POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2410, 20 December 1887, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

[ny TELEGRAPH.—OWN Cl MIRKS PON PENT. Weixinu ros, Monday.

Alteration in Party Government. A meeting of members was held this morning at the instance of Major Steward and Dr. Hodgkinson for the purpose of considering the subject of an alteration in the form of Party Government, and in parliamentary proceedings. Major Steward presided, and there were present about 21 members, 3 others being accounted for. The object of the meeting having been explained the following resolutions were agreed to (1). That this meeting generally, is of opinion that it is desirable to consider whether a scheme cannot be devised whereby the admitted evils of tbe present system of party Government and parliamentary procedure may be remedied. (2). That the chairman. Dr. Hodgkinson and Mr Tanner be appointed a committee with a view to formulate proposals to be submitted to a meeting to be called by such committee during the first week of next session. (3.) That those members present bring the subject before their constituents during the recess. In connection with this Major Steward in the House this morning gave notice to moncertain resolutions on going into Committee of supply. The Land Bill. The amendments made by tbe Legislative Council to the Land Bill, which were expected to cause much trouble in the dying hnurs of the session will probably be arnica bly arranged as the Minister of Lands to-day moved that the amendment made abolishing the Waste Lands Boards should be not agreed to. Sir J. Vogel, tins morning, referred to both the amendments being carried nut in the Council with the connivance of the Government, as both the Ministers in that chamber supported tbe abolition of the Waste Lands Boards. Mr. Richardson resented this and said the Government had accepted the decision of the House as to the retention of tbe Boards, and be was now moving that the House disagree with the Council in that respect. The Loan Bill. Mr McArthur, the member for Manawatu, is a strong believer in limiting the borrowing policy of the colony, he intends moving when the Loan Bill is in committee that after the floating of the million loan and North Island Railway loan, a guarantee should be given that no further borrowing in the English money market will take place for five years. Mr Gudgeon’s Book. Major Jackson gave notice to-day of his intention to ask the Defence Minister if it was true that the Defence Department had purchased 50 copies of Mr Gudgeon’s bool; of “New Zealand Heroes” out of the Reserve Fund, formed by fines inflicted on the members of the forces, and if so what was the cost of the books, were the owners of the fund consulted before expending such a large amount on a work not considered remarkable for its accuracy, and how the 60 copies had been distributed. Closing tire Business. Members are beginning to leave in order to be home by Christmas. Several left today tor tbe South. A good many others intend leaving on Wednesdey, and the prorogation is expected to take place on Friday.