POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2485, 14 June 1888, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Wellington, Wednesday. A TAX ON SUGAR. I UNDERSTAND that a proposal is being moved by some members, in the direction of putting a halfpenny duty on sugar. They consider that as a tax of this nature would realise about £115,000, it would prevent the possibility of another large deficit next year, and would also obviate the necessity ot imposing such heavy taxation at the present time. The idea lias probably arisen owing to the opinion that is entertained in some quarters that, a tax on sugar will certainly: have to be proposed next year unless the revenue turns out much better than is anticipated will be the case; SIR G. GREY'S VOTE. Contrary to expectation Sir George Grey, yesterday afternoon, voted with the Government on the Customs Bill, but he has evidently repented of this, as he haß now paired against Ministers in Mr Beetham's amendment to the Bill, which, if carried, would involve the resignation of the Ministry. MR FISHER'S CHALLENGE. Referring to the challenge of the Minister of Education to Mr Menteath the other evening about giving the citizens of Wellington a chance of deciding which of the two honourable gentlemen should represent them in Parliament, the Press to-night says: "We understand that Wellington is likely to bo very shortly the scene of the most exciting political duel that has occurred in this colony for many years, excelling in interest and magnitude the still memorablo action between Sir R. Stout and Mr Scobie McKenzie at Naseby. The immediate cause of this exhilarating combat is a challenge thrown down by a Minister of tho Crown during the recent debate on the Customs Tariff Bill, and from all we can learn, it is likely to be waged with a vim recalling the good old days of politics in Wellington."