LATE PARLIAMENTARY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 150, 28 June 1898, Page 8

LATE PARLIAMENTARY.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, this day WEEKLY CAUCUS US.

The 'Times,' referring to the Ministerial Caucus and the Premier's promise to meet Ministerial supporters every Monday, says that while it may be argued to indicate an extension of the principle of representative government it may also represent reducing Ministers to the position of committee men, whereas they should foe the Executive of the whole House and country. While the party system is the best for carrying on politisal government there is no denying that it reaches a reductio ad absurdum when .Ministers promise to meet their supporters once a week and report progress to them. The Government should meet Parliament and report to it, not cabal and convive in secret with its supporters. A caucus in camera is at times necessary, but if it is to be a weekly fixture government by a responsible Ministry will be abolished, and there will be established in its place a rule by a majority that meets in silence and is maintained by means no onS outside knows of. OPPOSITION CAUCUS.

The result of the Opposition caucus lield this morning' was a decision to move an amendment on the Address-in-Reply dealing with unauthorised expenditure. The motion will probably be moved by the Leader of the Opposition, though this is not settled. It is understood this is only the percursor to further amendments, which will confirm my telegram of yesterday.

Messrs Duthie, Allen, Mason, Heke end Eolleston were the members absent from this morning's Opposition caucus.

PUBLIC WORKS APPROPRIATIONS.

Cabinet last night authorised the appropriation of two hundred and fifty pounds for the Waikouaiti Road and two thousand pounds for the North Island Trunk Railway.

ADVANCE TO SETTLERS

The Government Advances to Settlers Bill to be introduced provides for extension of the Act from October next.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The object of the the Local Government Voting Reform Bill, notice of which has been given by the Premier, is to provide that any proposals submitted to the votes of ratepayers of any distinct or subdivision of district; shall be deemed to be carried if on a vote being taken the number of valid Votes recoi'ded in favour of the proposal exceeds the number of valid .votes recorded against it.