POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7869, 21 May 1891, Page 6

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(KBOM OXTB CORRESPONDENT.) WELLINGTON, May 20. I informed you some weeks ago that the Government intended to propose to Parlia Xnenti a of the inland letter postage to a penny, and that a portion of the surplus -would be devoted to making good the deficiency of .£40,000 in postal revenue. I fear, however, that there ie little present prospect of Mr Ward's other desire being carried out, that is to cay, the adoption of a penny intercolonial postage, as the financial loss involved would be too heavy. I understand that the majority of the Cabinet are opposed to making this reduction at present, in view of the large loss which must result from the inland concession, and the eerious new demands on the revenue which have already arisen, including the £40,000 which is now to be granted to the Railway Commissioners for rolling stock, &c., as requisitioned. Thus we shall have to wait awhile for an intercolonial penny post. With reference to the Labor Bills I learn that in reintroducing the Bills of last session the Shops and Factories Bill will be S)lit into two, one being called the Shops ill, and the other the factories BilL If this course is found to be inconvenient the Labor Bills generally will be brought in as reported from the Special Committee, not as they were left by the House, inasmuch as certain alterations made in Committee of the whole are deemed by the present Government objectionable as being illiberal in character.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.)

WELLINGTON, May 20. The Government has decided to establish penny postage within the colony for letters * under half an ounce in weight. It is estimated that the first loss to the revenue is £40,000, but it is expected that increased correspondence will recoup the loss in three years.

The expenditure this year will be increased by several items aggregating over £100,000. These include Australian squadron, £20,000; census, £15,000; Property Assessment, about £16,000; and increased interest £52,000.

It is understood that the Government will grant the Railway Commissioner the £40,000 applied for on their providing a list of particulars of the proposed expenditure. The Government will be indirectly represented at the Vienna Postal Conference, Sir Dillon Bell being prevented from attending by illness in his family.