POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2604, 11 August 1882, Page 3

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

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£»BOM THE “ PBKBS.”j WELLINGTON, August 10. The political situation to-day, if altered at all since yesterday, is only changed in tho way of greater consolidation and augmentation of Ministerial strength. The Opposition now admit that they are in a minority of four, but the Government whips calculated the Ministerial majority at six or eight, at least with considerable chance of being much larger. The debate has already revealed considerable dissension among the Opposition. Mr Muss in his speech to-day distinctly refused to declare himself on either side until he had some definite expression on the part of the Opposition as to their views with respect to borrowing. He taunted Mr Maoandrew and Mr Montgomery with walking out of the House to avoid voting when he brought on this issue before it. It is known that the Auckland members of tho Opposition are very uneasy as to the effect of their opposing the North Island Bail way Loan Bill, and that some are growing excessively nervous as to the consequences of their action. This may yet lead to some modification in the relative strength of the sides before tho division is taken.

There was a sharp wrangle thia morning juat before the House rote, and after the motion for adjournment had been carried, though before the date of the reanmption of the debate waa fixed. Tho time proposed waa 2.30 p.m. to-day, but Thursday being the only remaining private membera’ day, Mr Hutohiaon moved that the debate be adjourned till Friday, so aa not to interfere with private business. The Colonial Treasurer expressed his unbounded astonishment at the suggestion that private measures be considered in preference to a question of tuoh vital importance aa whether the Ministry were capable of honestly and judiciously administering tho affairs of the country. The Opposition, be said, must be bringing down this no-confidence motion aa a joke after all, or they could not seriously make snob a suggestion, He hoped the subject would be thoroughly debated, aa the Government courted the fullest investigation and criticism. Mr Holmes did not think it was worthy of the Colonial Treasurer tc sneer at private Bills, which were the only important measures that had been submitted this session. Mr Fish pitched into the Ministerial supporters, for which he was taken to task by Colonel Trimble, who accused him ef ostentatiously proclaiming bis independence “ so long as be thought he could get anything.” Mr Fish protesting, Colonel Trimble said he would explain, but, on second thoughts, withdrew the words, remarking that any explanation he would give would be “ very unsatisfactory to the hon. gentleman.” The debate at this stage collapsed, and it was agreed to resume it this afternoon. The discussion was not very lively until 9 p m., when Mr Fish rose, and proceeded to deliver a trenchant onslaught on the Government and their supporters. Tho House has just risen (10.30 p.m.) for supper, and Ur Fish intimates bis intention to speak at least another half-hour. All the galleries were crowded to excess, and there are no symptoms of any flagging in the public interest, Ido not think there is the slightest chance of a division to night, notwithstanding all the talk about shortening the debate.

Mr Peacock has given notice of his intention to ask the Premier if the Government will make regulations to fix the maximum load line in salt water to which ships could load, as provided in clause 228 of the Shipping and Seamen’s Act, and appoint an officer in each port to enforce the regulation. There are no petitions or papers of any general interest to-day. The Opposition leaders are evidently in a position of no little embarrassment, owing to the variety of opinions entertained on their side as to the advisability of further borrowing. They see that their only chance of securing the anti-members of Ministerial party lies in declaring absolutely against more borrowing, yet if they do this they are beginning to see they still run serious risk of not secnrir.g the votes after all, while if they commit themselves to taking the pledge of total abstinence from fresh borrowing, they will lose many Southern votes. The Otago members, at any rate, would not relish losing the Otago Central railway, or seeing its continuation postponed indefinitely, so there is considerable and increasing pressure being brought to bear by tho constituencies or their representatives not to sacrifice their interests to merely considerations of party or faction. I bear the Auckland people are beginning to stir up their members for obstructing the North Island Loan Bill. Tho articles from the Auckland press have been telegraphed to the Wellington papers and republished, and have produced a good deal of effect.