Political Notes.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 5872, 2 July 1890, Page 3

Political Notes.

[FROM OUR PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER.]

[by telegraph.]

Wellington, Last night,

tub po_moA_ srrrjATioN.

The political atmosphere has been unusually calm for some days, but indications have not been wanting that a storm -va* brewin-r, and tho clouds burst this afternoon, when Mr Ballanoa gave notice ot amendment on going into Supply. The precise terms of this were as tollows:- ---« That in the opinion of this 'louse the continuance of the primage duty is unnecessary and a distinct breach of the underatandinff arrived at when it was tint proposed ; that further retrenchment is imperatively demanded, andean bo effected without impairing the efficiency of the service; that the property tax in its present form and the land policy pursued by the Government alike impede tho progress of the colony." The motion was clearly a direct challenge of the Government policy, and naturally it was accepted as «uch, and in accordance with custom an adjournment was made till 7.30, no business being* transacted. Although little surprise was expressed at an adverse amendment being tabled by the Opposition leader, its form was rather a staggerer to a largo number Of members who had hitherto been counted on as strong Government supporters. It -was a masterpiece of ingenuity in t_at it was designed to catch the votes of those pled zed to oppose any continuance of the primage duty, to a repeal of the property tax and to further retrenchment. Before the' House resumed the position had been pretty well discussed, and from what I can father the Government are likely to nave a majority of ten or a dozen votes. _ Of those who attended the recent Ministerial caucus Messrs Goldie, Barron, and Ifeh are likely to voto for the amendment, but the rest of the party aDpear to bo staunch and true. The aim of the Opposition in moving their hostile vote was not to obtain possession of the Treasury benches, but to force a dissolution. ~ , _~ _ L Mr Mitchelson said that the Government accepted the amendment of the hon. member "for Wanganui as a direct challen-ro. He therefore did not propose to go on with any other business, but would take the financial debate right off. Messrs. Baliance, Seddon Fish, and others urged au adjourn - mens till 7-30 to-night and Government consented. House adjourned accordingly. Mr Ballanoa led off with a vigorous speech, trenchantly criticising the Government policy. The Minister for Lands replied'on behalf of tho Government with a weak speech, which consisted mamly of a defence of his land administration. Mr W P. Reeves followed with a long and carefully prepared speech. The House rose at 11.45. From present appearances the debate is likely to extend into next week. sjuhkn's elkotoeal bights.

An influential deputation of members, headed by Mr Fish,, interviewed the Minister for Education to-day and urged that in view of the probability of the Registration of Electors Bill not passing this session, the Government would Introduce a measure dealing solely with the 4-ueetio- of seamen's franchise on lines llesired by the Maritime Council. The deputation urged that the poll for seamen ehould be open for twenty-one days, or at least between tbe date of nomination and election, and that any seaman might during that period, on the production of his electoral right, vote in any port where his _, vessel may be, such vote to be recorded for * the electoral district in which he is regis- """ tared The Minister for Education courteously promised to a-rree to the wishes of the deputation, and to bring in * Bill in the direction suggested at the earliest possible moment. This, of course, means the abandonment, so fir as this session is .conWed, of tho main Electoral Bill already introduced by the Government, and which recently passed its second reading. AN INPOBTAttT MEASUEK.

Mr Downie Stewart gave notice this afternoon for leave to introduce the Strikes and Arbitration Bill, 1890, which, on enauirv I find to be oue of considerable importance, dealing as it does with the question of capital and labor. The Bill provides that whenever a dispute or difference arises between an employer and Union or member of a Union, such dispute shall bo referred to four arbitrators, two chosen by each party to the dispute, and an umpire to be appointed by the four arbitrators, or in case they cannot agree on a suitable umpire, the Resident Magistrate forthe district shall act. The object of the Bill is to prevent the necessity of strikes resulting in great hardghips to workmen and loss to employers of labor. MEDICAL PBKSCEII-TIONS.

Sir George Grey intends, should his Law M Practitioner. Bill be passed, to introduce a ■Somewhat similar measure in f™*™ with the medical profession, providing that every prescription shall bo written in English. FEDERATION. I understand that the Cabinet have finally approved of a series of resolutions dealing with the Federation question, but have not decided up to the present who aro to be. the delegates to represent New Zealand at the National Australasian Couvent-on, fur her than that they shall comprise four members of the present House of Representatives and three legislative Councillors, ll.e resolutions will express concurrence in the decision of the Australasian Federation Conference -which sat in Melbourne iv February last, wil empower our delegates to the Convention to consider and report upon an adequate Xme for a federal constitution, and will instructthem that the constitution as adopted by the Convention with any documents relating thereby is to be submitted as soon as possible for the consideration of this colony. LEGISLATIVK COUNCIL. Only formal business *7as transacted in thj Legislative Council to-day. Th" Hon Mr Shrimski called attention to thefact St in tho elective Chamber a no-confidenco motto, had been given notice of, and SSg the Attorney - General's chum, Sd the adjournment of the Council, •V -which was agreed to. | DILLS. I Th« Piiea Harbor Bill, which proposes I tol ye the Patea Harbor Board the power ' tn borrow £5000 supplementary to their «istin- Toan of £10,000, was before the Bills Committee to-day. I *" Welded to recommend that the Bill bo Sowed to proceed, but report says that Sev no opinion as to its merits, SeYngXt it involved a question of policy, \ na T h %ensurr^Aiu o ndment Bill, introa if? h7 the Colonial Secretary, merely d ,T sf_ Governor to fix a day not later allows the Grovtru than April -ttltli the Aot of instead sc i u ,dule of that Act t 1877, »nd amends tn e _ atttions of (ino/jntoriliity**»' * wh * oh recently the Steti-twal Con*we ' sat at which has not limits of ci : rif-iu inri-rmatK proved valuabhi. Amendment Bill The Native Juru*-< '-Cl'-*-••'; ,- , reduces the area in the to™ <-« " * { ™ tt which jar,.-* may he summomd U t-' to ten miles, and aUo provide < 3^™ n civil cases shall receive ten shilling pa day instead of ten -.hillings per case us heiev/ore, which i- h„d lo be tho ™*™%' -Aou-'h 01-vkm.-ly n*-t the intent of the i ac, "Neith.-rcni-'-irii'i-s'iun.-s nor criminal " juie* are ■•il'-'cicd '•*.' I"'* '*m.*-nUiii- A<:t. Ie Civil Service Gu-'.rutitee Act merely

repeals the Aot of 1870, which provided a united system of guarantee amongst Civil Servants, and re-enacts similar provisions so as to inolude offices and departments which were not iv existence at that time.