation of obligation taken by of fioo' sof the department.

Mr Saunders scouted the idea that public documents paid for by public mone3 r could bo called private documents. Those documents were called for by a member whose election had been pre judged by these telegrams. The doctrine laid down about calling upon the sunder to pay for them, was similar to the doctrine that toe thief, when found out, should get off with simply paying the value of the property stolen. No gentle man of high principles would have used the wires as had been done by the late Premier, for the purpose for which they were employed. So smart was the leader of the Opposition to got these telegrams out of the way, that he took possession of them and kept them, so that he (Mr Saunders), although he had called for them, had not got an opportunity of seeing them. Mr M‘Lean contended that in 1871 copies of telegrams had been produced on the order of the House, and there was no reason why the same course should not bo pursued now. It was necessary for the purity of Government that productions of this kind should be made.

A question here arose as to the produc tion of the pacers. The Speaker said that he had impounded the papers, and would not allow them to be perused until it had been decided whether or not they were to ho with drawn.

Mr Sheehan denied that a similar case occurred in 1871. The , House would not have telegrams produced on that occasion. If all telegrams were public property, why was it that the public had not got possession of the telegram about the new loan ? Mr Wakefield said that when the sub ject was first mooted, the Government of the day got up and stated that the Whit raore-Inglis telegram was the only one sent at public expense. Now, however, it appeared that there were a great many more. Not only had Mr Saunders come to the House with a strong feeling that his election has been interfered with by the then Government, but he (Mr Wakefield) had that feeling as regarded his own elec tion. The great wrong done was that the late Government should have used its in fluence in these elections, and not the few shillings of which the Telegraph revenues were deprived. Calling for the produc tion. of these telegrams was the only way they could get at the fact of this inter ference having taken place.

Mr Moss contended that the informa tion was not complete. They ought to have been put in possession of the instruc tions given to the Telegraph Department as to the production of telegrams. Major Atkinson said that Government was prepared to accept the suggestions for the appointment of a Committee. The officers of the Department had simply done their duty and produced the docu ments they were instructed to do. If there was anything wrong the Commis sioner of Telegraphs was quite prepared to accept the responsibility. In pursuance of what he had already stated, he moved as an amendment—“ That the Committee he instructed to enquire whether the pro duction of these telegrams is contrary to law, and also to ascertain the total number of telegrams sent and received by the late Government in connection with the late election. ” The Hnn. J. Hall said that the state ment made by Sir George Grey, to the effect that his instructions to his Secre tary were, that all telegrams of this kind should be charged to his private account, he believed to he absolutely correct. He denied, however, it was for a Private Secretary to decide what telegrams should be paid for and what should be franked. Government had .acted in this matter under advice.

Sir G. Grey said that having made use of a private telegram, ho would take legal advice as to whether or not he could punish him for the act. It was a dis honorable one, of which the Premier ought to be ashamed. Mr J. B. Fisher had no hesitation in stating that the secrecy of the telegraph system had been violated. One of his telegrams had been produced which had not been fairly copied, and as regards the other it would take a large stretch of imagination to say it was on electioneer ing purposes.

Mr Macandrcw agreed to accept the amendment, and did so on the under standing that the telegrams would he with held pending their disposal by the pro posed Committee. The motion was then put and carried. The following were the Committee : Messrs Montgomery, Saunders, Turnbull, Wakefield, Gisborne, Pitt, Bowen, Mac andrew, Sir George Grey. ELECTIVE COUNCIL. On the second reading of the Elective Council Bill, Sir George Grey said that as things at present stood, men wore put into the Council representing large monetary interests. Those men influenced the legislation in a variety (if ways. They were placed in a position, to make Ministers do any act calculated to sub vert the public policy. Then as things stood there was no redress for wrongs a nominated body might inflict. They might remain in that Chamber all their lives, and lot them do what they might to obstruct the general good, they could not be removed. They came back year after year to repeat the wrongs they had al ready inflicted, and there was no re dress. The practice followed here was, that when certain individuals lost their seat in this House, they were called to the other Chamber. They were able to create a great interest which would take years to destroy. He believed the whole colony felt it was monstrous that a number of gentle .;en, having no interest or claims, should have such power conferred on them for life, and the general desire was that the Chamber should be thrown open to Her Majesty’s subjects. He had thought the subject over, and to his mind an elective -Chamber was the only solution of the difficulty. What he proposed was that both Islands should be looked upon as great elective districts. He proposed that the Council should con sist of 27 members. That number was based on numbers provided by neighbour ing Colonies, and was made up by twelve each for both islands, two Natives for the North and one for the Middle Island. It would be impossible for a man to- be elected who did not hold a good position in the estimation of his fellowmen. Tho House of Representatives would repre sent local interests, while the Upper House represented the large interests. The Upper House would be a great power in

