PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1897, 19 July 1888, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

(From our own Correspondent.)

r "Wmainqton, July 17. From all accounts matters political are ■aftling do^n Into a very straight forward position, and unless on some catch vote, It is hardly probsble now that Government will be Mia'led this session. It Is generally conceded now that overtures for a combined attack between the Opposition, Protectionists, and Freetrader?, were made by the Protectionists, and at one tln-e It was possible this might have been effected, but is the Freetraders wanted to have things done their own way, and this way was not one which the Opposition would ohoose nothing resulted. I believe that the .Opposition were approached by the Freetraders with a view to having Mr Withy's amendment, and subsequently Mr Bjetham's amendment oarrled, and it was {wloted out, too, that by carrying the atter Government could not but accept | it as a No-conficlenoe motion. The Frestraders were pledged to eopport Mr Beetham, and if they had been joined by the Opposition bis amendment would have been carried, but there were difficulties of • very peculiar charaoter In the way which proved Insurmountable For instance, If they voted for Mr Withy's amendment, the Opposition would have been pledged to a reduction (of wages which would be moot unpopular, and, more serious stil 1 , it was probable that m the event of hts Amendment being carried, Mr Beetham would have been sent for by theGowraor to form a Ministry. If tbe latter came to pass It would be open for Mr Beetham to reconstruct from the Freetraders and Government party, leaving the Opposition oat In the cold. The negotiations as to the joint support of the amendment, therefore fell through, but the Opposition suggested the tabling of a direct No-con-fidence motion whioh, If supported by both parties would be oarrled. A meeting of Freeloaders was held tordajp at which 19 members were present, •od it was agreed, after fully emstderiug the position that the Freetraders are not diipoied to hamper future aotlon by joining any party except on a question of principle. As the Opposition Protectionists do not number of themselves more than from 35 to 40 members, which would leave them m a hopeless minority If they attacked Government themselves, it is anticipated that they will have matters as they stand; and await the course of events, hoping that an opportunity may arise, when they may unite with the Freetraders au4 turn Government out. It Is stated that the Opposition proper will hold another meeting to-morrow, from whioh, however, no result Is anticipated. Government are m communication with other colonies with a view to the laying of a cable between New Zealand and

Vancouver. • |t has been rqrnorec} through the day that G-overnment have received a oable from the Agent-General to the effeot that negotiations with the Midland Ball way Company are now about coming to a head, and that the oontraot will shortly be signed. On enquiry from the Premier I learn that he had a telegram from Sir F. D. Bell a day or two back, asking If olaose 38 was agreed to. As telegraphic communication has been re-established a reply will be sent to-morrow stating that it is all right. The Publio Works Statement will be delivered on Tuesdaynext. Wellington. Jaly 19.

The Premier was not so well hat night, his cough belqg so bad that he was Obliged to leave the House early to go home. Supply was accordingly postponed but it is Intended to go Into Supply to morrow first thing, when It Is anticipated Mr Withy's amendment will be negatived on the voices, or if a division be called for, by an overwhelming majority. It is said that on a dare'ul " whip " being made with reference to the question Whether the San Francisco mail oor.faot should be renewed, thero was found to bo an' assured majority against the renewal of the contract. ;

A meeting cf members opposed to Mr Maosrihor's Hospital and Charitable Aid Bill w*s hf Id this morning at whioh about a dozen were present and a number of others aocounted for, Dr Newman was In' the chair. Aftcar diaoiißßlnii it was decld.d that as Government havo promi) ci to bring down n^xt sassion a comprehensive measure dealing with the whole subject of redivlslon of Ho-pltal and Charitable Aid Districts, those present should strongly oppose the passing of the Bill.

Another Opposition caucus was hsld this morning, bnt the uiu-il reticence wab ghserved os to what was dono. I onder grand, however, that there were about 3p present and thebnelnesscf the meeting was cor fined to the dlscnsston on Mr Withy's amendment, With the exception of about two members all present we* e unanimous m opposing the nmeidment, bnt njy 'informant states than m regard to ptaer amendments ttyer^ was not so mach unanimity. ~ " ''