TELEGRAMS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 958, 6 July 1881, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

(from our own correspondents). Wellington, July 4. It is officially announced that the Financial Statement will not be delivered until Wednesdav, probably Thursday, as the returns required from several departments are not prepared ; but it is rumored the real reasen is that the Government are not unanimous as to the basis of alterations to be made in the County system, and nothing definite can be done until the return of the Colonial Secretary from Dunedin.

The second reading of the new Local Government Bill will be proposed by Major Atkinson on the evening following the Statement. A caucus of Government supporters was held on Saturday last, the business was to impress on members the necessity of giving more loyal support to their party so as to avoid defeat. Wakefield expressed himself prepared to support Government sentiments, but no resolution was arrived at. Several members stated that while t ley are prepared to support the Government on matters involving a Want of Confidence, they would continue to act independently on other questions. The Government propose to reimpose the Property Tax, and it is rumored that a revision of the Customs tariff will be proposed. Gn Friday last it was agreed that elections take place throughout the Colony on the same day, but a proposal to have written nominations instead of hustings was negatived. Tuesday, July 5. To-day Sir George Grey gave notice that he would ask leave to-morrow to introduce a Bill to provide that at general elections each elector shall only exercise one vote. Sir George Grey moved, without notice, that the papers relating to Dr Pollen’s pension be again laid on the table of the House. In doing so, he complained of their removal, as he considered they were public property. Discussion on the Committees report on the pension is fixed for Thursday. The House is dull. The Postmaster General moved the second reading of the Corrupt Practices Bill ; the alterations proposed prevent persons from acting as agents, or scrutineers ; for exercising franchise, and punishments for personation &c. The Bill was favorably received. The House is now in Committee on the Regulation of Electors Bill. The Dunedin members are expected to return to-morrow. The Financial Statement will be delivered on Thurslry. Friday will be devoted to private business, and new local Government Bills, one to be introduced by Major Atkinson, on Tuesday. Whitelaw’s trial for ill treatment of a lunatic patient will be heard before a special jury on Monday next. A circular was issued on Saturday last to the various heads of departments, instructing them to prepare salary estimates on a scale reduced by 10 per cent., that order was, however, afterwards cancelled.