WELLINGTON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 13, 7 October 1879, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

[VROM OUll OWN CORRESPONDENT.] GOLD MSCOVEUY IN WAIRAHAI'A. Tho dwellers in the Valley, and many others on this side of the hill, too, have run newly mad with excitement on account of some finds of gold in the ranges. Some of the stone sent to the Thames for analysis turned out pretty well, and considerable prospecting is now going on. I understand that the discoverer of a payable gold field obtains the neat little bonus of A' 5,000, so that a good thing is possibly in store for some one. Mr Seddon, a gold fields member, is (o ask in the House whether it is the intention of the Government to cpen a Warden's office, and appoint a Warden for the Wairarapa District, so you see that the matter is attracting- attention even in the high places of the land. REPRESENTATION BILL. If a'l I hear is true, the new bill for securing a redistribution of seats is likely to prove rather disappointing to some constituencies. lam told that its principal provisions will be the appointment of a Bonrd endowed with full power to alter and redistribute the representation, and a'so to I amend the boundaries of electoral districts \ from time to time, as may be necessary j I the districts to be so arranged that as far us possible, ear;h shall return but one member — the membership to be one for every 6^oo of the population in towns, tind one for every 5000 of the population in country districts. So long as constituencies return more than one member, and the number to be returned has to bo determined by the House, so long will log-rolling prevail ; but once the representation is placed in the hands of a properly-constituted Board, asting on clearly-defined principles, more substantial justice is likely to be done. THU POLITICAL CRISIS. The debate on tho Address in Reply, and Mr Hall's amendment thereto, is still proceeding ; though it is a much tamer debate than no-confidence discussions are generully [ wont to be. The division will probably take place to-night, when it is expected the Government will be beaten by a majority of about four. Should it end in this hap, y manner, there will still bo much doubt as to the course events will take For instance, it is H.i id by some that Sir George Grey will advise his Excellency to send for Mr Mac undrew, and entrust him with the formation of a Ministry. By acting: in this manner, Sir George would still be keeping the reins of power in the hands of his own party, though more moderate men would guide the affairs of the State ; still if he has the good of his party at heart, he would of course prefer to see more moderate men of that party in office, rather than an absolute change of power to the opposite side of the House Should this be done, Mr She han would probably 6hare the fate of the Premier, and be relegated to the position of a private member ; and Messrs Bal lance and Montgomery would probably take their places in the Cabinet, though _ not necessarily to hold the same portfolios A Government thus constituted would command a good majority, and tho business of the country might then be proceeded with. GOVERNMENT ELECTIONEERING. During the late elections the Premier worked the Hinemoa so hard, when on his stumping tour, as to completely cripple her. Stories also reach us of free special trains being placed at the disposal of the supporters of sercain candidates ; while the Whit-more-cum-Ingles telegram ie still strong in our memories. In connection with these little matters, Mr Saundera is going to move for a Select Committe to inquire into and rtporfc upon tho usu alleged to have been made by the Government steamers and railways, and of the electric telegraph, for tho purpose of influencing the late elections. Poesibly a grateful country may have an opportunity of learning how the great Liber.il minds of the period work these little things. HANKING ARRANGEMENTS. The Bank of New Zealand is not satisfied with the terms on which it holds the Go • vernment account, and haß accordingly given the Government notice lo terminate the arrangement. This banking business is a delicate matter and should be dealt with by the ablest financiers the House can boast of. Seeing this. Mr W. Johnston has given notice that he will move for a select committee to enquire into the mutter, and as his committee is composed of some of the best and most experienced men in the House, it ia to be hoped that a satisfactory solution of the difficulty will be arrived at.