POLITICAL NOTES

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2479, 31 May 1888, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES

[by telegraph.—own correspondent. Wellington, Tuesday. THE BUDGET SPKECFI.

The tariff proposals of the Government were discussed to-day in all their bearings, and the general impression is that they savour much more strongly of protection than was at all anticipated, The tariff itself seems on the whole to be fairly popular with the business portion of the community, and credit is given to Sir Harry Atkinson fur an honest endeavour to grapple with the difficulties of the colony. Members, however, have as yet scarcely made up their minds as to the full extent of the proposed changes. Strong objection is being taken to the proposed increase of 'Jd per lb on tea, to pay the subsidies to local bodies, but I learn on good authority that this will be optional with the House itself. If the proposal is rejected, the local bodies will receive no subsidies. The levying of one per cent. on all goods imported into the colony for the next two years will also be left to the discretion ot the House, and if Parliament decides that the £128,000 standing to the debit of the colony on the 31st March, should be funded, the proposal to levy one per cent, on these goods will be abandoned. Other proposals in the tariff will no doubt be left to the will of the House, when the Bill is before it and there will be an exhaustive debate on the whole of the Ministerial financial policy. It is difficult as yet to foretell the result, but just now it looks as if most of the Government proposals will be agreed to as although their own party will be somewhat split up over them, the Opposition can scarcely vote against a policy which has been vigorously advocated by that side of the House. MR MONK'S INNOCENCE. A most amusing episode occurred in the House this afternoon, in which the member fur Waiteinata was a {imminent figmt). Mr Monk had just informed the Speaker that he had been requested by Mr Peacock, who is absent in Auckland, to give notice of a Hill which stood in his (Mr Peacock's) name. Tho usual custom is, when leave has been granted to introduce a Bill, for the member to use tho words, " I have a Uill, sir;" when the Speaker replies, " Brin<j up the Bill." It generally happens that the particular Bill thus introduced is not then printed, but, as a matter of form, members take up to the Speaker the first thing that comes to their hands, which is often a blank sheet of paper. Mr Monk evidently forgot this little formality, and when requested to bring up the Bill, ho looked round in the most bewildered air, while the House roared with laughter. Mr Mills, who was sitting near him, seeing his dilemma, thrust a large piece of blue blotting paper into lii.s hand, but this was altogether too much for the member for Waiteinata, who hastily seized what looked like an order paper, and made for the Speaker's chair amidst a general titter, Mr Monk's countenance all the time being a picture of solemnity. THE SUGAR DUTY.. There is a rumour afloat that the Government intended putting a half-penny a pound on sagar, but they were advised by cable from Lord Knntsford (late Sir Henry Holland) not to impose this duty, as it would probably interfere with the Sugar Bounties Conference that has lately been sitting in London. RAISING THE SCHOOL AGK, The Minister for Education informs mo that no proposal will be made by the Government this session for raising the school age, as the House rejected the idea last year, but if any private members move in that direction, the Government would support it. There is an impression that the motion would be carried this session. as by this means £25,000 would be realised, which, of course, would mean a lessened amount of taxation. THE EDUCATION BOARDS. The Government are not likely to propose the abolition of the Education Boards of the colony, but they feel strongly of opinion that a great saving would be effected by their abolition, while the efficiency of the system generally would not bo impaired.