POLITICAL NOTES

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2500, 19 July 1888, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES

(by telegram—own correspondent.) Wellington, Fiiday. MEETING OF FREE-TRADERS.

The Freetraders held a meeting this morning, presided over by Mr Beetham, at which about sixteen members were present. Amongst other matters the overtures lately made by the Opposition were discussed, respecting a proposed coalition for the purpose of moving a hostile motion against the Government. The feeling of the majority was against any such action being taken by the middle party. A resolution was finally agreed to thac the Freetraders are not disposed to hamper their future action by joining any party except on a question of principle. THE PREMIER'S HEALTH. Sir H. Atkinson's general health is by no means satisfactory at present, and it is evident that he needs a rest from the incessant worry attached to his office, and the cares of political life. The Premier took his seat in the House last night, for a short time, but left the Chamber soon after speaking on Mr Withy's amendment, urging its withdrawal. The result of the Premier's illness is that the Cabinet work is greatly in arrear, and it is not improbabie that the session will be prolonged for a week in consequence. Ministers, however,, express the opinion that it will take about three weeks at least to transact the necessary business before proroguing. LAND BOARDS. The Minister of Lands has inserted anew clause in the Lands Act Amendment Bill, providing for the continuance of the Land Boards under the present system. It is to the effect that the Boards shall consist of not less than two or more than four members besides the Commissioner. MR LARNACH'S HONORARIUM. Mr Hobbs asked the Speaker whether Mr Larnach would receive his honorarium, as it was well-known that the hon. pentleman was about to leave tho colony permanently, and he had recently given a farewell dinner to the heads of departments in Wellington. The Speaker said Mr Hobbs was anticipating what would be done, and that when it came before him, (Sir M. O'Rorke), it would be time enough to raise the question, Mr Hobbs again rose and said that he had previously asked the Ser-geant-at-arms and Mr Otterson, both of whom had informed him that Mr Larnach would draw his honorarium, and he thought it was only right that the country should know it. THE GOVERNOR'S ABSENCE. Mr Hutchinson, this afternoon, asked the Premier if there is any precedent for the Governor absenting himself from the colony while Parliament is in session, and whether before His Excellency's departure the Ministry have tendered any advice as to the inconvenience of his absenco in the event of a change of Government before his return. Sir H. Atkinson, in reolying, said Sir Arthur Gordon had on a former occasion proceeded to Fiji while Parliament, was in session. The Premier said further that the Government had not tendered any advice to His Excellency on tho subject, but if they had it would have been that no inconvenience would result from a possible change wf Government, which he (the Premier) thought a very unlikely contingency, a statement which was received by the House with cries of "Oh! oh!" aud laughter.