POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Press, Volume XLIII, Issue 6492, 14 July 1886, Page 5

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

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WELLINGTON, July IS.

The Midland Bailway Bill got safely through Committee in the Legislative Council this evening with one amendment.

to the effect that maps should be attached to the schedule of the Bill, so as to be a permanent record in the Statute Book. There are great rejoicings, not only on the part of Canterbury, Nelson, and "Weatland memoers, who feared the measure might be endangered by eeiious alterations being insisted upon by the Lords, but also on all aides, as this matter has long been » political stumbling block in everybody's way. When once the Bill is finally beyond the reach of danger, we may see come new and interesting developments in toe political situation. Some hours were spent to-day on the .Loans to Local Bodies Bill, which was ultimately reported with the exception of a clause relating to the school buddings. Supply was then called on, and as no fewer than tea motions were set down on the Supplementary Order Paper to be moved as amendments en going into Supply, there, was a good deal of curiosity to see who would first catch the Speaker's eye.. Tae lest proved to be the first, for-Mr Soobie McKentie, who was down No. 10 of the motions, jumped up and secured the right to move nis motion in favor of allowing practising medical men to hold office I as Coroners. This, however, waa negatived 'on a division by a majority of one. The House accordingly went into Supply, and entered upon the Education Estimates. It may be worthwhile to mention that the remaining nine notices of motion as amendments to supply are as follows:—Mr W. J. Hurst—"Tnat the Wellington Ministerial residences be forthwith Bold, and that in lieu thereof Ministers be granted reasonable house allowance." Drl Newman—(l.) "That in the opinion of this House the salaries and percentages to be paid to all oifioen of the Natfre Land Parchas* Deportment should be included in the public works estimates for the year, and (2) the Government be requested to bring down supplementary estimates for the;current year, showing such salaries and percentages tor this year." Mr Guinness— " That the Government be authorised to sell the steamier Hinemoa." Mr Levestam —"That in the opinion.of [this House the distillation of spirits within the colony ought to be encouraged, so as to afford the farmers a local market for their grain." Mr Guinness—" That all tolls now charged at General Government bridges be abolished." t)r. Newman,— " That in the opinion of this House (1) on and after let October all freights on goods carried on the New Zealand railways shall be the same on all lines; (2) That when any changes in freights are made each changes shall apply equally to the whole colony. , ' Mr Beetham—" That the report of the Joint Honee Committee should be taken into consideration by this House, with a view of giving effect to the recommendation .of the Committee." Mr Pearson,—" (1) That in the opinion ot this House the contributions from the different local authorities for Hospital and Charitable Aid should be raised by » tax on property without any exemptions, and- that. Government should collect and pay such taxee to the several districts, entitled to the same; that the Government be requested to give effect to the foregoing resolution." Mr Hobbe— "That it is the opinion of this House the North Auckland Trunk Bailway and the Otago Central Bailway (Taieri Lake to Hawea) should be constructed under the proviaione or on the basis of the Bailway Construction and Land Acts." Curiously enough the whole House evidently forgot the arrangement which had been made to take the debate on the Education Statement on the first item of tbe Education Estimates. The Premier, if he remembered it, did not choose to remind members, so the estimates went on swimmingly, and %re all through but one. Sir J. Togel is much better, and was able to take nis place in the House to-day. Midnight.

Active lobbying ie going on respecting the District Bailway scandal. Both sides are eagerly canvassing votes for tomorrows struggle. The debate will undoubtedly be a very bitter one, and is likely to be prolonged. lam still of opinion that the report will not be adopted by the House, but tbat in lieu thereof a resolution will be carried declaring everybody ftee of all blame excepting the Select Committee. If this should be co it will lead to other complications, as the Committee are said to feel very strongly on Uie matter, and to be quite prepared to back up their report with action of a definite kind if the Government bring about its rejection.