POLITICAL NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1248, 27 May 1886, Page 2

POLITICAL NEWS.

[BY oub special correspondent.]

WELLINGTON, May 26.

The Financial Statement, which was brought down so suddenly last evening, has been, as a raat‘er of course, very largely discussed, and so far as I can learn the general opinion appears to be that it is one of Sir Julius Vogel’s best efforts, if not his best. The situation was an exceedingly difficult one, but the Statement cleverly avoids giving openings for attack in all effects but one. The omission is that there is no serious effort at retrenchment in departmental expenditure, and there is not the least donbt it will be taken advantage of. No hostile motion has been tabled as yet, but there can be little doubt that some motion affirming the necessity for a reduction in the departmental expenditure will be forthcoming at an early date, and many members who are otherwise firm supporters of the Government will find it an exceedingly difficult thing to vote against it.

This morning the Canterbury members held a meeting and appointed a deputation to wait on Ministers and ask for the fullest information possible as to the exact terms of the concessions required by the contractors for the Midland Railway, and also as to when the Enabling Bill will be brought down; the deputation to report at an adjourned meeting to be held probably on Friday. It is understood that full particulars will be received via Brindisi to-morrow.

It is rumored that Mr Stout is included in the birthday honors, but that the names of the new K.C.M.G.’s, etc., will not be gazetted until Coronation Day. This afternoon in the House of Representatives, in reply to questions, Government stated that they had not yet decided whether they would bring in a Bill relating to the registration of electors this session, or whether the matter would be left over until next session. Also, in reply to Mr Fergus, that some lands had ben opened in Canterbury under the small farms system, but that effect to these provisions of the Land Act could not be given until the expiration of the present pastoral leases in 1890. Mr Guinness’s motion re extending railway free passes to children attending schools other than State schools has just been carried against the Government by 39 to 25. Sir G. Grey’s Limitation of Votes Bill was read a second time on the voice,. and the Law Practitioners’ Bill by the casting vote of the Speaker, the voting being 34 to 34.

The Hawkers and Pedlars’ Bill and Auctioneers’ Bill were postponed till Wednesday. The Natives Reserves Titles Grants Empowering Bill was read a second time. The debate on the Native Equitable Owners’ Bill was adjourned, and the House at 5.30 pan. adjourned till to-morrow.