POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2494, 17 June 1884, Page 2

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

ADVICE OF THE MINISTRY TO DISSOLVE PARLIAMENT. [From our own Correspondent.] Wellington, June 17, 3.38 p.m. The Ministry has tendered advice to his Excellency to dissolve. His Excellency has granted them a dissolution. The Government hoped to prorogue Parliament on Tuesday next, and would ask for supplies until the end of August. The Parliamentary correspondent of the Christchnrch Press, telegraphed from Wellington on Friday morning last as follows :—" In regard to the political situation the latest to be said is that the Government have as yet made no public announcement of their intentions. At present nothing has been decided. It is understood that a meeting of the Cabinet will be held tomorrow to consider the position, and that Ministers will consult their supporters on Saturday. On Tuesday it is expected they will acquaint the House with the decision they have come to. The decision on Mr Sutton's motion to-night of course greatly facilitated their resignation, should that be deemed the most advantageous course to adopt. Should they resign, there seems little reason to doubt that Sir G. Grey, if sent for—as seems most likely would form a Ministry. If defeated, as in all probability he would be, he would claim a dissolution. If this were granted, he would go to the country with the advantages offered by the possession of the facilities and privileges incidental to the office. His supporters declare that Sir George would not accept office, but with the significant qualification unless it should be the wish of a caucus. It is reported to-night that several of the so-called " Middle Party " in the Opposition are incensed at the manner in which Sir George Grey assumed the absolute leadership throughout his speech this evening."

The Government "whips" are Messrs G. Beetham and .Fulton.

The full title of Sir George Grey's Bill to compel journalists to sign their articles is, " A Bill to protect in certain cases the interests of Writers for the Press." Among the other measures which Sir George Grey has on haud are, " A Bill to Abolish the Postage Rate on Newspapers Printed within the Colony," " A Bill to Substitute Affirmations in Lieu of Oaths," « A Bill to Regulate the Admission of Persons to Practice in the Courts of Law, &c," " A Bill to Declare that Needlework may be be deemed and taken to be a Work of Art within the meaning of the 20th section of the Gaming and Lotteries Act."