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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4519, 14 September 1875, Page 2

Up to the present hour no compromise has been effected between the Government and the Opposition. As wo intimated in our last issue, negotiations were resumed yesterday, but nothing definite has been settled. The Government stated what they were prepared to concede, namely, that the Act abolishing the provinces should como into force forty days after the meeting of the new Parliament. This would have the effect of absolutely determining the question this session, because forty days would not be sufficient to pass a repealing Bill, opposed as it would certainly be in the House of Representatives, even were there no constitutional check in the Legislative Council. The Opposition, on receiving this proposal made a counter offer, departing somewhat from the terms of their amended one, as published by us yesterday. They were prepared to accept a compromise on tho understanding that the Abolition of Pro vinces Bill should come into force by proclamation of the Governor, subsequent to tho first session of the new Parliament. This proposal differs somewhat, as we have said, from the previous offer of the Opposition, but substantially it leaves the ultimate decision with the people. Should a majority be returned to the House of Representatives favorable to provincial institutions, they would choose their own Government, by whose advice the Governor would be bound to act. In this way time would be gained, aiid ultimate success might very greatly depend upon a shuffling of the political cards. The Government rejected this proposal; and the leaders of the Opposition stated that they must consult their party before acceding to the terms offered by Ministers. Accordingly, a caucus has been summoned for this day, at which the question will be considered by the Opposition. The Government supporters have likewise been asked to meet at eleven o’clock this forenoon, when they will be invited to endorse what has been done by Ministers. And so tho matter stands at present. Tho result of these meetings is looked forward to with great interest, because a solution of the difficulty is only possible through the exercise of great forbearance and moderation on both sides. The country is weary of the struggle. It is getting uneasy on finance, and anything which distracts the attention of the Legislature from this all important subject is to bo deprecated. In conclusion, we can only express a hope that on the reassembling of the House to-day all the irritation which existed up to Friday night will have disappeared, and that members will settle down to work in an amicable spirit.