WELLINGTON.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 130, 4 August 1870, Page 5

WELLINGTON.

(From our (kvn CmrespondtnL) Jnly 23, 1870. Tho events of the last week have been of more than ordinary importance. The financial debate closed upon Wednesday evening, when the Colonial Treasurer delivered a long and exhaustive speech in reply, which occupied nearly fo\ir hours in delivery. Almost every speech in tho debate was commented upon and criticised, and when it is considered that fifty members addressed the Houso, it will be understood how Mr. Yogel was quite in his element, and made the most of his opportunity for hitting out all round. Unfortunately for himself, he cannot confine himself to refuting arguments, but rushes into personalities, wliich ara invariably distasteful to the House. The latter part of the speech, which was devoted to an exposition of the intentions of the Government with regard to a modification of the financial proposals, was a decided success, and I never heard the Treasurer so happy in manner and delivery. The pith of the matter was that important concessions to the general opinion expressed by hon. members are to be made. The proposed loans are to be raised gradually, and the whole amount is not to exceed four millions, three hundred thousand pounds to be appropriated for water reservoirs upon the goldfields . The alteration in the tariff is to be an open question — that is, the propositions will bo brought down for discussion, but will not be forced through by the active exertion of the influence of Ministers and the House. A meeting of the immediate supporters of the Government was held this morning, and the details of the proposed modification submitted to them. It is repoiied that harmony by no means prevailed, but that Mr. Yogel stood firm, aud expressed his determination to stand by his measures as amended, and in case of any embarrassment being offered in passing the necessary bills, to appeal at once to tho country. No doubt he has a queer team to drive, and will be glad to yoke in some stronger bullocks in order to pull through. The bills will be brought in on Wednesday next ; their consideration will then probably commence on Friday, and must, under any circumstances, occupy a considerable time.

The Otago and Southland Union Bill passed its second reading yesterday, without a division, being opposed only by Mr. Webster, member for Wallace, and Mr. Mervyn. Mr. Wood, of Invercargill^ caused considerable amusemeut by a lively sketch of Mr. Webster's electioneering proceedings — how he stood successively for four provincial constituencies, getting in at last at the bottom of the poll. The evening of the same day was devoted to what is profanely called an "Otago free fight." The second reading of the Otago Hundreds Regulation Repeal Bill was moved by Mr. J. 0. Brown, who made a very practical speech, entering fully into the whole subject, from the terms upon which the province was originally settled, up to the late proceedings in the last session of the Council. Mr. Mervyn followed in support of the member for Bruce, and spoke very sensibly to the poinf for some twenty minutes. There was an evident holding back on the part of the opponents of the bill, which was probably owing to there being a very thin House, and a consequent chance of throwing it out by a fluke. However, blundering Reynolds could not resist getting up, and after a few of his usual commonplaces, moved " That the Bill be read a second time this day six months." Mr. Birch seconded this ; and, to do him justice, he never troubles the House long, and having no arguments to advance upon the present occasion, was briefer than usual. Seeing so many members absent upon his side, Mr. Howarth moved the adjournment of the debate, which was supported by Mr. Haughton and Mr. Armstrong, and opposed, by Mr. Rich. Upon a division, the adjournment was negatived by 27 to 17, and Mr.- Howarth then addressed the House at great length, aud had spoken for two hours and forty minutes when a count out took place at 1 a.m. this morning. The position of the matter now i 3 that fresh notice will have to be given of a time for reading the bill a second time, so that it will probably be postponed for at least a week. Driver, Macandrew, and Co. are working hard to throw out the bill ; consequently, its fate is very uncertain. Members outside Otago will not give their attention to 'the debate, and will consequently vote much according to their combinations and sympathies

in other matters. Mr. Brown is indefatigable, and is strongly supported by Mr. Haughton, Mr. Bradshaw, aud Mr. Bunny.