POLITICAL NOTES.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 76, 6 December 1887, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(OWN OORftESFONDENt.) WziitNoioN, yesterday. The Government doubt whether there will be time to deal with the audit system question thia year. This has reference to expenditure by local bodiea—Gisborne, I believe, ia one of those district* intereated—which the Audi tor-General refuses to pass. The Legislative Council has decided by 16 to 17 against a proposal favoring the introduction of Scripture reading in the public schools, It haa been elicited that the late Government permitted married women to take up sections in the Wellington and Bhmingham association settlements,

The consideration of Vogal’a alleged remedy for depression tdok another amusing turn last week, Mr McGregor gave notice to ask whether the Government would place £lO.OOO on the estimates for the acquirement of the proprietary rights in Sir Julius Vogel’s scheme. The Speaker of course refused to permit the question being put.

The debate in the Council on the Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Bill has been adjourned until to-ffiorroW. The Bill provides for the election of Mayors by the Council* instead of as at present, and there was much objection to this provision. The Attorney-General haa given notice in the Council of a resolution affirming the de. eirability of reducing the honorarium. The Minister for Lands haa been considering petitions from rtttlers in the Woodville and North Auckland districts, complaining that with the 100-aore restriction it is impossible for them to earn a livelihood in the rough bush country. The Minister admits they have cause to crmplain, and will have them placed on the aatiie footing as other deferred-pay-ment settlers, allowing them to have holdings up to 320 acres. It ia understood the Government have definitely decided to dispose of the Premier's residence, and probably, as soon as Sir Julius vacates it, the property will be cut up into small allotments.

On Tuesday the Attorney-General will bring down a bill to repeal the Native Land Administration Act, 1886, and provide for the completion of certain transactions oom ■ menced thereunder, and a Bill to amend the Native Land Act, 1886.