POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 5082, 18 September 1891, Page 3

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

[from OCR OTO correspondent] Wellington*. September 18. The Public Accounts Committee were to have reported to-day re the Polhill Gully Rifle Range, but I understand they will not do so till Monday, and I fancy the delay is owing to the presence of the Atkinsonian element on the Committee. These gentlemen do not wish the ugly facts (and I believe they are very ugly) to come out. In spite of this, however, I think we are going to hear some sensational particulars. Mr Ballance moved that Mr Rees be Chairman of Committees. Mr Blake moved as an amendment that Mr Guinness be appointed. Mr Seddon reviewed-the position, and admitted that it was awkward. The discussion is proceeding. Later. Mr Rees was elected by a majority of seven.

(per press association.) (dv telegraph.) Wellington, September 17. In the Legislative Council last night the Municipal Corporations Bill was taken in Committee. Mr Stevens moved that clause 4, which sets out when a proposal for a special loan shall be deemed to be carried, be struck out. The clause, which was specially framed to deal with the Wellington drainage scheme, was struck out by 16 to 10. Clause 6—One per cent, of the general rate to be applied to certain purposes. The clause was struck out by 14 to 12. OnthcmotionofDrGraceanew clause exempt ing charitable institutions and schools not carried on for profit, was inserted by 13 to 10. This clause was contained in the Bill as first drafted, but was struck out by the House.

The School Committee Election Bill was slightly amended in committee. The Water Supply Bill passed through committee with slight amendments. The Rabbit Nuisance Bill was passed. The Small Birds Nuisance Bill was put through its final stage. The Payment of Members Bill, having been reinstated on the Order Paper, Mr Buckley moved that it be now read a second time. Mr Miller moved as an amendment that the Bill be laid aside. The amendment was carried by 18 to 5, without debate. This evening the House went into Committee of Supply for consideration of the Estimates. Legislative Department — L 14,939. The first vote was reduced by Ll, as indicating that the House wished the Government (instead of the Speaker) to have control of the Legislative Estimates. The other votes passed unaltered. The Colonial Secretary's Department— L 72.696. Mr T. Thompson moved to reduce the first vote t>y LI as an indication that all increases in salaries over L2OO be disallowed. The motion was lost by 39 to 15. On the motion of Mr Ward the vote of L 5731 for the Audit Office was withdrawn, in order that the Government might bring down an increased vote oil the Supplementary Estimates. Left sitting at 2 a.m.