the country and by that means legislation in accordance with the views of the people would be secured. The Hon. W. Rolleston said that there was no demand on the part of the country fur a change of this kind. Had any such change been required, they would have been sure to have heard something about ir. Ho argued that a constant change had taken place in the constitution of the Council. The proposal was, in his opinion, a step in the direction of the separation of the two Islands, and therefore he hoped that it would be discouraged. Mr De Latour spoke in support of the motion. Mr Thomson moved the adjournment of the debate. The House rose at 12.30 a. m. Per our Special Wire. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Friday, November 14. In the Council to-day a large amount of business was cleared, but only a small portion was of interest. OLD MAORIS. Answering the Hon. Taiaroa, The Attorney-General said Government had made ample provision for old and decrepid Maoris in the South Island. THE NEW TIMA.ItL 1 COUNTY. There was a long discussion on a motion by the Hon Mr. Acland that the New County of Timaru should not be consti tuted. The general opinion was against the sub-division of Counties, as likely to create local ill-feeling, and increase the ex pense of local government. The motion was adjourned till Tuesday, on the motion of the Hon. Mr. Whitaker, in order to expediate the work of the LOCAL BILLS. Three Committees were formed for their consideration, and the Standing Orders on the subjects were suspended for the remainder of the session. WELLINGTON RAILWAY STATION. Replying to Mr. Buckley, The Attorney-General said the new rail way station at Wellington would be started almost immediately. HARBOR DEFENCE. Colonel Whitmore moved that Govern ment state their intention with regard to harbor defence and the pi’oposed visit of Colonel Scratchley. The debate was adjourned till Tuesday. BILLS PASSED. The Primitive Methodist Temporal Affairs Bill ; The Elections Validation Bill ; The District Law Societies Bill. ASHBURTON COUNTY WATERWORKS. The Ashburton County Waterworks Bill was read a first time. Several Bills were considered in Com mittee, and some time was spent in unim portant discussion. The Council rose at 5 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, Nov. 14. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30 p.m. PRISON LABOR. Mr Shrimski asked Government whe ther the Borough Councils of Timaru, Lyttelton, Lawrence, and Wellington obtain the benefit of prison labor, and, if so, whether the various corporations above mentioned are charged with the cost of the same, or any part thereof : if not, why ? It is made a condition to the Oamaru Corporation obtaining the benefit of prison labor that tliej should pay the cost of a warder. Mr Rolleston replied that wherever extra cost was involved it was charged against local bodies. HARBORS. Replying to Mr Sutton, The Hon. Mr. Oliver said no reports had been obtained from Sir John Coode on the harbors at Napier and Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay. Replying to Mr. Reid, Mr Oliver said Government would lay before the House a copy of Sir John Goode’s report on the Hokitika Harbor. MONDAY SITTINGS. On the motion of the Hon. Mr. Hall, it was agreed the House meet for despatch of Government business on Monday at 7.30. NEW BILLS. The following Bills were introduced, and read a first time The Christchurch District Drainage Act, 1875, Amendment (Richardson) ; to regulate the width of and roads (Thomson),; the Public Re serves Sale, and the special powers and contracts (Rolleston). QUALIFICATION OF ELECTORS B^LL. The report was brought up. Mr. Hall moved that it be adopted, and that as a good deal of time had been spent in amendment of the measure, it be read a third time without further delay. Mr Pyke moved the re-committal of the Bill.

Mr Thompson supported the proposal on the ground that the word “man” be re-inserted, so as to do away with the proposal for general franchise. He urged that the female franchise proposal was one of sufficient importance to warrant a separate measure being prepared on the point. As things stood it was only women who were possessed of property to the value of£2s upon whom the franchise was conferred. If women were worthy of having a vote they should get it in virtue of their womanhood, and not in virtue of their property. Mr Lundon made a similar objection to the provision proposed to be made for the Maori franchise. Mr Macandrew understood that it was an understanding with Government that it should be re-committed.

Mr Dick agreed to the committal, for the purpose of re-considering the proposed female franchise. He would rather allow it to go with that provision, however, than see it re- committed as a whole.

