THE MINISTERIAL POSITION.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 136, 19 September 1868, Page 4

THE MINISTERIAL POSITION.

The following important information may be depended upon as being substantially correct. At the meeting of Government supporters held on Saturday, a committee was appointed to take into consideration the question ot finance under the proposed new isolations between General and Provincial Governments. The following is the substance of the report of the committee which has received the assent of most of the Government supporters. Ministers are to give their reply, which is expected to be favourable, to day : Wellington is to be relieved of 58,0001. additional liability, by the colony assuming the mortgage debt on the reclaimed land, Manawatu block, &c.; Nelson is to receive 150,000?. instead of 90,000?.; Otago to receive 40,000?. ; Westland will receive 15,000?.; Southland is only to contribute 9,000?. instead of 12,000?. per annum, as originally proposed. The above mentioned sums are to be paid out of the sinking fund, supplemented by Treasury Bills. Three new bills to be introduced are : 1. To provide for simplifying the machinery of Provincial Governments by doing away with Executive Councils. 2. To establish Timaru and, Gladstone;, Oamaru, and Wanganuifas counties; <the latter to be endowed from confiscated lands. [This bill not to come into force’ ; until 1 sanctioned by' Act of Imperial Pai-liament.] 3. A permissive County Bill; without separation from provinces, but with a fixed endowment. On-the 10th instant, Mr. Fox opened the debate on his resolutions with an 1 ex-' celleUttWpeech, and was replied to by Mr. Stafford with 'great force. Mr. Curtis and Mr, Reynolds, supported ■ Mr. Fox.: Government: supporters met 1 this a£ter~ noon, but nothing was done. All tiij& Ifelsoa. members are in opposition. Tile followmg have spoken fori Go-, i vernment,'Messrs.lLerrand Bunny; against, •Mr; Gdllins aud Mr. JRblleston;

■Ngjstftkis. get, 140,(50 QL, MarTb&rough, ,10,000 1.—Nelson Examiner. '