VICTORIAN POLITICS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2762, 12 January 1895, Page 3

VICTORIAN POLITICS.

Melbourne, Jan. 9. The hostility of the Legislative Council towards the Land Tax continues. In the Legislative Assembly last night, after securing a reduction in the sum appropriated for the payment of Ministers from £15,000 to £10,400, the Premier moved the second reading of a bill to reduce the payment of members from £270 per annum to £2OO. Mr Hancock protested against the Bill, holding that it was a concession to the screechers, and said that the impression abroad was that it was the outcome of an attempt to abolish payment of members altogether. The second reading of the Bill was carried on a division by 60 to 20. lu committee on the measure a crisis was precipitated at the late hour last night. Mr Patterson moved to reduce the amount of the honorarium from £270 to £250, instead of £2OO, as prophesied in the Bill. This amendment was negatived, whereupon Mr Hancock moved a reduction of one shilling on the amounts suggest d by Mr Patterson. Mr Murray moved to report progress, and the Government opposed the motion, but on a division, the labor members, who had hotly opposed the reduction, joined forces with the Opposition party, the result being the defeat t.f the Government by eight votes- The Premier then moved the adjournment of the House stating, that the Government had jost control of the business, and would like time to consider their action. This was agreed to, aud the House adjourned tjll Thursday. The Premier’s statement is taken to imply resignation.

RIFLE SHOOTING. The Temuka Rifles fired their third competition for the New Zealand Rifle Association’s bronze medal on Thursday afternoon. The best scores made are given below. 8 200 500 yds. yds. Tl. Private G. Phillips ... 27 25 52 Lieut. Whiteherd ... 30 22 52 Sergt. Hobbs 22 26 48 Private Chapman ... 24 21 45 Private G. Collins ... 24 18 42 Corporal Sim ... ... 21 29 40 The leading scores for the medal now are: Lieutenant Whitehead 144, Sergeant Hobbs 138, Sergeant'Levens, Privates G. Phillips and Chapman 132 each, Private G. Collins 125, Corporals Sim and Nicholas 121 each; but as there is one more match to fire, and the conditions are the best aggregate of three out of four scores, the positions may be very much altered. The final competition is to be fired on Thursday next, 17th inst. Much interest is being taken in this match.