Sir George Grey hoped they would agree to the re-committal. He denied it was a good Bill. It would tend to discourage the accumulation of property. The true, principle upon which representation should proceed was to let every man have' one vote and not more. It was only females who had property to a certain amount who would be allowed to vote. Thev should make it a complete Bill before sending it up to the Legislative Council, and then insist that it be passed by that Chamber. A division was taken on the adoption of the report, with the following result:— Ayes, 30. Bain, Beetham, Bowen, Brandon, Bryce, Colb eel;, Gibbs (teller), Hall, Hursthouse, Johnston, Levin, Mason, Masters, M‘Lean, Murray (teller), Oliver. Pitt, Rolleston, Saunders, Seymour,

Stevens, Sutton, Tomoana, Trimble, Wake, field, Wallis, Willis, Wood, Wriglit- Riu hardson. Noes, 34.

Ailw ight, Andrew, Ballahce, Barron, De Lai our, Deck, J. K Fisher. J. T. Fisher, Ge;»ri>e, Gisborne, Grey, Hamlin, Hialop, .Hutchinson, Ireland, Kelly, Lniusden, M icundrew, Montgomery, Mess, ! yko (tedor), (Speight, Stewart, -Swanson, Tuinui, Tawhai, Te Wheoro, Thomson, Tole.

On the question for recommittal being put,

Mr. Bown moved as a further amend ment that it be recommitted for the pur pose of reconsidering nub-section 1 of sec tion 2.

On a division the amendment was car ried. Ayes, 37 : noes, 22. Mr Hislop moved further that the Bill be recommitted for reconsideration of clause 3. A division resulted as follows : Ayes, 23 ; noes 37. Dr. Wallis moved the reconsideration of subsection 2 of clause 2. The motion was lost on the voices. _ r The Bill was then committed for recon sideration of subsection 1 of clause 2.

In committee Mr Montgomery moved the following addition so as to make sub section 2 read as follows :—“ Every per son subject to the provision that he shall iiot have more than one vote, shall be entitled to have his name on the electoral roll.” The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. EVENING SITTING, THE TELEGRAMS. The House resumed at 7.30. On the motion of Mr Sheehan progress was reported. Mr Sheehan made a state ment to the effect that one of the tele grams produced the previous night had been paid for by himself, and that he had instructed a solicitor in Wellington to take proceedings against the parties con cerned, for illegally producing copies of these telegrams. Mr Hall said he had given an order for the production of the telegrams in accord ance with the order of the House. He held himself responsible for the produc tion of the telegrams referred to in that order. Mr Sheehan said he would nevertheless take legal proceedings in the matter. He was afraid he would have to proceed against the officer in charge of the de partment. Mr. Wakefield deprecated the course pursued by Mr. Sheehan, and expressed regret that the whole matter had not been left to be dealt with as proposed by the Committee.

Sir George Grey contended that Mr. Sheehan had been injured in his private character by the leader of the House, and ho was bound to see him righted. He could conceive of nothing more heinous than the conduct of the Government in this matter. He did not think the Com mittee was a fair one. Messrs. Wake field and Saunders ought not to have been on the Committee at all. Mr. Sheehan’s character absolutely depended upon his ability to clear himself of the imputations cast upon him. He asked the House to pass a vote of censure upon Government for its conduct in the affair.

Mr. Wakefield said that his appoint ment on the Committee had been done entirely without his knowledge, and without any previous communication be tween the Government and himself.

Mx-. Speight said he had documentary evidence in his possession that the whole of these telegrams had been paid for by the sender. In that case he suggested that the whole matter should be inquired into, and if it were found that* what he stated was correct, then they should be withheld, and not sent before the commit tee at all. QUALIFICATION OF ELECTORS BILL. The House then went into Committee when the Qualification of Electors Bill was proceeded with. The amendment moved by Mr. Mont gomery was put and lost. The division was—Ayes, 22 ; noes, 29. Mr. Pyke moved that the word “ person” in the snb-section bo struck out, and the word “ man ” substituted.

