POLITICAL NOTES

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2477, 26 May 1888, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES

[r.Y TKLKGKAPII. — OWX OOKUKKPONDKNT.] WKM.iNtiTON, Kriclay. THE B 111 X JET. Thicru is still great uncertainty as to the date of the deli very of the Financial .Statement, and judging by the Premier's reply ti> Mr V/iillcrji- this afternoon, Sir 11. Atkinson is by no means re.uly with his budget. Lt was reported this morning that it w.is very unlikely to be brought down for several days yet. THE CHINESE QUESTION. A curious petition was presented to-day by Mr Thompson, member for Auckland City North. Tlio petition was signed by :il Chinamen, and it pravs that the present lostrictive legislation Affecting the Chinese should bo abolished. Tn support of the petition, they urge that .such legislation should not be passed withontnotico being first given to the Chinese (lovernment, They further stated that the amount of crime and immorality amongst the Chinese has always been smaller than amongst the British residents. It is also alleged that they iire men who are experts in tilling and mining the ground, and that they should be encouraged on that account. MINISTERIAL NATIVK POLICY. The (Jovermnenfc measures which specially affects the natives are not yet circulated, but their .second reading will not take p' ace till the 10th June. It is understood that the taxation proposals which the Bids are expected t« contain will meet opposition from the natives generally, on the ground that the Maoris labour under certain disabilities in connection with their lands which the Europeans have not to encounter. FAIR KENT BILL. This Bill which the Premier has introduced deals with lands leaded from any public authority, also lands held in undertonancy, and lands purchased from the crown or on deferred payments. The appointment of commissioners by the <lovernment is provided for, and any public authority or tenant may apply to the commissioners to fix a fair rent. Tho commissioners' decisions are final, subject to appeal, and the rent fixed is not to bo altered for three years, The Bill concludes with regulations for appeals and penalties for false evidence. A COOL REQUEST. The presentation by Mr Monk of a petition from over 2,000 Auckland residents this afternoon caused much laughter. The modest request it contained was "that the Property-tax bo abolished'" Judging by the present state of the finances, that petition stands a good chance of receiving the sterei ityped fate of "No recommendation to make." ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS BILL. A number of members have intimated to Mr Pyko they are not prepared to support his Bill unless he makes the measure apply to private schools generally.