PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1895, 17 July 1888, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

(From our own Correspondent.) Wellington, Jaly 17. A meeting of members who Bopport the Central Otafco 1 tall way Bill was held yesterday afternoon. There were 19 present. Mr Pyk<? wao voted to the chair. The purpose for which the meeting was called was to oonplder hpw the progress of the- B.i 1 through Parliament o.uld be effected. It is bolievod that it will not moot with mnoh opposition In the Council, bat the spirit In wtvoh tho Bill wmb blocked far six or seven hoars m the Home last Thursday night made it manifest that strong obstraotlon would have to be fought against m the House. The question was disoaesed for some time and eventually it was decided that a deputation consisting of Messrs Pyke, D Stewart, AUen, Barron, and Eiohardson, aheqid walt^qn 'the Gbverntfleot with a view to urging JVf inifters tp give speplal faollltlea for tho Bill bolng pn|b throngh In the Housa.

The Premier la still confined to his room but fa reported to ba making good progress towards oonv.tloßoenco, although tho oold rough weather is mnoh against him. It is doubtful whether he will be able to g^end (n hia plaoe to day. It Is said that tho PpbHo, Work a Statementis unlikely to bidden 7ered now this week. It may be brought down late m the week, but it la more likely to be delivered nejj; t Tuesday,' A meeting qf tho Qpposltjon was held this morning ac whlph there wore about iso present, Mr lianas wag m fh.o chair. The dlepijaefon chit fly turned on the position to be taken m regard to Me|Brp tyifiby's and Beethara's amendments providing for further redactions m the expenditure. Some of the ptrty were In favor of joining with the Freotra&ers m favor of Mr Beetham's amendment bat the general feeling v/as advorao to thin course, on the ground that Bupjti ■» step \yould place them In the position' o£ having to redjuoe the salaries of tho lower Ouvernme'nt b'fficlaln and laborer?, Vfhlph waa boriftiderebV undesirable, and eventually it yaß decided , to oppose both Mr Withy's and Mr B3Gthnm'fl amendments. It m believed that by having a direct Ibbqo with the Government (he party would stand a better show of defeating the Government jtflth^ut compromising themselves, 'and' J urn informed on excellent authority tiiU the tfeadmog-'Froe-traders tire willing to oppose the Government on any point wifcti'a view to getting three Freettade Ministers., Hialop, JTergua, and Elohardsou, ejected from ofjice. Thlß Is purely m tbe way of revenge,' and when they have done that they ere prepared to let things take their ooatae.