The House divided on the question that the word “ person,” as printed, stand part of the question—Ayes, 22 ; noes, 31. Ayes, 22—Biiin, Ballance, Beethaxn, De Latour,.Hall, Hislop, Hursthouse, John ston, Lundon, Macandrew,' Montgomery, Murray, Oliver, Pitt, Saunders, Shrim ski, Speight (teller), Trimble, Wakefield, Wallis (teller), Willis, Wright. Kocs,' 31—Alhvright, Andrews, Barron, Bowen, Brandon, Bryce, Colheck, J. T. Fisher (Heathcote), George, Gibbs, Gis borne, Grey, Hamlin, Kerby, Kenny, Levin, Mason, Masters, MtLean, Pyke, Richardson, Rolleston, Seddon,Shepherd, Stevens, Stewart, Sutton, Swanson, Thompson. The word “ person ” was then struck out, and the word “ man ” substituted. Mr Seddon moved that the property qualification be reduced from £25 to £lO.

The motion was lost on the voices,

On the subsection as amended being put, a division took place—Ayes, 32 ; noes, 20. The sub-section as amended was tl.en put and carried. On the House resuming, the Bill was reported, with amendments, read a. third time, and passed. REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS IJLL. In committee, the Registration, of Elec tors Bill was considered. Mr J. T. Fisher moved that progress be reported, with a view to enabling Go vernment to bring down the Redistribu tion of Seats Bill, so that i.fc might bo con sidered in connection with, this Bill. Mr Hall defended the bill against a charge made by Mr Macandrew that it was not a liberal measure. He contended that it not only provided that any man should be allowed to have his name regis tered, but that Ilia, name will actually be put on the roll. Ha could conceive of nothing more liberal, 'and hoped no un necessary deljqf would be thrown in the way.

Mr Stewart called upon Government to state distinctly, yea or nay, whether they intended to bring in the Redistribu tion of Seats Bill, this session. They took office on the distinct understanding that that should be done.

Mr Turnbull thought the Bill should be allowed to proceed, and that the Opposition should cease its attempts to compel Government to bring down the Redistribution Bill.

Mr Gisborne also spoke of the impor tance of some assurance being given as to the Redistribution of Seats Bill.

Mr. Seddon characterised the conduct? {

of the Opposition, to whom he belonged, as pure obstruction, and hoped thattheßiil would be gone on with. He reminded them that if the Redistribution of Seats Bill were passed, a dissolution must of neces sity . sue. This was a most, inopportune moment for a dissolution. They had to face the present unsatisfactory state of the Colonial finance, and that was not a moment for them to face the responsibility of a dissolution.

Mr. Hall said that the question of re distribution of seats was purely a question of time. Whether or not it would -be undertaken this session depended upon the progress made with the legislation now before the House. As soon .as Go vernment saw its way in that respect it would give the House information-as t 6 whether or not redistribution would be attempted • this session. A measure of that kind would take perhaps two weeks to pass, and it was not by any means ' clear that time would be spared this session. He concluded by saying that he very much doubted whether members were as sincere as they professed' to be in regard to this question. However, he would give infor mation as to what Government proposed doing at the earliest moment.

Mr J. T. Fisher was speaking when 2 o’clock cut short the report;

SPORTING.

C.J.O. SPUING MEETING. Second Day—Thursday, Nov. 13. Railway Plate of 100 soys. Entrance 5 sovs. Weight for age- For two-year olds and upwards. Four fm-lbngs. Mr R, Ray’s b m Maritana, aged ... 1 Mr Smith’s be Tim Whiffler, 2yrs ... 2 Mr Walters’ b c Billingsgate, 3yrs ... 3 Canterbury Cup, of 500 sovs, added to. a sweepstakes of 20 soys. Second horse to receive 50 sovs from the stake. 3yra, 7st 11b ; 4ys, 9st; syrs, 9st 71b ; Cyra and aged, 9st 91b. Two and a quarter miles.

Mr E. G. Griffiths’ br c Betrayer, 3yrs 1 Mr R. Ray’s b c Hornby, 3yrs ... 2 Mr R. Ray’s Templeton, aged ... 3 Spring Steeplechase Handicap, of 100 sovs, added to a sweepstakes of 5 sovs each for acceptors. Second horse to receive 10 sovs from the stake. . Nomi nation 5 sovs each’, .to go to the fund. About three miles, over -such country as the Stewards may direct.

