DEFEAT OF THE GOVERNMENT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1729, 7 December 1887, Page 3

DEFEAT OF THE GOVERNMENT.

(From our Co-respondent.) Wellington, Deoember 7. About a quarter to three this morning the Government were defeated on an amendment of Mr Downie Stewart's, on the representation Bill, providing that the Bill do not come into force till Ist October, 1889, by 36 votes to 81. Ihe House immediately adjourned, and a caucus of ihe Government was to be held at 10 30 to considei the matter. The Hcuso, when it met at 11 o'clock, immediately adjourned until 2 tbia afternoon. It ia rumored that Major Atkinson will resign unless ihe motion be rescinded, The meatin^ is now going on Latjrb, There waa great excitement this morning over the defeat of the Government on Mr Downie Stewart'a motion; A Ministerial caucnß was held at 11.39 at which fifty-one members were present. After a prolonged discussion, It waa decided to recommit the Bill, several Ministerial supporters Btatlog they had not oonaldered the amendment would be taken as directly hostile when they voted for it. The recommittal will occasion a lengthy debate, as it m asserted by the Opposition that the Premier had declared the motion would be treated by him as of a directly no-confidence nature. It is stated the Premier Btopped Mr Boss when going into the Ayes' lobby, and stated distinctly he would resign were the motion carried, Mr Bobs thereupon said, " Well, you may resign." The general feeling is that tho Premier was far too hasty m adopting the bellicose attitude he has done, «nd there Is great dissatisfaction amongst some of hia supporters. It is felt by many that the proceedings of last night have weakened tha Government position, and that it 1b now unlikely that tbe session will terminate by Christmas.