WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5531, 6 November 1879, Page 2

WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

(piioit dun ovrnf correspondent).

Wellington, Wednesday, Another Government caucus was held td-day, arid was attended by $0 members. It was agreed to adhere td the freehold clause in th9 Qjualifica,tion of Electors Bill, and to resist Mr Montgomery's motion to limit men to one vote in the colony. Mr. Hall stated that of jcoiirse he could not enter intd details^ of the financial proposals, but increased taxation was absolutely necessary, and it would be placed on Customs and property. It was not likely that the stamp duties would be altered, but the land tax would probably be repealed in favor of a general property tax.

The Native Affairs Committee have for some time been taking evidence on oath on the petition of George Davey, in reference to certain native land transactions in Hawke's Bay, and preferring oharges amounting to forgery and conspiracy to defraud against Mr Sutton, M.H.R., and others. At a meeting of the committee to-day, eleven members being present, it was found that the evidence of G. B. Worgan, no\V a prisoner for forgery in Wanganui gaol, was required, and the committee resolved to ask the House to direct the Speaker to issue a warrant to bting Worgan before the committae. Mr Orrnond supported this course. Mr F. A. Whittaker was the only dissentient when the chairman (Hamlin) moved the resolution in the House. Ministers asked for a delay in the matter, and a somewhat Warm discussion took place on a motion for dn adjournment of the debate. A division took place, and the motion for adjournment was carried —Mr Sutton kindly voting with the majority. The question is, however, to come on again at 3 o'clock to-morrow. Six witnesses, to be examined before the committee, are expected by the Penguin on Friday. Last night, in committee on the Triennial Parliament's Bill, Mr Hall said it was of little importance what date was fixud for the effluxion of the present Parliament by time, as so soon as a redistribution of seats took place a dissolution wotild follow at once. Some members looked rather " blue " at this.

A Royal Commission is likely to be appointed to inquire into the Poverty Bay land disputes.