THE Marlborough Express SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1868.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 138, 3 October 1868, Page 3

THE Marlborough Express

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1868.

•• Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to ?rgua freely according to conscience, above all other liberties.** —Milton.

The arrival of the Nelson Overland Mail last evening causes us to omit a considerable quantity of matter prepared for this issue, in order to place before our readers all that is known of the state of political affairs at Wellington.' ; ! . : Mr. C. Wilson’s amendment upon M‘Lean’s “•alarm”' resolution wafc,' “ That,the condition of the North Island required the enrolment of an efficient force of Constabulary, on the Irish system, for a definite period ” The division was ayes, 32, and noes, S2, when the Speaker: gave the casting vote with the Government. " ■ V “

. Mr. Eyes and Captain Kenny, notwithstanding the resolutions of the late meeting at Blenheim, voted with the Government.

The Opposition cheered loudly when the vote was declared.

Major Brown said the issue was not a fair one, and on Mr. Wilson’s amendment, that the condition of the North Island requires that an efficient constabulary force be organized, being put as a substantive resolution, Major Brown moved as an amendment, “ That the organization of the constabulary and the future management of native matters should not be left in the hands of the present Government.” Mr. H. S. Harrison (of Wanganui) walked out of the House and did not vote. Ayes, 31 ; Noes, 32. Government supporters cheered greatly. Another imprest Supply Bill, £36,000, introduced.

On Monday last it was believed the Opposition will cease on condition of the Government withdrawing their political bills, and Parliament being prorogued, possibly dissolved, on the 9th of October.

On Tuesday rumours were abroad that Mr. Stafford intended resigning, or at least dissolving Parliament.

Mr. Fox’s supporters held a meeting, at which the future action of the Party was determined upon. Mr. Stafford’s supporters met afterwards, and requested Ministers to hold on. The Ministerialists are said to he certain of a majority of four.