POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2659, 27 July 1889, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(BV TKLECRArri. — OWN COKKKSI'ONDKNT.) Wellington, Frid ay. THE STONEWALL. There is not, up to the present timo (S p.m.) the slightest sign of either town or country members givingin on the quota question, and the parties are determined to tight it out to the bitter end, whenever that may he. An impression prevails in the lobbies that a majority of the country members are prepared to accept 25 per cent, actual, but the more covetous members of the p.irty still press for the per cent., which is, of course, a preposterous demand. It has been represented to them that by pushing these extreme claims they are likely to alienate the support of many representatives of the smaller boroughs, iv lo are quite willing to go for the 25 per cent, actual amount. So far they will not yield an inch, and the town members are, consequently, more bitter, if possible, in their opposition.

A LIFELESS DEBATE. Tlio proceedings during the early hours of this morning were by no means lively, or interesting. Mr Blake followed Mr Fish at one o'clock, and he was succeeded by Messrs Fisher, Menteith, ami Barron, who kept the floor till half-past four a.m. Mr Joyce, the member for Lyltleton, then took up the thread of the "argument," and actually spoke for eight hours, doing the best on record as far as this debate is concerned. There was a short adjournment for breakfast during the doliveiy of Mr Joyce's speech, and afterwards he continued speaking till about 12.30. Mr Taylor then sailed in, and made a lengthy oration on things in general, lie caused a little diversion, as usual, about four this afternoon when he was somewhat annoyed by the repeated interruptions of MrEugeneO'Oonnor, member for the Buller. The m-smber for Sydenham endured it as long as his patience held out, but at last he complained of being compelled to speak at such length against this Bill, which he would tell Mr O'Connor he had to do without getting anything for it or any hope of reward, lie laid particular emphasis on this statement upon which Mr O'Connor rose to protest against such an insinuation. Mr I). Stewart and several other town members defended Mr Taylor. After a lively little interchange of compliments between those gentlemen and the member for the Buller, Mr Taylor, who had had a little rest in the meantime,

again continued his remarks, and kept tho debate going till 5.1-j p.m. Mr Reeves (lnang-.\hua) then took up the running for a short time, till the House rose for dinner. On resuming at 7,30 ho again set th» ball rolling with a few remarks of a general nature, and evidently was good for a few hours at lea^t. NO SURRENDER! At a meeting of tho town members tonight it was intimated that if the committal of the Representation Bill was agreed to at once, the Premier is willing in consequence of the death of Judge Gillies, an old member of tho House, to report progress till Monday evening. The feelingof the meeting, however, was altogether against such a proposal, as they felt their position to be such that to agree to it would be regarded as a sure sign i.f weakness by the country. Ministers, therefore, say they have no choice, but to let matters take their own course, for the present at any rate, so that another all night sitting is a certainty.

A SIGNIFICANT MESSAGE. The following rather original telegram has been received to-day by a Southern member from a gentleman of considerable influence in one of the large centres. "Oppose tho infamous Bill representation to bitter end. Stonewall, defeat Ministers, and anything either hero or traitor, hero choose, publication early.'' YET ANOTHER. Mr Withy has also received the following telegram from Auckland. "General dissatisfaction Representation Bill. Public meeting will be held in Newton if debate adjourned." To this Mr Withy has replied, " I am heartily with Stonewallers. Old members say best fight over conducted. Are fighting for fair discussion on subversive legislation. Pre-arranged by a coinpact and brought in by Government. We expect to win."

A I'LEASANT PROSPECT. Sydney Taiwhanga threatens to speak tonight for nine hours on the wrongs of the Maori race. He is to follow Mr R. Reeves, and both are now heart, and soul with the Stonewallers. CRUSHING THE MINORITY. The refusal to allow any adjournment for luncheon yesterday was indignantly resented by the town members- It appears Mr Reeves requested the Speaker to leave the chair for an hour, and Sir M. O'Rorke, who, no doubt, was glad of the opportunity to escape from the foul atmosphere resulting from an ail night sitting, said he should leave it to the Houso to decide. The voices were unmistakably in favour of the adjournment, and the Speaker ruled to that effect, Sir Harry Atkinson, thereupon, rose and requested that the motion be put to the vote when the adjournment was lost by 32 to 20, and the "Tyrannical majority," as tho country party are styled by the town members, were once moie triumphant.

A PROBABLE SUNDAY SITTING. The opponents uf the Representation 15:11 intend, if they arc forced into sitting on Sunday, to comment very exhaustively 011 Ihe book of the Old Testament and also on the Revised Version of the .Bible. TYPHOID FEVER IN WELLINGTON. Sotne alarm is telt here at the spread of typhoid in the city, the latest deatli being that, of Mr Fulton, son ofMrJas. Fulton, M.H.R, and son-in-law of Mrs Webber, of Napier, whose loss is universally resetted. Captain Saville, the Governor's A.D.C., is also seriously ill with the same complaint. Government House is deserted, in consequence, and the Countess of Onslow and family have now gone to Nelson, and His Excellency the Governor is absent in the Wairarapa district. It is reported to day that there are no less than eight casfs'nf typhoid fever in one of the streets of Thorndon.