POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2615, 24 August 1882, Page 3

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

LBy Tolbqkaph.j

[from THE " PRESS.”J WELLINGTON, August 23. I hear that the Select Committee appointed on tho motion of Major Atkinson, to consider the question of special taxation towards making np any deficiency in the working expenses or interest on the New Zealand railways, are very seriously discussing a motion by Mr J. Evans Brown, to the effect that the whole colony should be divided into “ railway districts,” and that a special tax should bo levied iu each district on the capital value cf the land benefited by railways within their district, sufficient to reconp the colony the deficiency arising through any difference between the net earnings of tbe railways and tho interest on their cost. I am informed that the Ministerial members of tho committee are adverse to this proposal, and are preparing a counter suggestion, which will probably be moved at the next sitting of the committee, the purport being that any deficiency thus arising as between railway net profits and interest due on the construction cost should be met by a proportionate increase in the property tax It is believed that the opinion of the committee is very evenly balanced on the question at issue, and it is not at all improbable that the matter may tend to prolong the session considerably, while also leading to extensive modifications in the relative strength and constitution cf parties, which may result in some formidable complications end ulterior consequences. It is stated that some members of the House of Bepresentativcs have been canvassed as to their views in regard to the proposed abolition of triennial Parliaments. It is said that about fifty have expressed themselves in favor of that course.

It is understood that Mr Dargavilla will move for a recommittal of the North Island Main Trunk Bail way Loan Bill, with a view of securing the elimination of the proviso postponing the raising of the loan until the ine of route shall have been surveyed and approved by Parliament. The Wairarapa Natives have hold a meeting, at which they protested against tbe passing of the Native Besorves and Grown and Native Lands Hating Bills. In a sort of manifesto issued by them the Natives state they “ are going to send delegates to all the Native tribes of New Zealand to petition the Government to have the Bills thrown out. We will resist them to the death whatever the consequences may bo.” The House of Bepresentativcs have boen in oommitteo all day on the Native Besorves Bill, which bids fair to occupy best Jpart of the night.