(D u ned in Star.)

Except with the purpose of forming a record for future reference, it wns ot courso utterly futile to divulo Hie House on the question ot a double honoraiium. Unfortunately the desire to "collar the dollars," as the Americans say, is not confined to any pu-ticnlar school of politicians ; and different as m<iy be opinion on vital questions, there is very generally unanimity as to the " loaves and iishes." Mr Ballance is evidently tikini? a leaf out of the book of Sir Julius Vogel, who excelled in little devices for giving pleasure to members, and had sops always le.iuy to throw to barking dogs " The ratepayers have to pay the cost," on this occasion to the amount of close on L'_'o,ooo ; but what is that in proportion to the tune of the privileges we enjoy of being represented as we are ? And the amount t\ ill no doubt be a mere trifle compared with what is to be saved by the strict lutrenehment in the Civil Service which is promised? If the present dominant p-ury continue in power, a scat in the House will be substantially worth having, as it is in the United States Legislature, whtie a clever and un scrupulous man who sits through two Congresses is able, it is cmrontly believed, to lealise a competence for life ' Ministers seem in this matter absolutely to "glory in their shame' ; and so long as they can secure a few months' tenure of oth'ce are prepared to ignore every consideration of right, and to defy public opinion. They endeavor now to throw the onus of the assumed necessity for a second session upon the late Ministry, who, it is contended, should have resigned right off when the result of the elections was known to be against them, a»d allowed the leader of the Opposition in the late House to take the reins. There are several fallacies involved in this aigu ment. 