THE GOVERNMENT AND THE OPPOSITION.

Evening Star, Issue 3918, 14 September 1875, Page 3

THE GOVERNMENT AND THE OPPOSITION.

{From our own Correspondent.)

Wellington, September 14,

Yon may consider the compromise effected. The Bill is not to be biought into operation until the entl of next session unless Parliament passes a resolution to the contrary. No railways or other undertakings are to be entered upon without the consent of the General Government.

2 p.m. rhe following is the position of affairs :—The only point now in dispute is as to the calling of the Abolition Act int» operation. The Government are content that it shall be passed this session, but not come into force till the end of next. The Opposition maintain that it should only come into force by the Governor's proclamation. The Government will make no further concession. Sir George Grey, Mr Macandrew, and Mr Stout are those standing out. Another interview is asked for by the Opposition, but the Government will not recede from th :ir present position. In the course of tho caucus proceedings, Major Atkinson aaid the next Parliament would be summoned to meet in May, 1876. 3 15 p.m. A compromise has been practically arrived at on the terms of the caucus resolutions as above, fending the settlement of details, the discussion on the Abolition Bill has been adjourned till Thursday. The session will closo in about five weeks from ibis time.

(From a Correspondent)

At a caucus to-day a proposition by the Opposition was submitted that the Act shall not come into operation except upon the proclamation of the (governor issued subsequently to the clo-:e of the first session of the new Parliament. A counter proposition was submitted : (1) That the Abolition of Provinces Bill come into operation forty days after the opening of the session; (2) thot this point being conceded the details of the Bill now before the House be fairly considered in Committee and settled without unreasonable opposition ; (3) that Provincial Councils do not meet again, and that departmental appropriations be provided for by an Act of the Assembly at the rates now voted until the close of m-xt session, theadministration already established being curried on ; (i) that from the present date no contracts for works upon which public money may become payable shall be entered into by auy Provincial Government without the consent of the Governor. The above proposition Ministers ■will recommend for adoption by the party. Mr Stafford proposed & motion that the meeting having learnt the result of the interview between the Government and Opposition and the opinions of tho Government thereon leave the final decision in the hands of the Government, upon the basis intimated by the Government. This was carried unanimously. For.yeight members were present and four absent.

It is understood the Government will agree that the Act do not operate until the end of next ses-ion, and it is believed the Opposition agree to the terms stated.

(Per Pi-ess Agency.)

At a meeting this morning of supporters of the Government it was agreed that the Abolition Bill should pass this session but not come into operation till after the meeting of the next Parliament.

It is left with Ministers to arrange on what day, but not later than the last day of next session. It is understood that the above will be accepted by the Opposition. A proposal "by tho Opposition that the Act should only come into operation after proclamation by the Governor at the request of the Legislative was rejected. The Government party are desirous to hare an agreement with the Opposition members that there shall be i:o further meeting of Provincial Councils, and that all Provincial expenditure shall only he with tho sanction of the Gtnoral Government.