POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2319, 21 May 1887, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

[BY TELEGRAPH SPECIAL REPORTER. ] Cabinet Disagreements.

Wellington, Friday. Rrfbknoe has so frequently been made to the manner in which the inenibors of tho Government vote against each other, and as to the totally opposite views expressed by individual Ministers, that it is now becoming quite a matter of notoriety amongst members of the House. The latest instance of this happy family business took place last night over the Otago Central Railway Bill, introduced by Mr Pyke. Mr Ballance when speaking on the bill condemned it in most unmeasured terms and said the colony would not be justified in making such an enormous sacrifice as was demanded for the construction for this line of railway in the shape of land grants. This speech, coming from the Minister of Lands, of course had somo weight, but the House was astonished to hear Sir J. Yogel shortly afterwards declare that he altogether disagreed with his colleague's opinion on the Railway. He further stated that instead of the colony making too great a sacrifice, he thought it a very small price to pay for the Railway, and he concluded by asking the House to pass the bill which his colleague had just stated would do an immense amount of injury to the colony. This was significant enough of the relations of Ministers in all conscience, but the Premier was still to be reckoned with. He also spoke on the bill, and attacked the whole principle of it in a most vehement manner, warmly declaring that he would rather see the railway delayed for twenty years than that Mr Pyke's bill should pass, -as he was convinced a private company was not fit to promote the settlement of land. It was evident from the whole tone of his speech that it was aimed at his colleague, tho Colonial Treasurer, but Mr Fergus scored one at the Premier's expense when he reminded him that he had been a party to giving an enormous area of land to the Midland Railway, although he now coolly informed the House thst a company of this kind was not likely to promote settlement. The Press to-night refers to last night's proceedings, and savs: "If the Premier and the Minister of Lands had a particle of self respect they would either have re'igned the first tiling this morning or obtained tho resignation of the Colonial Treasurer. We are quite unable to understand what their motives can be in tamely submitting to be flouted as ha flouts them. We are loath to believe that they place the retention of office absolutely before all other considerations whatever, but even if that were so, this is not the Way to compass that end, but their losing office before long without a shred of dignity or satisfaction of any sort." The Tariff Proposals. I have reliable information to the effect that the latest estimate of the strength of parties on this question according to the cards of both sides is that the division 011 the tariff proposals will probably result in a tie, or will give Ministers a majority of one or two at the utmost. There is a large majority against tho tariff as a whole, and if the Government refuse to accept amendments in it that majority will vote dead against thern. It is almost certain though, th it Ministers will again give way and accept alterations in committee, and I understand nearly every item in the tariff will be amended. The impression exists that the position of the Government has somewhat (strengthened since tho delivery of the Financial Statement, and Ministers are making the most of the delay that has occurred in endeavouring to feel the pulse of the country on their proposals. On the other hand, should the Government cave in 011 tho tariff question, it is considered that a good opportunity will then be afforded for a direct vote of no-confidence. Reductions of MembersMr Barron, the member for Caversham, who is a strong advocate for the reduction of the members of the House to 71, or even a less number, is whipping up with a view to get the Representation Bill again recommitted in order that another attempt may be made to reduce the number of members. It is very unlikely now that the House will consent to a recommittal after tho stormy passage of the Bill through committee, aud the renewed feeling is that the question should be allowed quietly to drop. It is also a matter for congratulation that no effort has beeu made to increase the number of members, which was not such an iin possible contingency, when it is borne in mind that the colony has made a great advance in population since the census of 1881 was taken It is unlikely now that any increase will be tolerated by the House for some ye.-irs, at any rate as to the present Bill. 1 understand Sir J. Vogel proposed to his colleagues that the best means of solving the difficulty as to the number of members would be by ballot. After all, this idea would probably be the most satisfactory way of getting rid of the question, although it is more than likely that the number in that case who would really support a reduction would be far smaller than if the vote were taken openly. Sir John Coode. During the course of an oxcitod discussion on the Wanganui Harbour Bill this afternoon, Mr Bruce, member for Rangitikei, was somewhat uncomplimentary to this eminent engineer. He warmly declared that, with all respect to Sir John Coode, ho believed that that gentleman had been a curse to New Zealand, for he had tried to make it appear that every creek in the colony could be turned into a harbour. Retiring Members. Several members of the present House have expressed their intention of not standing for re-election, some of them owing to business engagements, and others openly stating that the game is not worth the candle. I understand Mr Mitchelson's business engagements will prevent him from again standing for Marsden, but his decision is not yet finally made. The hon. gentleman, although he is literally the silent member of the House, is still popular with both Houses, and notwithstanding that it was generally supposed Major Atkinson had made a fatal mistake when he offered him the portfolio of Minister of Public Works, Mr Mitchelson proved a capable and painstaking colleague. It is understood that if Mr Mitchelson should finally decide not to come forward again for Marsden, Mr Dargaville will woo the electors of that constituency, as, if rumour is to be believed, his chances of re-election for Auckland City West, are very remote.