POLITICAL NOTES

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2405, 8 December 1887, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES

[by telegraph.—own correspondent). Wellington, Wednesday. The First Government Defeat. The news that Alinisters had suffered a rather awkward defeat on the Representation Bill at quarter to three o’clock thi> morning caused considerable excitement all over the town, and as the day wore on there was much speculation as to whether the Premier would resign in consequence. The cause of the defeat was an amendment moved by Mr 1). Stewart, which practically meant that the Government wovdd have no power to ask for a dissolution with a reduced number of members till the reduction came into force in the ordinary way at the expiration of the present Parliament. Air Stewart seemed to be rather indifferent himself about the amendment, and he explained that he was moving it more on behalf of several members than of his own inclination. The Premier had previously stated that the Government regarded the measure as a policy Bill, which they were determined to push through, and he distinctly stated he could not accept the amendment. In the face of this declaration, however, no less than nine Government supporters voted for the amendment, namely, Ur. Newman, Alessrs Scobie .McKenzie, Alentcath, Monk, Aloat, Alarchant, Valentine, Hodgkinson and Taipna. Major Atkinson looked exceedingly disconcerted when the division was declared against him, and quietly moved to report progress, after which the House rose. The Government Caucus.

Circulars were sent round to the Government supporters at an early hour this morning, requesting them to meet the Ministers, so as to have some definite understanding tor the remainder of the session. It was freely rumoured that Major Atkinson was determined to insist that if the party refused to support him to carry the Government measures he would at once send in his resignation to the Governor. A full muster of the party responded to the Premier's circular, 52 members being present. After the usual preliminaries, Dr. Newman, Mr Soobie Mekensize and other members explained that they had no idea of embarrassing Ministers in voting for the amendment as they were not aware it had been made a Government question. The explanation having been considered satisfactory it was decided that the Bill be recommitted with the view of altering the clause in question. It was also decided to fully support the Government in their policy measures fartherest of the session. It is stated that several of those who voted for the amendment will walk out of the House when the motion for recommital is made, as they are not desirous of putting exceptional power in the direction in the hands, not of the present Government only, but of any succeeding Government. Ministers expect, however, to secure a good majority to carry the Bill through. Public Peeling in Auckland. Tile following telegram was received today by the Minister for Public Works from a prominent resident in Auckland : “ Regret Ministry defeated ; public feeling here entirely with you, resignation would bo public calamity,” The Representation Bill.

A most determined stonewall was set up ■against this Bill (luring the whole of yesterday's sitting, and notwihstanding that the debate on the second reading occupied Monday’s sitting till long after midnight. Mr Fish threatened to renew the discussion on the motion for committal of the Bill, and rendered material assistancetotjir Julius Vogel and Mr Seddon, both of whom spoke two or three times on various amendments, made to enable them to do so, and they made long speeches on each occasion, evidently with the view of worrying Ministers. Mr Downie Stewart’s amendment was agreed to by 30 to 31. When the Premier moved that progress be reported Mr Seddon aggravatingly remarked that he could “ quite understand the Premier wishing to report progress after the amendment being agreed to, as no doubt he wished to consider his position.” The Premier quietly replied that he had yet to learn by what right the member for Kumara expressed satisfaction or dissatisfaction with his proposal. The retort told at n.nce even on the valiant Seddon, as he made no further attempt to usurp the leadership of the Opposition on that occasion.