POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Patea Mail, 15 July 1880, Page 3

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

From our Wellington Correspondent. Wednesday Night. TRIAL OF PRISONERS. Mr Bryce states that the Maori prisoners are not to bo tried on the elate fixed in the Gazette, because it ia inexpedient to do so in the present condition of; affairs on the West Coast. DEBATE ON NATIVE AFFAIRS. I understand the final Report of Native Affairs Commission is to bo laid on the table before the House rises to-night. The debate will take place immediately upon the Government placing before the House some motion on the subject. The Opposition attach great interest to this matter, as involving the whole policy of native management. The reports received here from the Plains are rather disquieting, and make members anxious. EDUCATION POLICY. The Upper House discussed the Education question last evoni j, and a strong desire was expressed on both sides to have fees charged in schools, instead of the free system. ESTIMATES. Slow progress is making with the discussion and voting of estimates. Reductions of 10 per cent, are being made on the votes passed. An increase of Maori representation is asked for. Tomoana wants the Government ro bring in a bill for giving a larger proportionate representation to the native population. A petition (rom Invercargill prays for the Education Act to be amended in the direction of religious liberty. The House had a good laugh the otehr day. Mr Lundon said the Opposition had held a caucus the previous day, and and decided to support any reasonable proposal, even if brought forward by the greatest morepork in the House. (Laughter.) “ And that is why,” continued Mr Lundon, “ I support the proposal of the hon. member for Waiteraata.” Mr Reader Wood did not join in the laugh that followed.

MR. SHEEAN’S ABSENCE. Mr. Shecan, M. H. 11., did not arrive to-day notwithstanding that his intention to come was so very ostentatiously announced, Various speculations arc rife as to the real reason of his continued absence. It is needless at present to particularise the theories too minutely, but we may say that they arc not unconnected with some recent disclosures made by Mr. Bryce as to the conduct of native affairs under the late Ministry, and with certain revelations rumoured to be pending in the final report of the West Coast Native Commission. Whatever doubt there may be as to Mr. Sheean’s true reason for neglecting

his public duties, there is no doubt at all about one thing—that his continued absence is operating most injuriously towards his own reputation, is seriously damaging their party, still more his late Ministerial colleagues, and is gradually giving form and shape to rumors of a very undesirable nature. As cx-Native Minister Mr. Sheehan certainly ought to be present when his administration and conduct arc being so severely criticised, and by his failure to attend ho is treating Parliament and the country with gross disrespect, if not with direct contempt. We hope that some member will call the immediate attention of the House to this matter.— Font.

MR CONYERS’ VINDICATION. Nothing could more conclusively prove the justice of the views which we have held from the first regarding “ Government by Royal Commissions” than Mr Conyers leply to the elaborate charges against his management, which formed the principal portion of the Civil Service Commissioners’ report. It is not too much to say that Mr Conyers completely demolishes the Commissioners. It is not the more ability and force of his vindication that strikes one most —ablo and forcible though it be—as the thoroughness of his refutation and the irrcsistable logic of the facts which he adduces. These facts were perfectly well known to all who had any personal or practical acquaintance with the working of our railway system. — Post. There must be a vast deal of difference between political and private finance, if Major Atkinson's ideas on the former are correct. In his speech during the no-confi-dence debate he asserted that “ the postponement of liabilities is perfectly legitimate.” This is, doubtless, thought to be the case by many individuals, whose chief characteristic is impecuniosity ; but longsuffering creditors probably hold a totally different opinion on the subject. The records of the Magistrate’s Court are sufficient to prove this, and in no instance will it bo found that magistrates, in dealing with private debts, endorse the peculiar view taken by the Colonial Treasurer. —Post.