POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2321, 26 May 1887, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

[BY TELEGRAPH SPECIAL REPORTER.] No-confidecce Motion. Wellington, Wednesday. The report that has been prevalent for some days that a hostile motion would be tabled on the tariff proposals ot the Government eventuated this afternoon, when Major Atkinson moved, as an amendment to the motion for the second reading of the Customs Dutes Bill, that the tariff and other financial proposals of the Government are unsatisfactory; in other words, that the House has no confidence in the present Government. In the good old days of Stafford and Vox a motion of that character would have been immediately followed by another one from the leader of the Government for the adjournment of theHon.se till the following day, and the Premier for the time being would have refused even to reply to a single question involving matters of policy, on the ground that it would be highly improper to do so till the House had declared whether it had confidence in the Ministry or not. It is needless to say that the Government are not actuated by any nice feelings of that kind. The only consideration that seems to weigh with them is a desire to stick to office and its emoluments at all risks and at whatever cost to the country- This being so, it was not very surprising this afternoon when Sir R. Stout took the confidence motion as quite a matter of minor detail, and allowed the business of the House to proceed in the usual way till the Customs Duties Bill was reached. Sir J. Vogel moved the second reading of the Bill in a short speech, that contained absolutely nothing as to the condition of the colony or to the necessity for the imposition of such heavy customs duties as those proposed. Major Atkinson's speech, on the contrary, bristled with hard facts, which evidently proved unpalatable to the Premier, judging by the occasional interruptions and ironical laughter which he indulged in while the leader of the Opposition was addressing the House. Sir Robert, who took excessive notes of Major Atkinson's remarks, followed his opponent, and delivered one of his most slashing speeches, in which he twitted the hon. gentleman with having in his Hawera speech stated that the duties that shall be imposed were those that would yield the most revenue. He also suid that Major Atkinson had secured Mr Orrnond's support by advocating that the land should be sold to meet the present difficulties of the colony, Sir Robert adding that the member for Napier was well known to be a- strong advocate for selling the land of the Crown as against the perpetual leasing system. The debate is likely to extend over next week, as nearly every member in the House will probably have something to say before it closes. Prospect of the Amendment. The Opposition appears confident of boing able to carry the amendment by a majority of three or four as the following members are reckoned on as likely to vote with them on the question, in addition to ono or two who have already declared against the Government :—Messrs Cowan, Allright, Hursthouse, Rees and Garrick. The Government expect the division will be n, very close one, but they anticipate at present a majority of one in their favour, and are whipping up assiduously to gain over the waverers. I am creditably informed that if defeated the Ministry will most certainly apply for a dissolution. Choice of a Leader. It was decided yesterday that the want of confidence motion should be tabled by Major Atkinson, as he possessed a larger personal following than any man in the House. I have previously informed you that a section of the Opposition were anxious that Mr Orm/md should mover in the matter as he would ■'■■Jctiro the votes of Mr Montgomery, and possibly, Mr B:\rron. Even his old antagonist Sir G. Grey was willing to follow him into the lobby. Major Atkinson himself was quite agreeable that Mr Ormond should table the motion if the party desired it, but after some consultation it was agreed that the positoin was sufficiently secured to enable Major Atkinson to move with good hopes of a successful issue. Mr Montgomery's support is doubtful, but Sir G. Grey and Mr Barron will both vote with the Opposition.