MR WITHY'S AMENDMENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1762, 12 July 1888, Page 2

MR WITHY'S AMENDMENT.

Telegraphing yesterday, the "Wellington correspondent of the Ashburton Guardian says:— "The Cabinet, it is said, had under consideration yesterday no less than three times Mr Withy's amendment, instructing the Government to save another £IOO,OOO, and as to the course which should be adopted respecting the amendment. It is said that Mr Withy was asked to withdraw it, but positively refused to do so, and an active " whip" on the question took place during the day, with the result that a majority of 18 against the amendment appeared certain if it were opposed by the Government. It was accordingly reso! ved last evening, I understand, that the amendment should be opposed. Several Ministers, however, favored the support of the amendment arid the matter was reconsidered during the supper adjournment, when, it is said, the decision come to earlier in the evening was confirmed, namely, that the amendment should be opposed. A rumor to a contrary effect was iu wide circulation during the evening. In the meantime, at any rate, the Government appear to have decided not to give the House an opportunity of discussing the amendment, as, I believe, it has been decided to first take the debate on' the Native Bills, which, if the second reading is agreed to, will be referred to a Select Committee."