POLITICAL NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1691, 20 October 1887, Page 3

POLITICAL NEWS.

♦ [nOii OUB OWN COBBKBPOKPENT.j Wi_i_ngtok, Ootober 20. Kumor says that one of the prospective retrenchments of the Government scheme wfll be no renewal of the ban Francisco mail contract. This was bruited about yesterday afternoon, but thought so unlikely with Major Atkinson, Sir F. Whitaker, and Mr Mitchelson m the Cabinet, and almost a block vote with tho Aockland members, that I did not think it wise to give currency to tbe rumor without authentication or denial. The matter has sow found its way into tbe local papers, however, I therefore mention it for what it may be worth, as it iB impassible to &se ministers. Two of Sir G. Grey's Bills have been circulated, one providing for tbe repeal of the Contagious Diseases Act, 1869, aod the other that no elector shall vote m respect of more than ene electorate at an election for a member of the House of Beprosentatives. The latter measure also provides that electors shall be asked the following question by the returning officer:— " Have you already voted at the present election m any electoral district," ahd unless the elector answers m the negative he shall not be permitted to vote.