MACHINERY OF GOVERNMENT.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9161, 19 July 1895, Page 6

MACHINERY OF GOVERNMENT.

I The carrying of the second reading of Mr O'ReganV Referendum Bill by the large majority of 28 to 14 came as % surprise to. many people. The most ardent supporters of the measure had anticipated that if the Bill was carried at ail, it would only be by a majority of two or three, and a two to one vote in its favour wa3 certainly extraordinary. It is true that only forty two members actually voted, but when the pairs are counted the voting strength is increased to sixty-four, and the number in favour of the Hill to thirty-nine, a majority of the whole. House. Though the Premier spoke against the proposal, the only Ministers who were represented in the division list and pairs were Messrs Ward and Carroll, the former voting "aye"' and the latter "no." In spite of this expression of opinion in its favour, experienced Parliamentary hands are of opinion that there is no likelihood of the Referendum Bill becoming law this session. The Times this morning endeavours to belittle Mr O'Regan'e victory by asserting that the House had simply paid him an empty compliment in the full certainty that his measure will not reach the Statute Book. The passing or the second reading of the Referendum Bill is certainly somewhat surprising after the rejection of the twin measure known as tha Elective Executive BilL Major Steward has received encouraging commuaications from different parts of the colony approving of hie action in bringing in the measure, prophesying its final adoption, and condemning the conspiracy of silence which characterised its second reading; and he is convinced that one of the results of the next general election will be the placing of the Flection ttxecutiv* Bill übvu toe Statute Sv«k& ,