Political Items.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 26, 29 June 1885, Page 2

Political Items.

The question of Freetrade v. Protection is after all to be fought out on the floor of the Houße this session. Many •think effect will be given to the alterations m the Customs tariff. The following analysis was made of the . condition of the House respecting Freetrade; and Protection at an informal meeting of the Freetraders on Saturday : — Freetraders, 12; Protectionists, 30; doubtful, 80 including vacant seats. Mr F\iUon evidently with a desire to check the \ tendency of members to ask for useless returns, has given notice to .'move that; every return presented should :<be eriflorse'd with the cost of preparation, •and when a return is granted the miin,.ber ; of copies and cost of production : and m capital letters the name of the momb'er asking for such return. The intention of Mr Fulton is well meant, but it is doubtful if it will do much good to eradicate a bad habit. The Hawke's Bay Herald special writes : — The financial proposals of the Government are not likely after all to cause so much trouble as was at first anticipated, as I understand that when the bill embodying the new tar if! is brought down each item will be put seperately. Members can then move to strike out any objectionable portions they may think fit, and Ministers will not oppose this course. The increased duty will be certain to be taken on tea off,. as several members- fire ready to move m that direction. The ..extra duty of Od per gallon on spirits is not likely to be interfered with, as it amonnts to only £13,000 for the whole colony. Several otlior items, however, will bo .^struck out of the tariff, which the Trea- . .miior statod was. not to be considered of ,a.c*ast iron 4hafaißter Tf ; „ • ;; ; .