POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2474, 19 May 1888, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

[JiV TKLEGRAFII. —OWN CllKUl'l-ifONDKNT.] Wki.i.incton, Friday. THE NO-CONFIDEXCE FIZZLE. It has transpired to-day that there was a strong possibility nf a Ministerial crisis occurring last night over Mr Scobie McKenzie'a amendment to tlin Loan Bill. The Opposition were, of course, altogether opposed to this Bill being brought down till after the Financial Statement has been delivered, and it was only after somo deliberation, and also owing to the fact of Mr Mackenzie being such a thorough Freetrader, that they agreed to vote with the Government on the amendment, 1 [ad they decided instead to go into the lobby with the member for Mount Ida there is every probability that the amendment would hive been carried, as two or three other Ministerialists are strongly opposed to borrowing. The .Premier was taken by suprisc. The amendment, if carried, would have either involved the resignation of the Government or caused them to consider their position. THE MEMBER FOR MOUNT IDA. The general opinion in the Lobbies today, respecting Mr Scobio Mackenzie's amendment, is, that by his action lie has seriously damaged any chance he might havo had of assuming the leadership of a party. The whole thing resulted" in such a glaring fiasco that the member for Mount Ida himself appeared to bo astonished at the manner in which it was received by the House. Mr Mackenzie exhibited a want of tact and judgment which could scarcely be looked for in a member of his experience and standing in the House. ANOTHER OPPOSITION CAUCUS. Tho adjourned meeting of the Opposition members was held this morning, presided over by Mr Lance. Thoro were about 30 members present. No action was taken as to the appointment of a leader, and it is rumoured that the leadership will be offered to Sir George Grey when he arrives from Auckland. THE RULES OF PROCEDURE. As I hinted previously, the Opposition walked out of the House today, just before the new Rules of Proceedme were moved, and Sir Harry Atkinson was consequently unable to move the suspension of the Standing Orders, there being only about 3-"> members present, instead of (it, as required by the Standing Orders of the House. The motion could not be put, and the Premier moved that it bo postponed till Tuesday. The probability is that, owing to the attitude assumed by the Opposition in tho matter, the whole thing will be shelved for tho session. Strong objection is taken to the power which is proposed to be put in the Speaker's hands by the cloture resolutions, and also to the new powers which would be given to Ministers. THE TARIFF PROPOSALS. It is stated that the tariff proposals of the Government will not embody any general increase in the ad valorem duties upon goods which can be manufactured in the colony as has been stated. Ministers have exercised a careful discrimination in preparing the tariff to avoid any injurious effect upon any branch of trade, so the duties will, however, be increased in the direction of giving encouragement and facilities for the development of the industries of the country. THE CHINESE PREVENTION ACT. It is understood Mr Saddon's object this afternoon in endeavouring to postpone the Chinese Emigrants Bill till Tuesday, was in order that Sir Goo. Grey might be present to t;ike part in the debate before the Bill passed.