POLITICAL NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1699, 31 October 1887, Page 2

POLITICAL NEWS.

jyBOM OhZ OWN OOBBKSPOKDENT.J

Wellington, Ootober 29.

Matters political have been exceedingly quiet m the iob iesto day, the only subject of conversation being the p >eition of the Mid'and Railway Company. Opinions vary, of course, as to the ultimate result, but an opinion is expressed m many quartew that Governm nz have a very difficult task before them to brine; things to a sue cesßful issue, and a proposal to appoint a Royal Commission is likely to be well sap ported.

bir Geo-ge Grey's Elective Governor hill is not a very conoiaa one, and leaves a good deal to be filled m by the House, there being several blanks m it. Tho measure provides for the election of the Governor of New Zealand by the inhabitants thereof, and every main British subject of not less thaa (sic?) years of age, Bhall ba elißible for the office of Governor. The first Governor elected under this measure is to come into office on a day whan tho Governor who holds office at the time of suoh electron, viicateß office, and Bhall hold offioe for (sic 1) years from that day. Every Governor elected after the first shall come into office on the expiration of the term of office of his predecessor ; every person elected as Governor to supply an extraordinary vacancy, shall come into office forthwith on his election . The machinery for the election, etc , is provided. As was generally anticipated, the Bitting of the House was a very brief dura* tioD, and there appeared to be no objection to Major Atkinson's application for a delay m the delivery of the Financial Statement till Tuesday. Some very important papers have been laid on the table m regard to the Midland Railway contract, showing that the matter v m a very unpleasant position, and that a good deal of trouble will yat occur over the matter, if, indeed, it will ever be Batis* factorily settled. lam informed on good authority that Major Atkinson intends to ask for a Royal Commission to "enquire into the whole circumstances and report. I am informed on reliable authority that investigations by the Minister of Defence show that he apparatus obtained for utilis ing the submarine deences of the colony it m some instances m a rotten state, and m other cases of wrong guage. Mr Feldwiok has given notice of a question m reference to the pamphlot of Uolonel Noake, and comments on the action o£ Mujor-General Whitmore, m which he asks whether this m not a breach of duty to his superior officer. Colonel Noake is expected to get into hot water over the mutter.

Sydney Taiwhanga has given notice for returns showing names of u)l members of the House who are pecuniarily interested m Nuti?e lands.

Mr Fiah hau given notice of a question from which it appears that a redaction m proposed m wages of linemen on railways. He asks whether Government intend to reduce salaries of heads of departments proportionately.