POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 12 July 1880, Page 2

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

(by telegraph.) (from our own correspondent). Wellington, July 10. The Estimates are creating not a little excitement. The Government ar§ resisting strenuously all efforts at substantial reductions here' and there, by cutting away excrescences the outgrowth of ephemeral prosperity, but wish the House to leave them, to reduce all salaries and wages by 10 per cent, in accordance with the resolution of Mr. Saunders, which is understood to be also the Government's motion, in the Appropriation Bill. There is a strong feeling against the reductions of wages, which, while perpetrating an injustice on subordinates, will not relieve the departments of the expense of unnecessary official luxuries. The Government's position is strengthening as the session proceeds, and the majority servilely obey the beck and call of Ministers, and appear prepared to follow them into lobbies like sheep whatever may be the occasion. Mr. Seddon, however, objects to permitting the (Jovprnment to carry everything before them without entering his protest, and a few others are following his example, merely for the sake of entering their protests, for they know the case to be hopeless. The Opposition is virtually non-existent, and, as Mr. Reader Wood said, in that circumstance exists the strength of the Government. July 12. A deputation consisting of three members of Parliament and some Dunedin storekeepers waited on the Colonial Secretary on Saturday to urge that the bottle license system should be retained in the Licensing Bill, at any rate so far as Otago is concerned. It was urged that abuses of the system might be prevented by greater watchfulness and raising the fee from LlO to L3O so as to put the trade into the hands of respeqtable shopkeepers who would not abuse their privilege. Mr. Dick replied that the matter should receive the the consideration of the Ministry. It is scarcely likely, however, that the Bill will be altered in the direction desired. _ The Government intend . asking the House to confer on them the power to detain the Maori prisoners in custody for an indefinite period, as the 60 days expire on the 17th inst.- Manga or Rewi has offered to take the Maori prisoners and place, them at Waitara, being responsible for their goo<l conduct, but Mr. Bryce has refused to entertain the proposal, alleging that such "action would make a great man of Rewi., There will be strong : opposition in the House to the Government proposals, and; it is considered when the West poast report is (circulated that the Council will entertain them, 1

[KROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT^ Wellington July 12. The debate to be opened to-day on the Civil Service Commission's report is likely to last for some days. Both Mr. Conyers and Mr Lawson have many friends, who will stoutly defend them in what,may fairly be termed a debate on a want-of-confidence in the Railway Commissioners (Messrs. Conyers and Lawson). It is difficult to say when or in what manner it may end. The reports of the Local Industries and Native Commissions will be laid on the table during this week. It i 3 impossible to say when the Railway Commission will report. As yet only one Bill has actually passed both Houses of Parliament, and that is the Imprest Supply Bill. Three Bills have been thrown out—all in the TJpper House. There are n.ow nearly 100 Bills before Parliament in different stages, and a number of others are promised.