POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Evening Star, Issue 9831, 21 October 1895, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

{FROBhQnB Paruamkktaby Kefokteb.] October 21. ’ as Deiid ns Caesar. Therp is every reason to believe that the tfouse will refuse, to sanction both the prowoiprdcal treaties and the suggested subsidy for the Vancouver service; while If the elective Chamber should pass the increased death duties the Council will throw them out. Tlie Banking Agreement. Both the local papers think that on public grounds the bank agreement is certain to be ratified by Parliament, but the ‘Post’ significantly observes: —“ If the balancesheet of the Colonial' Bank is to be depended on , as affording a reliable index to the position of that bank we should certainly think the shareholders would demur to parting, with their prosperous dividend-paying business on such terms as those proposed, which fall very far short of what they were led to believe their business was worth. Of course, the question of whether they are making a wise sale or not must depend, on the nature and extent of the bad business, which the Bank of New Zealand will not touch. This may be more than the Colonial Bank, with their small capital, could continue to carry. This seems to be the only reasonable explanation of the willingness of the directors to sell on the terms proposed. There will no doubt be a good deal of warm talk at the shareholders’ meeting. In Parliament there will also probably be some discussion, and it is not unlikely that committees or a joint committee will be set up by both branches of the Legislature to fully inquire into and consider the terms of the agreement. That Parliament will ultimately leave it to its operation we do not doubt, There is one point in the agreement which the public will, ,we think, be disposed to regret, and that is the very scanty consideration which seems to be shown for the interests of the employes of the Colonial Bank.” Au Abortive Conference. From a trustworthy source I learn that the managers representing the Council at the Conferen&e on (he Liquor Bill took up a very decided stand on three points,—v.z., no National Prohibition, the issue of New Zealand wine licenses, and refusing to bring clubs under the purview of the Bill. They refused to budge one jot or to entertain any proposal for a compromise on these points. On the number of issues to be submitted to the electors the same hon. gentlemen expressed their willingness to allow votes to be given on two out of the three remaining issues, but these votes are hot to be cumulative. The Council had inserted in clause 32 (licenses not to be transferred beyond a quarter of a mile) a proviso that this clause should not come into operation till January 1, 1897, but its managers agreed to alter the time till May 31 next. On the other points in dispute they expressed a preparedness to give way. The Conference adjourned till this morning to enable the House managers to decide whether they would accept the terms offered or report that their labors had proved abortive. As I anticipated, the Conference on the Liquor Bill has ended in smoke, the Council managers refusing absolutely to give way on the question of National Prohibition or the control of duos. The managers representing the House have decided that the other points conceded were not worth accepting, and a report will be presented to both branches of the Legislature that the Conference are unable to agree. There is consequently great joy in the camp of the liquor party. It is unlikely that any further action in regard to the Bill will be taken this session ; but the Premier will introduce a short measure to interdict the transfer of licenses tdt a greater distance than a quarter cf a mile. Opposition to the Shops Bill.

There does not seem to be much hope of the Shops and Shop Assistants Amendment Bill going through the Council. Strong exception has been taken to the inclusion of hotel bars in the weekly half-holiday and to the abolition of exemptions. Jottings. The Public Works Debate will be taken to-morrow night, and the ’Frisco and mail service resolutions be brought down on Wednesday. Ministers now fix Wednesday, the 30th, as the closing day of the session. The Premier intends asking the House to sit every morning at eleven from tormorrow.