POLITICAL NEWS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3160, 15 August 1881, Page 3

POLITICAL NEWS.

[by telegraph.]

(fhom our own correspondent.; WEi/LiNaTOilr, Augusb 15. Mr Maxwell, general manager New Zealand s Kailways, has intimated a desire to retire afc an early date, as ho purposes proceeding to England. Various rumors hare been afloat in regard to Mr Maxwell's resignation, but it is stated apparently on authority that the relations between himself and the Government have been throughout of a most friendly nature, and that the arrangements made for his early retirement have been of an entirely amicable character, involving no unpleasantness on either side. The debate on the Representation Bill will be resumed tonight. About the lobbies there are signs of increased dielike, and opposition to it; more especially on the part of Northern members, who object to Otago having all but one short of half of the whole European representation. On tho other hand, Otago and Canterbury members seeing the power it will place in their hands, signs of burying the hatchet, and working together in supporting the Bill. The debate is liftoly to be long, and acrimonious. The members who went up in the Stella on Friday to inspect New Plymouth harbor works returned yesterday, thoroughly satisfied of the correctness of the committee's report. They consider the money hitherto expended as literally thrown away, and state that while the people living in the town of New Plymouth favored the work in consequence of the enormous local expenditure caused, the country : districts were opposed to it. There is a, good deal of comment among members as to the ten per cent reduction from Mr Weston's salary, returned ternrm; by the .Government. , Many say that, as it. was just at the time of. the division on the

want of confidence motion, it has an unpleasant look. Strange to say tho cheque was dated on a Sunday.