POLITICAL NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1704, 5 November 1887, Page 3

POLITICAL NEWS.

+ [from our own correspondent. J Wellington, November 5. The Midland Hallway debate oaine to an unexpected close last evening jaot when It bad reached an interes'ing et*ge. Major Atkinson went into the nutter very falJy, and explained the position ap to the present, being followed by Sir J, Yogel, who «Rye h : s support to the proposals of the Government. After this the tone of the debate rather altered, and although several speakers supported the Govarnount a nurabor very strongly opposed It. Amonu these waa Sic G, Grey, who ctrongly denounced the attempt to hand over onr estate to a company of loreignera. Eventually Major Atkinßon aoked for an adjournment to Tuesday to enable the Government to consider a suggestion made to refer the matter to a {Select Committee, and this waß agreed to. A deputation of the Southern members waited on the. Minister for Pablio Works m reference to the grain tariff and terminal rates. Present— Messrs Fitchett, Ward, Fish, Cowan, Feldwiok, Valentine, and O'OBllap;han. The deputation pointed out that whilst the tariff provided that 2400 lba of wheat oould be carried to the ton only 2240 lbs of oats coold be taken. The Minister admitted that an inequality existed, but said that m view of the fact that a non- political Ball way Board wob likely to be formed ha did not feel inclined to alter the tariff at present. The Minister mentioned that it was the intention of Government to obtain from Home a duly qualified person to aot as Railway Manager and Chairman of the Board. The Minister, however, admitted that the charge for railway Hidings was exceßoive, and promised that a reduction should be made forthwith. A deputation of Otago members waited on the Premier this morning re the claims of the Otago Central Railway. Mr Pyke was spokesman, and the deputation desired to know what attitude the Government Intended to take regarding Mr Pyke'a Bill providing for the construction of the line to completion on a land grant system. Major Atkinson replied he could not give an gnawer till after Tuesday. Mr Fish intends to ask the Government to move that the House Bhall sit on Mondays. It is also understood that Government will ask for Wednesdays for Government business, and prppose to sit on the Prince of Wales' Birthday. TWb looks like a desire of Government to get through business and close the uesßlon. The Midland Railway question, however, will take Borne time yet, and will probably be referred to a Select Committee at laat. The Financial debate ia also expected to last over » wrek.