POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2561, 23 June 1882, Page 3

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

[By Telegraph.]

WELLINGTON, June 22,

A return bos been laid on the table of the House, showing the cost of the general election of December, 1881* The total cost of compilation of the electoral rolls was £8402 16j, and the cost of elections, £5812 8)10d: viz., European members, £4981 17s 6d ; cost of Maori elections, £B3O 11b 4i. Total, £9215 4s 10d. To-morrow’s sitting is likely to be o much more lively one than at first seemed probable,' seeing it vra« decided to go on with the estimates. In the first place Mr Seddon has given notice that on going into Committee of Supply he will then move a resolution in favor of the payment of members. He takes this course partly at the suggestion of Major Atkinson, who in answer to a question said the Government would not introduce a Bill providing for the payment of members, unless a resolution in its favor is passed by the House. Mr Seddon had withdrawn hie Payment of Members Bill, under the impression that the Government would bring in a Bill, but on the Hon. Major Atkinson’s suggestion ho decided to take the other course above indicated. This obviously will bring on discussion the whole question of payment of members. The second feature of interest about tomorrow’s sitting arises under the following circumstances: —It is understood that one of the decisions arrived at in yesterday’s Opposition caucus was to resist going into Committee of Supply until the whole of the Government’s financial policy is before them. I hear that this course will bo taken unless the Opposition leaders lose heart before, and this is not very improbable, for it is generally known that it the intention of the Opposition is persisted in, the Government will treat their action as a motion of want of confidence. The Ministerial whips have “counted noses” pretty closely, and are so satisfied that the Government would have a substantial maiority in case of a trial of strength just now, that the party are not only willing but anxious to try the question. If Mr Montgomery, as it is intended, shall oppose going into supply, a no confidence debate will immediately be precipitated. I shall not be at all surprised if, under these circumstances, the Opposition shirk the struggle at the last moment, as, if they go to a division, they will almost infallibly be beaten by a majority of eight or ten votes. With reference to Sir George Grey’s Bill to regulate the disposal of the pastoral lands of the Crown, which was not allowed to be introduced to-day owing to the necessity of the Crown’s assent being given to the introduction of a Bill affecting Crown lands, which assent was not forthcoming, I understand that on the nature of the Bill being explained to the Government the Premier has intimated his intention of advising his Excellency the Governor to assent to the introduction of the Bill. Sir G. Grey will accordingly proceed with it. The Bill provides for the sub division of runs, and their leasing at fixed rentals by ballot, and probably only to persons who have resided a minimum time in the colony, so as to avoid the runs being token np for speculative purposes by persons from the other colonies.