POLITICAL NEWS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3733, 3 July 1883, Page 2

POLITICAL NEWS.

[by telegraph.]

[from our own correspondent.] Wellington, This day. The Public. Works Statement will be made this evening, and the estimates will probably be circulated to-morrow.

There will probably be a preliminary debate to-night of an exciting character, as feelers will be thrown out on all sides so as to provide pabulum for the big debate which may not take place till nexc Tuesday. Of course it would be premature to say that anything sensational may result from this debate, though the Opposition will have much better grounds for attacking the Ministry than they had on either the Address or the Imprest question. Those two dobates were mistakes. If the Government don't alienate some of thoir supporters when tho Public Works Estimates are circulated I shall be greatly surprised indeed. Queensland having annexed New Guinea, Victoria, longing for fresh territory in the shape of some islands, New Zealand, as represented by Sir G. Grey, must not be behindhand. Accordingly he convened a caucus for yesterday afternoon to see what stops should be taken to amend the Constitution Act so that any island whose inhabitants were willing might be hitched on to this colony. There was a large attendance of members from both sides of the House, but further than discussing the matter nothing was done, Sir George promising to conveno the conference again at an early day. No political can be attached to the meeting at present, but what its developments may r lead to remains to be seen. ; The trial lighting by electricity yesterday was only a partial success. The House would bo much better lit by small braokets than by the clusters which havo been erected, as what is aimed at is steadiness in addition to brilliancy. The Native Lands Bill has been found to have not complied with the Standing Orders, and therefore cannot be received. A copy should havo been sent to the Colonial Secretary's Office, and the objects of tho Bill were insufficiently described. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, This day. A meeting of members in whose districts are included borough or town districts was held to-day. It was convened by Mr Steward to consider what amendments are roquiredin the law relating to municipalities, it being understood that the various acts affecting them are about to be consolidated. Between thirty and forty members attended, and a large number of suggested alterations were considered, tho question of endowments occupying a prominent position. Ultimately a committee was appointed to consider the various suggestions, with a view to recommendations being submitted to the Statutes Revision Commission.