POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2593, 29 July 1882, Page 3

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

[PBOM THE "PBBSB."] WELLINGTON, July 28. To-day'a sitting has been noteworthy for the disposal of the most serious stumbling block in the Ministers" way—the Native Reserves Bill. You may remember I explained reoently that through the absence of a sufficiently distinct statement on the part of the Government that the Bill must be taken

as a Ministerial question only, several Government supporters exercised the right of independent judgment in a covert manner, even moving that the Bill be read that day sis months. I also predicted that the Bill would pees its second reading if a call were made on the party, but not otherwise. The event has coaie out as I forecast. The events which eupervrnsd since the debate was adjourned—more than a month ago—impelled the Government to take a firm stand on the question, and having demonstrated their strength by the reoent defeats of the Opposition aid forcing through supply, it was determined to take the Native Reserves Bill to day, and to call on the party to rally in its support. The result was that, at 9 o'clock tonight the division was taken, asd gave the Ministers a majority of 6, the only Ministerialist voting with the noes being Mr Stevens, of Racgitikei, who holds very strong opinions on the question. This was another signal triumph for the Government, and proved their ordinary majority to be eight at least. Meters Pilliet and J. Buchanan (Napier) both voted with Ministers. Another struggle, but a brief one, took place on the Laastholders Qualification Bill, which Sir George Grey, although formerly a warm supporter of similar measures, now turned round against it and strenuously opposed. A still more signal defeat for him and his side was the upshot, Ministers securing an overwhelming majority. Today's events have apparently given the coup de grace to the Opposition for this session. Bir Geor;e Grey's Bill for the Imposition of the Land Tax in lieu of Property Tax and Customs was ruled out of order by the Speaker, on the ground that the coneent of the Grown was necessary before private members could introduce a taxing Bill. Sir George Grey looked daggers, and struggled hard ; but the Speaker stood firm, and 1 e Bill was not allowed to be introduced. The House wont into oommitteo on various Oon-

tolidation Bills, which occupied the rest of the night.