WELLINGTON.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2884, 14 May 1878, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

Monday.

A Gazette issued to-day further pro* rogues the General Assembly from the 23rd instant to the 15th of June. The Singapore cable is Working inter, mittently, and ths Tasmauian cable is interrupted. Government have telegraphed home for eight 64 pounders, to be stationed at Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland. ' Mr. Wiggins, head of the stamp department here, has received three months' leave, with a view to his removal then, in consequence of a reduction in the department. Others will have to leave.

This day

Mr Ballance last night addressed his constituents at Marton explaining at considerable length bis reason for abandoning the] Atkinson party. Keferring to the Education Act he said he believed the Government intended to place a hundred thousand pounds for the erection of school buildings. The reason Sir George Grey, was brought into power was that he commanded the allegiance of the Auckland party, the largest section in the House At the time of carrying Mr Larnach's motion he lost all faith in the Government, in consequence of the circumstances at* teadant on the Waka Maori debate. He fallowed Sir G. Grey because he was clearheaded and commanded the confidence of the House. He considered Major Atkinkinson's moving the second vote of want of confidence as unprecedented in parliamentary affairs. He strongly denied that there was any idea of restoring provincialism, and said the charge was unfounded. He approved of manhood suffrage, with very light qualifications ; also granting votes to women. He advocated a class tax on land, and adjusting the incidence of taxation to make it fall on those best able to bear it He advocated triennial parliaments as bringing representatives oftener before their constituents. There would be a licensing bill brought on next session in which he hoped would be a compensation clause. He did not believe any reduction CDuld be made in the civil service. The annual revenue exce ded expectations. Next session the Go/eminent would be able to announce a surplus. A vote o; confidence was cairied almost unanimously.