POLITICAL NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1270, 22 June 1886, Page 2

POLITICAL NEWS.

Wkllikoton, Juna 21

There ia a dead calm in the political world ; In fact, matters are in the condition colloquially drscribed as “ deadly lively,” and members are getting bluemouldy for want of a battle, or, at least, of a row. Thera is, however, a pretty general suspicion that this unnatural calmness is the prelude to a break out on the appearance of the Public Works Statement, which, according to promise, should bo delivered this week. Certain ( it is, that whatever be the proposed distribution of the loans, nobody will be satisfied, everybody Indeed being sure to figure ia the character of Oliver Twist, with a greedy demand for “ more.” Whispers are abroad of a projected alliance between Auckland and Otago to secure a larger share of the plunder, the tripartite alliance of lost session between Canterbury, Nelson, and Westland on the Midland Railway question being i hold up as an example four encourager les autres But It ia not likely that the alliance will come off—at least with the solidity necessary to success. The Committee upon Railway Management, and in particular upon Mr Vaile’s Railway Reform proposals, continues its sittings, and is taking voluminous evl dence. Whether any practical outcome will result from its deliberations is, to say the least, doubtful. Ministers have been holding a long

Cabinet meeting to-day, and, It is said, discussing the question as to whether a Redistribution of Seats Bill shall be presented this year, as they are strongly urged to do by some of the North Island members. The result will probably' be made known by the Premier this evening, and 1 shall be much surprised if it be announced that it is intended to carry through a Redistribution of Seats Bill this session ; indeed it seems to me that it would be the height of folly to take this step, as it would inevitably lead to the killing of all business. This is I know the view of a great many members of the House, ard 1 repeat that I shall bo surprised if Ministers are blind enongh to run counter to it. The House sits to-night at 7.30, and it

is supposed that tho Counties Bill will be tho piece dc resistance, or at least some measure that will raise no party issues. As the adjourned meeting of the Government Insurance Association takes place to-nlgh’, a great many members will be absent from their seats.