POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 25 August 1880, Page 2

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

(from our own correspondent. )

Wellington, August 22,

A swarm of financial Bills were distributed late on Saturday, amongst which are the Local Public Works and Beer Duty "Bills. she action of the Government in withholding all their financial measures till such a late stage cheated much dissatisfaction. There is ponsiderabl3 speculation as to what the end of next week will bring forth, Virtually the kernel of the Government's policy is con-, tained in the Bills just put into the hands of members, who, whilst anxious to return home,' feel it to be a somewhat difficult task to hastily crack the shell and digest the contents. Yet, the Premier has announced that it is the intention of the Government tp plpse the §essipn fit the end of the week. This announcement had the desired effect _on members who have set their minds upon returning home within a few days, and wjio are malying preparations accordingly. The advent of sr.cli a multitude of important Bills has, however, created a feeling of hesitation. 'The position is a difficult one. The Bills are distasteful. But to oppose them would entail the prolongation of the session by a month, whilst it is felt that if the Government remain in power, which seems inevitable, they must pass then?.. The ball is at the foot pf the Opposition, if they phaose to kick it, but, all things considered, they deem it is expedient to permit the Government to run their course; j udiciouslv putting on the brake when they feel they can do so without necessitating their taking charge of the State coach. The Government are daily becoming more unpopular in the House. Only those who cherish hopes of legislation personally favorable to themselves faithfully cling to them through gqod and pyil report. The West Coast Settlements Bill, which was originally drafted by Sir F. Dillon Bell with the object of carrying out the approved recommendations of the Native Commission, of which he was a member, but which was mutilated by the Government in order to carry out their own peculiar policy, drew forth some adverse criticism. The House expected a more liberal measure, and finding that it gave the Government unlimited arbitrary powers, Sir George Grey asked the Premier whether or not the Bill was presented to the House as prepared by Sir F. D. Bell. The Premier replied in the affirmative. But Sir F. D. Bell repudiates any desire to father the Bill in its present form. The Patptere question, too, Tjyill give the Government' trouble. Qn one side they have their duty to perform to the Colony, and on the other hand they are wedded to their supporters, unless they are' disposed to throw up the sponge. In reply to a question, Mr. Bryce said it was the intention of the Government to remove the proclamation y/hioh means that the speculators will immediately enter intp' possession of about 14300,000 acres of admittedly the finest land in the North at a few. shillings an acre. If the Government were not in a position to take possession of this country, upon which the Colony has paid LIS,OOO, the announcement of the Native Minister would not be so surprising ; but whilst they talk of abandoning Patetere, they announce their intention to complete the purchases of numerous other blocks which are not of sufficiently good quality $q excite the pupidity of the speculative ring. The improper payment to Dr. Pollen of a pension of LI4OO has ended in a reference of the- matter to the Public Accounts Committee, who will not unfortunately, be able to report this session. But it is understood that'thp investigation will terminate unfavorably to thp Government. These are the acts that operate so injuriously against the Government. The Local Public Works Bill will give effect to the principal proposals of the Government, and' pretends to supply a substitute for the subsidies to local bodies.

It is thought that the beer tax will be reduced to threepence. Considerable pressure is being brought on the Government .and members to effect these reductions! The Bill is a cumbrous one. It consists of ten pages, and embodies the stamp principle.. The Deceased Persons Estates Duties Bill proposes to materially increase the revenue hitherto derived from successions to- real personal estate. The Stamp Fee Bill readjusts the amounts hitherto collected under the Stamp Act, and imposes additional burthens, notably on the transfer of shares, which is fixed at 10s, The Property Assessment Act Amendment Bill specifies certain exemptions, including household furniture and personal effects in actual use, and amends and greatly simplifies the schedule of the original Act.