POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2657, 23 July 1889, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

I BY TKLEGRAPH.— PRKSS ASSOCIATION. I Wellington, Monday. POLITICAL POSITIONS. JunoiNG from the pivsorit appearance of the political barometer, it looks as if the well known proverb that "In politics the unexpected always happens," is about to receive another proof very shortly. The present session commenced with an unusually peaceful look-out as far a.i the Government was concerned, and everyone was of o;iinion that Ministers wero perfectly secure in (heir seats during the continuance ot this Parliament. They have now, however, to face one of the most awkward questions that has yet ruffled their Ministerial existence, namely, that of the representation of the people in Parliament, and the position is becoming so serious that a dissolution in this, the next month or two is quite on the cards; indeed, it is openly stated to-day by the town members that if Ministers yield to tho demands of tiie country members they will be met with a direct vote of " want-ofcon 'idunco " to bo moved, probably, by Mr Bal'.ance. A resolution of this character would, of course, under those circumstances, be supported by representatives of all city constituencies, including such strone Ministerialists as Messrs Goldie, Monk, Izard, Allen, Humphries, and others, members who had given a genera! support to the Government, and the probabilities are the whole of the Opposition would vote for it, in order to elf.-ot a change of Government. This is inert! speculation at present, but there is no doubt that the lowni members are excessively angry with the Government for having recognised wh;it they consider the exorbitant demands of the representatives of country districts, and offering them 2;") per cent. as their share of the quota. It must not bo forgotten cither that a general election this year would effectually .settle the question of the roduction-of members, a point on which so many liavo recanted since voting for a reduction in the House, and this alone would induce the supporters of a reduction to 71 members to endeavour to bring about a dissolution. AiriiusL this view, however, is the certainty that twutity-oiio members will lose thuir seats altogether if Ministers appeal to the o.iuutry. This consideration might, probably,'influence several vwttw on n " no-con-iidonce" motion.

TOWN VK US lAS COUNTRY. It appuiirs to bo taken fur granted by the country members Hint the utmost concession they will receive as far as the quota is c-incorned is 2~i per cent, actual, in addition ti) their population which would lr.ean roughly spoaking, that thirty thousand people in the country will be entitled to as many members as forty thousand in tho town. They will endeavour, of our.se, to got the 2M& per cent., which they are already pledged to do, having all signed a requisition to that effect, but miny of them regard it as almost hopeless and I am assured by a reliable member of tho party that they would bo willing to accept 25 per cent., a compromise, however, which the town members are not likely to allow. Members of the country party are still determined not to debate the question at any length but to lot the town mem'oer.-s do all tho talking if the Bill Rfits into committee.

THE AGNKWS. This celebrated couple are not likely to trouble members of Parliament again for ji considerable time hs they have just been shipped off to Dunedin at the expense of tho Government. Both Mr and Mrs •Vgnew waited on the Inspector of Police on Saturday last stating that they werewithout a penny and begged him to use his good offices in obtaining a passage for thoin to Dunedin. Subsequently, Inspector Thompson obtained a requisition from the Government ti. the Union Steamship Company to pass them per steamer to Dunedin, for which place they left per s.s. Ringarooma, yesterday. The Agnews, on landing, will be passed to their old holding, which the Government have agreed they •shall be permitted to reside upon and work, but tho precise terms on which the privilege has been granted are not yet known. THK REPRESENTATION DEBATE.

Mr Humphries cm used some surprise to-night, when he moved without any opposition the adjournment of the deoate at 10.40, as it was generally expected that the second rcadimr would be concluded before tho House rose. The Government were also anxious to conclude the debate, in order to pet int i committee on the Bill to-morrow, b'lt it wan e; ident some arrangnmnnt had been come to, as nobody made the slightest to the adjournment, and the House rose immediately afterwards. _ THK NEW SKIIO.KANT-AT-.VU.UF.

Colonel de Quincey, the successor of Capt. Homo, begin his duties to-night by ushering in the Speaker, and bearing the .Mace before him. The new Sergeant-at-Arins is a p'.easant-looking gentleman, appaiently about 00 years of age, who is likely to become popular amongst the members.