POLITICAL NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1905, 20 September 1884, Page 2

POLITICAL NEWS.

The Financial Proposals of the Government. [BT TELKGRAPH.— SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Friday Night. Twk Financial debate tonight attracted as full a House as the Statement itself, nearly every member in Wellington being piesent, and the galleries closely packed. Majoi Atkinson, of course, opened the debate by making a strong attnek on the Budget, contending that Sir Julius Vogel had made no effort to put the leal position of the finances befr.re the House or the country, but had prepared his Financial Statement evidently with the main object of securing support by making thing'-plea'-ant for everybody. He denied that Sir Julius Vogel had .substantiated any of the charges he had made against him (Major Atkinson) as to mismanagement of the finances in the past, but, on the contrary, that he had accounted a large portion of his figures as correct. Sir Julius took small notes while Major Atkinson \va«. speaking, and he will no doubt reply to him. Mr Wakefield is also going to spe.ik at some length on the Budget. Majoi Atkinson had spoken for nearly two hour.at the time of writing (9.15 p.m.)

The Public Works Statement. I understand the Minister for Public Works will have his Public Woilcs Statement ready by Tuesday or Wednesday ni^'lit, provided the financial debate is not a protracted one, in which case it is not likely to be delivered until Friday next.

Indisposition of the Premier. The Premier has been laid up far tV last day or two with an attack of iheumatk gout. Mr Stout was somewhat better to night, and took his seat in the House, although he was evidently not in lm usual health.

The Order of Business. Sir Julius Vogel this afternoon, made n suggestion to the Speaker which is likely to prove of great convenience in carrying on the business of the House. His suggestion was th.it, in futuie, bill-, on the ordei paper should have the names of members in whose charge they might be placed after the different bills on the paper. He s u'd that this change had already been made in the other branch of the Lugi^ltituic. The Speaker at once concuned in the piopo sition, and s-aid that he should give instructions that this course should be followed in future.

The Pleasure of Members. Another " Legislative s>pree," to quote Mr Shephnrd, is about to take place ti> morrow. Sir Julius Vogel announced in the House to-day that the Hincinoa was now apra-in ready for sea, and the Go\ eminent proposed to place her at the disposal of hon. inombeis to-rnoiiow for an excursion to whatever place might be desiied, *-o th.it members would be able to leturn by Tues day morning. It is not yet decided wheie the Hinemoa is to visit, but it will probably be. Picton and Nelson. Greyniouth is al-.o mentioned a^ a likely place to be vihited, provided the trip could be made in the time specified.

Racing Sweeps. Mr HoblW bill for amending the Gaming and L')tfcenes Act, is in the direction of prohibiting newspapers from publishing advertisements respecting horse racing consultation.

Grand Juries. Sir Geo. Grey h;\s introduced a bill to amend the Juries Act, 1880. The bill is intended to abolish grand juries hum couit^ of law.