WELLINGTON.

Southland Times, Issue 703, 31 July 1867, Page 3

WELLINGTON.

(PEOM OT7B OWN COBBESPONDENT.) The general tone and feeling of both Houses of Parliament, so undetermined and undecided at the begining of the Session, and a few days ago very much inclined to waver on main points of the policy expected to be disclosed by the Ministry, has at last pretty well settled down to a more steady and recognised line of opinion? The defeat suffered by the opposition on the amendment proposed by Mr Stafford to Mr Vogel's motion, on the Otago Goldfield's delegation powers, had certainly a tendency* to prejudice moderate men against the present administration. The small majority obtain by G-overnment in what might hardly be called a fair contest, the political quibble implied by the substitution of the words " Executive Councils" for the word "Superintendents," generated i a certain feeling of distrust among j J thinking men of disinterested veiws, mas!- -! much as Mr Stafford had emphatically declared before the commencement of the debate, that should the opposition wish to consider a question of such a personal nature, as that involving the analysis of Mr M* Andrew's antecedents, a ministerial one, the Executive would stand or fall by the expression of opinion that the House would give, on the expediency of the course they had taken at the outset of the Otago difficulty. However, at a private meeting of those members whom he thought had not pledged themselves to any ultra views, on any question likely to be brought before the House this Bession, Mr Stafford enunciated with such frankness and lucidity, some of the outlines ofthe general policy himself and colleagus intended to- bring before the country, and so satisfactorily explained the motives that had compelled them to take the stand they had assumed on the delegated powers question, that the majority of the men in attendance, representing more than one half of the members then in Wellington, recived most favorably the various statements made by Ministers; the general feeling being that the views held by tbe Premier could not possibly be construed by either Provincialists or advocates of Central Government as leaving in. any way on [their mind, any impression that such views might prove distructive to the Colonial Instutions, or create such feeling of alarm among supporters of Provincialism, as that so vivaciously expressed and circulated of late, Little or no business of any importance has really been done as yet by Parliament. The main issues of the day will first have to be settled before the real work of the session begins. The opposition has assumed the status it intends acknowledging, and henceforth may be recognised as representing ; Provincialism. The trends of that much j abused institution held a private me-ting at the Club a few days ago, and ulra opinions of a most decided tone and import were variously discussed and suggested as to the most desirable and expedient course to pursue in order to prevent the forthcoming events, which to them appeared to loom unplesantly and discernibly at no great distance, from irretrievaibly sapping the foundations of Provincialism. The result ofthe meeting was produced yesterday in the shape of a notice of motion for this evening tabled by Mr. Yogel, the purport of which is to give entire control to each individual Province over Native affairs within its own boundaries, and to cause the Native financial position of the two Islands, in connection therewith, to be clearly understood with a view to an equitable adjustment. Although it is most improbable that the G-eneral G-overnment would consent to see the management of Native affairs pass into the hands of Provincial Executives, and thereby increase their powers to an extent not contemplated by the framers of the Constitution Act, still there are a number of well-in-formed men who will assert that the Government will not oppose the measure, if modified in such way as to ensure its effective financial operation. The various Superintendents of -Provinces will doubtless move, and unite to further the proposed change ; although I am inclined to think that the Superintendent of Hawke's Bay, Mr M'Lean, a shrewd man, who is considered one of the best native agents the Colony possesses., will probably adhere on all leading questions to the side of Government. On the 18th inst MrEeynolds's motion on " Vote by Ballot," caused some unimportant discussion ; the usual arguments being brought forward on either side that we hear almost every session. The motion was ultimately withdrawn. Capt Cracroft "Wilson, C. 8., with his habitual pomposity of expression and dictatorial manner of forcing his opinions upon the House, proposed in the Committee, "That the amount of Honorarium to be paid for this Session to any member, do not exceed £50, and that for the future such payment be done away with". In supporting the resolution, the honorable member made tbe most of the economical views he so often dolefully advocates, particularly on matters of no moment, and which gained him, on a former occasion, at the hands of Mr. Borlase, a member for Wellington, the appellation of a " Cassandra in trousers" at which remark the gallent officer looked greatly indignant. The resolution proved most unpalatable to the House, and was ' negatived by a large majority. A rather important measure, tbe "Medical Practitioners" Bill, the necessity of which has long been felt in all parts of the Colony, met with some opposition, entirely based on party feelings and political grounds ; it being agreed by some Ultra Provincialises that the matters legislated upon by the Lower House was one of those over which the Central Government should not possess any control, as wholly apertaining to Provincial administration. The question ofthe hour — the management of Native — will come on for discussion tonight, and should Government come out successful on this isgue, only one aweewioua obaWe, tha (( Sto Cow-

bub" Bill will stand in their way. It is expected that the passing of that measure be it ever so modifed, as to suit the various opinions held on the subject, will prove a most formidable difficulty, and most likely will be abandoned, should the Ministry teel themselves necessated to make it a ministerial question.