POLITICAL NEWS. [BY TELEGRAPH.-SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1926, 8 November 1884, Page 2

POLITICAL NEWS. [BY TELEGRAPH.-SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

A Rebuff for Ministers, Wellington, Thursday. Tin: (Government received an awkward alap last night in the rejection of their bill for appointing an extra Minister. The whole debate scarcely lasted a quarter of an hour, and when the question was put, there waß a perfect storm of noes against Ministers. They called fora division, however, and on the Members' bell being; rung, there was a btill louder chorus again«t them, ho much so that they refrained from pressing the division. When the Speaker declared that the noes had it, Mr Seddon who wan anxiously looking after the new portfolio of mines said derisively : " Let them have it " but was not called to order on this occasion. I hear Sir Julius Vogel was asked to withdraw the proposal a few days ago on the ground that the House would not stand it, but he persibted in dragging it before the Hoube, with the reßult as before stated.

Wellington, Friday. Progress of Business. The House is rushing through business at a great rate now that members have decided to get away in a day or two. The Public Works Estimate*, last night, were put through in almost the " quickest titne on record," the nearest approach to that being in the bession of 187o", when the whole of tho general estimates were disposed of in one night. Sir Juliub Vogel at that time was Premier and Treasurer. The Convention resolutions are expected to elicit a long debate to-night. Sir George tirey intends moving an amendment of a rather important character, which v» ill, of course, considerably prolong the debate.

Reward of Merit. A testimonial of a very pleasing character is about to be presented to Mr Montgmneiy, the late Leader of tho Opposition, who lett Wellington a day or two ago for Lyttelton, en route for England. The testimonial iserved by about ~>o members of both politi cal parties in the House, including Sir J. Vogel, Major Atkinson, Messrs Stout, Macandrew, Ballance, Pe.icocke, etc. The following is the testimonial:—Dear Sir, We cannot permit you to temporarily luave Now Zealand on your visit to the mother land without expressing our deepest reg.ird towards you. Yon have been for many years a recognised leader in the House of Representatives, and have so acted as to win our highest feeling of respect. We hope soon to see you back again amongst us, taking the nigh place in our political affairs in the future that you have dono in the past. It is unnecessary for uh to add that we wish you a pleasant voyage and every enjoyment of your trip." The testimonial, which ha* been tastefully designed and executed, is to be forwarded to Mr Montgomery by the first southern steamer. He leaves by the next San Francisco raiil steamer, and intends, if possible, to return in time for the next session of Parliament.

Illness of Mr Nurse. Some little commotion was caused in the Legislatire Council early this morning, when the Hon. Mr Nurse, a member of the Council, was found lying on the floor of the Council Chamber partially insensible. Dr. Grace was sent tor at once, and ordered Mr Nurse to be conveyed to the Wellington Hospital, where he is still undergoing medical treatment,