POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 269, 15 November 1887, Page 5

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[r.Y TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER.]

Wkmjxgtox, this day

The Protectionist Movo. Thr protectionist move has caused a great deal of uneasiness on the Ministerial side of the House, and the general opinion is that a trial of strength will take place. There is, however, no doubt that the action of the Premier in treating the matter as a party question will have the effect of carry. ing the Government through successfully. ■Uie substitution of Colonel Eraser's and Mr UacJman's names for those of Messrs Thompson and Ooldie is easily explained. The latter gentlemen were disappointed that tho question was not taken up this session, but the promise that it should be exhaustively de <«b with by the Government in April next Tii fchem to an extent. With other Auckland protectionists who are also Government supporters, they considered that by refusing to accept this promise they would be merely assisting Sir J. Vogel back to power, and this they were determined not to do. It seems that the protectionists among the Government party are chiefly Aucklanders, and thoy are considered to be true in allegiance to Atkinson. Ministerial Residences. It might appear at first glance that th e pale of the Ministerial residences is a small : item in the retrenchment scheme. Some information gleaned by Mr Goldie, however, places a different complexion on the matter. It appears that the cost of the furniture of Sir J. Vogel's residence for 1884 to 1886 was i.1,000, and repairs and maintenance of building for same period £558. Hon. Mr Richardson's residence for same period was £570 ; Mr Tole's for one year, ended 1386, was £495 ; Sir R. Stout's for same period, £341. This means a total under these heads of £2,408 for furniture, fittings, and repairs, in addition to which there are the services of men from the Public Works Department, Botanical Gardens, &c. Mr Goldie is now moving for a further return to the present year. Tapu Homestead Selectors. Mr Cadman has effected a settlement of the Tapu homestead selectors' difficulty. ■The Minister of Lands has written to him stating that on the Government being informed by the County Councils of Thames and Coromandel that they agree to titles being granted, they will be at once issued. Coromandel Schools of Mines. I stated last week that application had been made to Government for allotments at Coromandel for the School of Mines. The Minister of Mines has now written to Mr Cadman, stating that the School of Mines can have the use of the land applied for until the land is required by the Government. Protectionists at Worlr, The Protection meeting called for this morning was only moderately attended and it was decided to adjourn till 1.30. Secrecy is being observed as to their intended action but the information which ' sent to you on Saturday (that in view of the Premier's reply to the deputation a hostile amendment might be considered inevitable) may be regarded as correct. Mr Moss will probably be requested to move in that direction. Railway Construction. I have authority for saying that if tho loan proposals of the Government are accepted, the sum of £120,000 will be placed on the Public Works estimates fpr the completion of the Manawatu Gorge line, and £110,000 for the purpose of carrying the Otago Central line to Middle-March. Ministers feel strongly that these works should be bracketed together as of equal and pressing importance. The Policeman's Lot. About a fortnight ago, Mr Taylor interviewed the Minister for Justice, and urged on him the desirableness of granting to policemen, when absent on leave, special facilities for travelling on railways, as during holiday times, when cheap fares were granted, these men were engaged in the discharge of their duty. He therefore suggested that when members of the police force got holidays they should be allowed, with their families, to enjoy the same privileges as ordinary citizens have on festive occasions. Mr Fergus has replied to the member for Sydenham that arrangements will be made with the Public Works Department in favour of the police in the direction indicated by him, provided that it be ascertained on inquiry that police are debarred by their duties from taking advantage of the benefits incident to public holidays. Wl Tako's Funeral. In order that natives from all parts of the colony may be represented, Wi Tako's funeral has been postponed till Sunday next. He will bo accorded military burial owing to his service in the' Maori war. The Midland Railway. The new clause in the Midland Railway contract enables the Company to take land up to £1,250,000 value within the prescribed area. Tho Hare System. MY Peacock gave notice to-day of his bill on the Hare system of polline-.