POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2652, 11 July 1889, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(IIY TELKORAI'ir.— OWN DOIiIIKSI'ON'DKNT.) Wiat.iNUTO.v, "Wednesday. CHATUTABLK AID BILL.

The Government am beginning to realise, now that tliore is little chance of their Hospital and Charitable Aid Bill being carried this session, as the measure has pro vokod the most violent opposition from all parts of the colony. Mr Fisher referred to the Bill this afternoon, and asked the Premier if he will postpone its further consideration till next session. Mr lusher added that tlio probable cause of the dissatisfaction was because its provisions were not fully understood. The. Premier fully agreed with that view and said he was perfectly convinced from the telegram* ho had received with respect to it that the local bodies had a complete misconception of the Bill. Ifowever, the Government had no dosiic to hurry the measure which was one of the greatest importance, and he hoped that after reasonable debate tho House would see its way to pass it this session. If it were considered necessary to postpone it to next year, so that the country might thoroughly understand its provisions, the Government would probably agree to such n proposal. THi-; casta mxi: afkaiu. Amongst the papers relating to Mr Fisher's action as Italian Consul with respect to Caspariiii's escape, which were laid on the table hist night, is a letter from Lord Ousbw, in winch His Excellency states that with tho sanction of the oliieer who administered tho government, and without consulting his colleagues, Mr Fisher caused some 200 copies of the correspondence to be struck oil'. I [is Excellency expresses regret that the fulfilment of the wish of the late French Consul, at Wellington, should have been frustrated by the unjustifiable act of Mr Fisher, and lie adds that he has already communicated the facts and similar expressions of regret to to the .Secretary of State. The pro-cat Consul in his reply refers to the " unwarrantable publication " of the papers by Mr lusher, and while leaving the matter entirely in His .Excellency's hands stigmatises tho request for the correspondence at the present time as an unfortunate continuation of unjustifiable proceedings. Mr Fisher explained the publication, and resumed his seat without a solitary murmur or single word from anybody. TllK HARM SYSTEM. It is generally reported to-day that after the speeches of'SirJno. Hall and Mr Saunders on the Hare system that mode of election is steadily gaining ground, and the division, if one is taken on the second reading, is expected to show a tolerably respectable number of adherents, although, of course, nothing like a majority of the House. Another report is that owing to the groat dillieulty that exists in adjusting Mie quota satisfactorily, members are giving their attention seriously to tho Hare system as the, best method of dealing with a vexed question.