THE DISSOLUTION IN NEW SOUTH WALES.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 25, 31 January 1887, Page 4

THE DISSOLUTION IN NEW SOUTH WALES.

A Deficit of £2,500,000.

Two mcntha' supply has been granted to tho Parkes Administration to provide for tho public services during the general election now impending. The deficit is now £2,500.000 - so the new Colonial Treasurer has stated The Treasurer's advance voto of £200,000 has been exhausted, hence had supply been refused the new Ministry would have had no possible means of paying the civil servants. A refueal of supply was contemplated by the Opposition. Mr Melville, who had assumed the position of second in command of the Opposition, had arrogantly and autocratically Btated to the new Premier, " You will get no supply." It was because Sir Henry Parkes,* in reply to thia interjection, emphatically said that with or without supply the situation would not bo altered, and warned the Opposition to refuse supply at their peril, that he was accused of insulting and degrading the representatives of tho people. When supply was asked Henry Parkes gave the House a distinct pledge that if it was granted he would move the adjournment till Monday, when he would make a full exposition of the policy upon which the Government intended to go to the country. Upon this assurance the Opposition, who began to realise the danger to themselves of refusing supply under existing circumstances, offered no obstruction. An important meeting of members of the Opposition was he'd in their room at the Assembly building yesterday afternoon, commencing at 2.30. Sir Patrick Jennings presided, and there were in attendance at one time about 30 members. It was called far the purpose of formulating a p.'licy for the guidance of those opposed to the present Government at the elections. No definite result with respect to policy was arrived at. A considerable majority of the members present were in favour of a protective policy, and to make the issue before tlia counttjg free trade or protection. lining aware that there was little hope of being able to convert a number of freetrade adherents, and tho protectionists being unwilling to lose their support in opposing the present Government during the elections, a desire was generally expressed to modify the policy of protection with the object of assimilating it with the views of those members who were disinclined to a protective policy. Confidence was expressed at tho meeting that a majority of the present House were favourable to the imposition of a protective import duty on cereals. Sir Patrick Jennings informed the meeting that he would not continue in tho position of leader of the Opposition. His successor was not appointed, and it was agreed that the Opposition ehould go to the country without a leader.