POLITICAL NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1424, 22 May 1886, Page 2

POLITICAL NEWS.

[I!V OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT,j

Weli.ixuton May 21. Nearly all the members have now arrived, Messrs Holmes and Pyko putting in an appearance to-day. The latter looks a good deal shaken by his recent illness. The week has been a quiet one, business proceeding smoothly. It is not anticipated that there will be any party lighting until the budget proposals are brought' down, when, unless there be a strong effort at retrenchment, the Opposition will make a determined attack. A few of the staunchest ot the Government supporters meet Ministers to-morrow to urge that the desire of the House for a reduction of expenditure should be acceded to, and that the estimates should be framed accordingly. It is not likely any large loan will be proposed. I hear that the amount of borrowed I money per annum will probably, not exceed a million.

Among the Government Bills at present before the House, is one consolidating and amending the Municipal Acts, committal of which is postponed till Tuesday to give Borough Councils an opportunity of suggesting any amendments desired. There is also a Bill to amend the J.B. Act, and another, the Alienation of Land Bill, the object of which is to prevent the entail of estates. Mr Iveas has introduced the Land Associations Bill, Mr Bradshaw the Eight Hours Bill, Major Steward the Educational Franchise Bill, repealing the cumulative vote, and dealing with the term “householder,” and the Licensing Committee Election Bill, making the elections triennial instead of annual, and permitting women to the franchise, and Mr McMillan a Bill to amend the Bog Registration Act in the direction desired by the Ashburton County Council, viz., to enable differential fees to be charged for different classes of dogs. Replying to the member for Waimate today, who asked the Minister of Lands (1) whether since last session Ministers have obtained advice as to the powers of the Government with regard to the opening up of lands now held under pastoral leases for occupation on deferred payment, and, if so, whether it is not the tact that the Governor may, if he so think lit, open up blocks of such land in Canterbury. Otago and elsewhere, under clauses Bill and Kill of “ The Land Act, 1885,” at such prices not being less than 111 per acre (on such terms of payment, and in holdings of such area as may bo fixed in the proclamation) ; (2) if so does the Government propose to exorcise the power it possesses by opening up blocks for sale on deferred payment as special settlement areas, under the above recited clauses, in the provincial districts of Canterbury and Otago. Mr Ballanoe replied (1) that they had taken the advice of the law otiicers upon the point, and that it was to the effect that the powers of the Government were as stated in tiro question ; (2) they however were not sure whether it was the intention of the House that the power should bo exercised, and he, Mr Ballance, advised the hon. member to submit the question to the Waste Lands Committee. It is understood that Mr Steward will move further in the matter. The business on the paper being cleared by 5.30, the Sousa adjourned till Tuesday.