THE LOBBIES. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH,OWN CORRES

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1405, 5 July 1881, Page 2

THE LOBBIES. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH,OWN CORRES-

Caucus of Government Supporters. Wellingtok, Last Night. A ,OREAT deal of mystery, surrounds the GoVernnVeht ', caucus held on Saturdays The party persist in asserting that it was highly satisfactory, but positively decline to enter into particulars. N

The Financial Statement. Oue result has become apparent, the Financial Statement 'piomised for tomorrow has been postponed, and will nofc be brought down before Thursday. The most reliable' opinion current is that an , influential section of Ministerialists insist upon the restoration of twenty per cent, land fund, and that as this was not originally intended, the Statement is delayed with a view of ascertaining in what way this matter can be mutually adjusted. We are told the Statement will contain a full i explanation of the Ministerial policy relative to Local Government and Local finance, and two measures' will be introduced, providing machinery for Local Governments In doing so the Treasurer Will review the whole subject, fully analysing the' present system, its merits and defects, and indicating what reforms Ministers deem desirable. This of necessity will bring to an issue the entire question of Local Government Reform, about -which so much has been heard lately, and a protracted debate on the subject may be expected. It is generally believed no new or material taxation will be proposed in the Statement, but there will necessarily be the re-imposition of the Property Tax, which is considered to have given favorable results on its first year's trial. Opinions are generally adverse to the likelihood of the tea and sugar duties being revived, for however expedient this might seem as a ready means of raising additional revenue it might not be a popular step to take on the eve of a general election !

Petition of George Smith. The Public Petitions Committee report on the petition of George Smith, claiming compensation in respect of personal injuries sustained in 1877 at Cambridge, Waikato, while employed in the A.C. Force, that they see no reason to reverse their decision of last session in petitioner's case.

The Hamilton Bridge. A portion of the petition re the Hamilton bridge has bpen received. Surprise is felt that the remainder has not been forwarded.