POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 357, 22 October 1898, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH -SPECIAL COBKKSPONDENT) Wellington. Last Night. A BORROWING POLICY.

The Premier to-night virtually deprecated a large borrowing policy for public works without allowing Parliament next session to fully consider the whole question. Last night, however, when the Railway Authorisation 13d! was introduced several members rose to advocate the claims of their respective local railway works, until at last 'he Minister for Railways asked if the .suggestions of Mr Guiuncss, made earlier in the session, that a large loan should be aone in for were going to be endorsed by the House. The advocacy of so many works showed that a large loan was looming in the distance. Liter in the evening the Premier also had a word to say concerning the prospects of a loau in the near future. Referring to Capt. Russell's protest against extending the borrowing powers of local bodies, he said it would take him and the Leader of the Opposition all their time to stem the tide that had set in in favour of borrowing. The people throughout the colony had got it into their heads that there must be a larger expenditure upon works of a national character and which would prove reproductive. This is generally regarded as a " feeler " to ascertain whether or not the House would favour au extensive borrowing policy for railway extension. Mr Seddon further tonight stated that he thought it was the duty of the leading men of the colony to endeavour to stem the tide. WRIGG'S CROSS.

The report of the Petitions Committee on the Wrigg ease is likely to be delayed for several days longer, as Mr Wilford, on Mr Wrigg'a behalf, has summoned witnesses from the Thames and Hokiauga who cannot possibly arrive here till next week. It is quite on the cards now that the report will uot come down till a very late stage of the session, ami if the yommittec should report adversely to Wrigs; receiving the N.Z. Gross, the chances are that the debate will be indefinitely adjourned, in order to prevent the Mouse expressing its opinion on it. I understand, however, that the petitioners who protested against the bestowal of the Cross on Cornet H. Wrigg will not allow the matter to rest, but will, on the contrary, use every means to let the country know the true position of the whole transaction.