POLITICAL NEWS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1661, 18 March 1886, Page 4

POLITICAL NEWS.

A THREATENED SPLIT IN THE CABINET. THE PREMIER DECIDES FOR A MODERATE BORROWING POLICY, ;■'. . ; [Correspondent of Auckland Heratd[. As, most of the Ministers are now m Wellingtoa, and the time approaches for the meeting of Parliament, there is much speculation on the momentous point of what' the policy is to be. I do not sup pose that anything definite will be resolved on for a few days, for a full Gabiriot meeting 'cannot' be held till the return of Mr T Tole from Auckland. Brit Ministers are cogitating onfche subject, and the rumour has got abroad that there is a considerable divergence of opinion amongst the most powerful forces m the Government — the Premier and the Colo iiial Treasurer. ; . I is stated that Mr Stout has carefully considered the whole subject, and cannot see that it would be safe or rjrudent to embark m a large policy of public works with the idea of relieving the depression. He is willing, it is said, to ask Parliament for leave to borrow three, millions, to be spent at the rate of one million per annum. It is said,, indeed, that Mr Stout is determined that the Government will not exceed this demand, so that' if the Colonial Treasurer dissents he will have to leave the Cabinet. Mr Ballance, I understand, is thoroughly with the Premier on this subject.