POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2570, 3 July 1882, Page 3

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

[Hr Telegraph.] [PROM THE “PRESS.”] WELLINGTON, Juno 30. After the spending the night in a dreary debate on the Pensions Bill and Protection of Telegrams Bill, tho House adjourned between 3 and 4 a.m. A great crowd of members of both Houses left at mid-day by the steamers Hincraoa and Panguin for Lyttelton. Parliament dees not resume until next Wednesday evening at 7.30 I hear, however, on what seems pretty safe authority, that a strenuous effort will be made at an early date to defeat tho Government on one of their measures, but I greatly doubt its proving successful. Among the first business of the Legislative Council at its next sitting will come up the following question, of which notice has been given by Sir Q-. Whitmore : —“ Whether tho Government propose to adopt tho report and carry out the reoommendatior s of the Board of Officers appointed to inquire into the Volunteer organization of the colony, and whether it is proposed to afford the Council an opportunity to consider that report, and, if so, when.” The same gentleman will ask for the Secretary of State’s dispatch to tho Government which led to the sinking fund on tho £BOO,OOO of Imperial guaranteed deben. tures being increased, as mentioned by Major Atkinson in his financial statement.

The question of our colonial defences is exciting fresh interest in view of the recent menacing news from Home, and the subject is to bo brought up itrthe Legislative Council next week. Tho Hon. Mr Chamberlain has given notice that ho will ask the Government —l. If the Government are in possession of any torpedoes for defensive -purposes. 2. Have they token measures to form or encourage any torpedo services, and it not have they any intention of doing so and when. 3. Will they inform the Council as early as possible what measures have been or are about to be taken to prevent any possible raid being made by any privateers upon the towns of the colony.