Mr D. O’Brien’s b g Little John ... 1 Mr P. Butler’s ch g Te.Whetu, aged... 2 Tradesmen’s Handicap of 100 sovs., added to a sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each for acceptors ;■ one mile. '■

Mr. W. Walter’s b o'. Billingsgate, by ■ Izaak Walton:—Slander, ,‘lyrs.fist. • 121b.i-carried 7st. ... (Nolan)' 1 Mr. J. W. Mullock's b c Foul Play, 4yrs., 9st. 21b. ... (Den itt) 2 Mr. H. ; ,eh c York, 4yrs., 7afc 121bs. ... ... , (Riidings) 3 Third DAY--pßili)At, ;Nov. 14.- Thu weather for the third day was any thing but inviting, as showers of rain’fell at shox-t intervals, and prevented any thing like an attendance.. This was to be regretted, as from the liberal bill of fare provided by.the C. J.Ci a good,day’s sport was anticipated. , Christchurch Prate of 150 soy?., added to a sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each. Se cond horse,to save his stakes.. .Entrance 5 sovs., .to go.to the, fund. Winners of weight for ago races in one event, since Ist August, 1879, to ■cany the following penalties—of 200 sovs., sib. extra : of 500 sovs. , 71b. Penalties not to be ac cumulative. Maidens at starting allowed—for 3yrs., 51b.; 4yrs., 101 b.; syrs. and upwards, 141 b. Once round

and a distance. Mr. R. Bay’s b h Templeton, aged, 9st. 71b (R. Ray) 1 Mr. Walter’s ch f Grand Duchess, 3yrs, Gst. 81b. . ... .:. (Taylor) 2 Mr. E. G. Griffiths’ br o Betrayer,,, 3yrs., .7at 111 b. ... (T. Clark) , 3 Publicans’ Steeplechase. Handicap ,of 75 sovs., added to a sweepstakes of 5 .sovs. each for, acceptors. Second, horse to save his stake. About two miles, over such country as the stewards may ; direct. | Mr. D. O’Brien’s b g Little, John, syrs., 105 t.... ... ... 1 Mr. P. Butler’s ch gTe Whetumarama, aged, list 71b ... ... ... 2 Mr. P. Butler’soli g The Agent, 6yrs, , i2st 7ib. ... 3 Han m cap of, 100 sqvs, .. added to a ,sweep stake of 5 sovs. , each for. acceptors, second horse to save his stakes. Entrance 3 soys. ;, to go to the. fund. Weights, to be declared by 7 p.m. bp, the second day of the races ; one ni)le„ep<i ?;,bal(. Mr J. W. Malloch’s Foul Play, syrs. 9st. ... ... ... (Derritt) 1 Mr Ray’s Hornby, 3 years, Sat ,51b ,(\ya,ttie) 2 Mr W. Walter’s b c Libeller. 3yrs., Tstllb ... ... ' .(Ijfolan) , 3

York, Soukar, and Atlantic a3*i ran. Betting—6 to 4 Hornby; 8 and 4 to ,1 against any other.. Knfire,,?ind Betrayer, were , scratched. Soukar played up a good deal at the start, the horses, getting away fairly together, Libeller making the running round the bottom, Hornby lying second. Foul Play op.lus quarters, York pulling hard, .van np third opposite the Stand., Libeller . and Horpby ran round the far corner, eome length before the rest. Entering the straight Hornby led, Foul Play coining up on the outside, and catching Hornby op posite the stand,where a good race en sued, the black and gold winning. by a short half length. Time : 2nuns. 3 |secs. Sjsllino Back of 50sovs. added to.aiiweep stake of 5 so vs*, each ; weight ’for age ; winner to be sold by auction inpue diately, after tlie race for .400 soys., any surplus to go to ,ihe„,fund- liTdntered to be sold for 300 sovs., allowed 71bs ; for 200 sovs., -.141bs ; i for 100 i aova., 211bs. Three quarters .of.a mile. Messrs Mason and Vallance’s. b g Sinking Fund, aged, (£100), 7st 101 b ... ... ... ... 1 Mr. Walter’s b c Bilingsgate, 2 • yrs, (£400), 7st 91bs ... ... 2 Mr Mallock’s b g On Dit, 3yrs-, (£300). 6st. lllbs. ... ... 3 Luna, Elfin. King, Daisy, Sir Garnet, and Hilarious also ran. Time : Imin. 22^secs.

Sa TURra AY. Mr.'-f-i'.) r ?8?0. |

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

3



It has beeh clearly established (says the “ Athemeum”) that Sir William Wallace, the great hero of Scotland, was of JSnglis i origin. fT Windy Wellington.— Last Sunday was as gusty and dusty a day as Wellington has seen 'or some time, and the sandrifts on the street were very deep. ‘