Political Gossip.

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 535, 19 June 1880, Page 2

Political Gossip.

Prom our Wellington Correspondent. (By Telegraph.) Wellington, Fridaj' Night. The subject of £3OO paid to Mr Rees last session, under an arrangement with the late Government, turned up yesterday in consequence of a question from Sir W. Fox. The Premier replied that the question was surrounded with special difficulties, and that he would be glad if Sir W. Fox would renew the question on Tuesday next. The Colonial Treasurer states that the Government have had under consideration how to secure a more effective audit of the accounts of local bodies. The person who obtained £IOOO from the Treasury by means of a fraudulent voucher purporting to be signed by three natives interested in land at Waimate is stillm-the service of • the Government. The Native Minister said the facts became known to him only eight days before the session, and would not have come to his knowledge but for the West Coast Commission. The Government will determine what steps shall be taken to punish the officer in question.

The debase on the no-confidence motion was resinned this afternoon by Mr Moss, wlio last night moved the adjournment. Mr Ballanco intends, I am told, to open the evening sitting, and will probabhmake a lengthy speech, in which he is expected to severely criticise the financial proposals and past administration of the Government.

The Counties Act Amendment Bill, introduced by Government, extends the meaning of the expression “public works,” making it include works for purposes of water supply, irrigation, and drainage ; and also empowers County Councils to make bye-laws regulating the weight of loads carried on roads. It provides for bringing pounds under the Act, and also for merging districts in one another, apportioning their liabilities. It empowers Counties to lease ferries and reserves, without auction or tender; also to contract for building bridges, and collecting tolls. Several adjoining counties arc permitted to unite in such contracts to construct tramways and make regulations for their management. Lastly, the bill repeals section 29 Public Works Act, 1878. Colonel Trimble, Chairman of Native Affairs Committee, brought up various reports this afternoon, and they were ordered to bo laid on the table.