THE TWO CAUCUSES.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume II, Issue 136, 9 July 1880, Page 3

THE TWO CAUCUSES.

(From the Pont.) Both political parties held meetings at 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon, in the Parliamentary Buildings, and each meeting lasted nearly two hours. The Government caucus was attended by about 40 members, the remainder of the party being “ accounted for.” A good deal of reticence has been observed by members who were present as to the character of the discussion which took place, but we understand that the Government proposed to make very extensive reductions cn the Flstimates, provided they were cordially supported by the House in doing so. We believe that the reductions agreed to at the caucus will amount in the aggregate to about L 170,000. This seemed to meet the views of membeis generally, including those who had spoken the most strongly in favor of cutting down the expenditure. Mr Ormond was not present yesterday, but he was at the Saturday’s meeting, and is said to be satisfied with the Government prognosis. Mr Reader Wood lias not attended any caucuses this session—notwithstanding the assertion of a veracious journal that he had “ some sharp passages at arms with Major Atkinson ” at the previous caucus—and was not present yesterday, but it was understood that he accepts the proposed reductions. Mr Saunders, the third »f the trio who, during the No C'onfidenc; debate, so strongly attacked the Government estimates, that they were reported to be the leaders of a new party —was present, and, we believe, signified bis approval of the Ministerial proposals, as did also the rest of the members who attended the caucus. Considerable discussion took place as to the details of the reductions. We hear that a strong opinion was expressed in favor of a material reduction in the votes for volunteering, defence, and education. There was some difference of opinion as to the retention of Hansard but the majority seemed to regard it as an

extravagance which the Colony could not afford under existing circumstances. It is said that the total reduction of £170,000 will be pretty equally divided between salaries atul services. An understanding was arrived at that Ministers should he cordially suppoited in carrying through the policy of retrenchment which had been sketched out.

'l'he Opposition caucus, which was held at the same hour in another room of the building, was attended by 30 members, four others being described as “ accounted for. - ’ Mr Macandrew presided. Much discussion took place as to the Estimates, and various suggestions'were made, tho prevalent opin' ion being that reductions to the extent of about 1,200,000, or at least LI 75,003, ought to he insisted on, and if this were agreed to by the Government, they should lie supported in their action. After a good deal of discussion as to tho various items of the Estimates, Mr Do Latour proposed and Mr J. B. Fisher seconded the following resolution :—“ That this meeting will support any proposal for the decrease of expenditure which will ensure both a substantial reduction of salaries paid to the members of the Civil Service, and diminution of its numbers consistent with the public interest; and is determined to support all efforts which will lead to the geneial economy of Government.” This was carried, and the meeting then adjourned.