POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6385, 31 July 1882, Page 2

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

[By Telegraph.]

(FROM OUE OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, July. 30th.

Political affairs are very quiet since the conclusive defeat of the Opposition on Friday evening. The Native Reserves Bill was the Opposition's last hope, and even to the last they were sanguine of defeating the Government on it with the aid of Ministerial deserters. A majority of six for Minister; was, therefore, a. final blow to their hopes for this session— perhaps even , for this Parliament. At any_ rate, their single chance lies in those accidents which, in politics or in cricket, often reverse the fortunes of the day and decide the fate of the game. At present thero seems little prospect of silch a 'fortuitous intervention on their behalf, and accordingly the cry is on all hands " Finish the session as quickly as possible; let us away to our homes." You may remember that in the first trial of strength (last Wednesday week), Mr Seddon distinctly challenged Government to. take a stand on the Native Reserves Bill, and plainly expressed his conviction that they dared not, because they knew they would be beaten. Consequently, Friday night's division was a fatal blow. It is understood that Mr Bryce was very anxious to accept the challenge on the Native Reserves Bill last Monday, but was persuaded to test the House on Supply first, and the result proves the prudence of the step. It ia stated that Messrs I. Buchanan, Pillirt, Driver, and Sutton will vote against any future attempt this session to displace the Government, on 'the ground that the Opposition are unable to form any stable Ministry, even in the improbable case of beating Government; therefore such a course would-be utterly useless.

I hear from prominent members of the Opposition that there is now not the slightest chance of a no-confidence motion this session, as they are too weak and disorganised to attempt it. The general belief is.that another month will finish the session.

On Wednesday next Mr "Wynn Williams will ask the Government whether they intend to take'any steps for the purpose of arranging an extradition treaty with the neighbouring Colonies, so*as to remedy the evils arising from a want of power to arrest absconding debtors, as shown in the case of Hargis, who was arrested at Adelaide and released by the Magistrates. Mr Barron will ask the Government on Tuesday whether they will enforce sections 112, 113, and 114 of "The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876," "so that those interested as creditors in bankrupt estates may have a ■more reasonable expectation of ultimately sharing in the proceeds of such estates than in practice they now have"; and whether they will also endeavour to enforce section 200 of that Act, " so that trustees may under its provisions be relieved of unclaimed or other undivided surplus or money the produce of such estates."

On the following Tuesday the same hon, member is to move for a return showing the names of trustees appointed under the Act, and the names of thoso who have not filed reports, balance-sheets, and statements, or paid over to the Colonial Treasurer any unclaimed or undivided surplus, in accordance with the requirements of the Act. The gross receipts from railways for the first quarter of the currsnt financial year (the quarter ended 30th ult.) were approximately £260,000—0r at the rate of £1,040,000 per annum. The net profits were approximately £115,000, being at the annual rate of £460,000, This very closely approaches 5 per cent, on cost.

The Tuapeka Times' Parliamentary correspondent has the following items : —

The petition from the deferred-payment SBttlers of Tuapeka has gone astray. It was posted to the care of Mr Connell (of Connell and Moodie), who is now in Wellington. The postal authorities are unable to trace it. Mr Macandrew presented a petition on the subject, which is still before the Waste Lands Committee. Mr Connell gave evidence yesterday, arid Mr Macandrew to-day. Mr J. C. Brown is summoned for to-morrow. From the composition of th"c Committee, it is doubtful if any" benefit will result.

Mr J. C. Brown gave notice this afternoon to introduce a bill entitled " The Drainage of Mines Act, 1882."

The want-of-confidence motion still hangs fire, the only question being, Who is to move it? Mr Montgomery's supporters object to Mr De Lautour, and name Mr Barron instead, Mr De Lautour seconding the motion. There is to be an Opposition dinner next week, when possibly there may be a fusion of the two sections. The Opposition, when united, have a. numerical majority. The Government questions are only carried by the Opposition support. '