IN THE LOBBIES. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.] [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT ]

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1269, 17 August 1880, Page 2

IN THE LOBBIES. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.] [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT ]

Wellington, Last Night, 11.35 p.m. I have not wasted your money or my time lately in sending you anything ; the fact is the quietude of matters hasbfen almost death-like, nothing but the dreary deadhead talk occurs, with the ship of State lying becalmed like a phantom ship upon a painted ocean. To-day a fresh breeze sprung up, which appears likely to bring the ship into the long desired harbor. The Government supporters have long seen that the financial position of the country which they have to deal with was anything* but encouraging, aad have thought that all these minor social measures might well wait a session, so as to enable ministers to give their individual attention to the subject. This opinions had been freely expressed, and which were formerly circulated by the Premier at Leeston, have at length borne the desired f rutt, and I believe that every measure, except those actually of a financial necessity will be dropped. The Public Works Bill (local), will be numbered Amongst the slain, and subsidies paid as usual so far as half the land fund will go. It will, however, be proceeded with next session. The Licensing Bill, the Native Bills, and every other measure, important or unimportant, will share the same fate, including — I believe, tut *ttn not sure— the Property Tax Amendment Bill. This will bring the session to a olose at the middle of next week. Poor Ireland died yesterday. He was one of the most straightforward men j ever met and was respected by both sides of the House. His remains were sent by the Hinemoa to-day to Lyttelton, en route for Roxburgh to his friends for burial. Nearly all the members of both Houses followed the hearse to the slup. Mr Rees is to utand for the vacant seat. Sir George Grey and Mr Rees f olio rrei the hearse, as chief mourner*, in a cab, although neither had taken any interest in the deceased in his life time. People could not make it out for some time. Some were bold enough to say that the unusual step was taken to assist Mr Rees in his candidature. His Excellency the Goverxor'a carriage was in the proper place— in the rear of the procession, where such vehicles usually go. I hardly think it could have been meant, but it certainly looked funny. Probably late on to-night Mr Hall will make a statement. If in time, I will wire it.

HAMILTON AND OMAHU RAILWAY BILL, On the que>tion being put that this Bill be put down for second reading on Tuesday next, the House divided with the following result : — Ayes, 22 ; noes, 40. No division was expected at that stage of the Bill. The following- are the names of ayes:— Beethara, J. B Fisher, G. Harris. Hurst, Hursthouse, Lumlon, Moorehouse, Moss, Hutchinson, Ormond, Reeves, Saunders, Seddon, Sheehan, Stewart, Sutton, Tawhia, Te Wheoro, Wakefield, Whitaker, and Whyte. Noes : Allwright, Atkinson, Bain, Ballance, Barron, Bowen, Bryce, Colbeftk, Dick, Finn, Fisher, J. T., Fulton, Gisborne, Grey, Hall, Johnston, Jones, Kelly, Macandrew, Mason, Masters, McCaughan, Montgomery, Oliver, Pitt, Pyke, Reid, Richmond, Richardson, Rolleston, Russell, Shepherd, Swanson, Thomson, Tomoana, Trimble, Turnbull, Wallis, Wood, and Wright. It will thus be seen that Colbeck, Swanson, and Wood, Auckland men, voted against it, Macaudrew, who promised the line, also voted against it, as did every other member of the promising Ministry, except Mr Sheehan.