[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.] [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT ] Wellington, Last Night.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1241, 12 June 1880, Page 2

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.] [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT ] Wellington, Last Night.

Political matters are very quiet to-day. Although a Government day, there has been h.irdly a quorum in the Hou>e. This is the calm before the storm, as the financial debates on Tuesday are expected to produce hot discuasiou. The Property Tax will be carried. Opposition to it comes only from quarters where the tax will press heavily. The House seems determined that the credit of the Colony shall be maintained, though small sections of extreme Radicals are quite prepared for something like repudiation. The Licensing Bill seems to give considerable satisfaction. Sir W. Fox and Mr Speight are reported to be in close conference over its provisions, with a view of amending it iv Committee. They are Said to have spent borne hours to-day with a jug of cold water between them. Two good stories are afloat. The first is that J. C Brown, the Opposition whip, on the motion to go into Committee (Mr Seymour being absent) proposed that Mr Hurst take the chair, intending to take a rise out of him. The motion was carried, and Hurst, who was Chairman, of Committees in the Provincial Council formerly, acquitted himself admirably, to the great chagrin of Brown and Co. The second ; McCaughan, member for Riverton, moved — "That his name be taken off the Standing Orders Committee." This was done. Sir G. Grey meeting him soon after in the lobbies said, "Well, McC.iughan, we helped you that time, did we not?'' " Yes," replied McCaughan, "thanks, but it really was a shame that I was not put on a more useful committee ; I ahvays attend regulai*ly ; for instance, look at the Christchurch Election Petition Committee ; I never missed an hour." Exit the Pro Consul. McCaughan voted religiously in fm or of tin. petitioner during the whole of the proceedings. There is no sign of an organised Opposition as yet.