POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6687, 21 July 1883, Page 2

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

[By Telegraph.]

(FROJI OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

■Wellington, July 20.

A sudden surprise of a somewhat startling character occurred in the House this afternoon, when Mr Swanson, one of the warmest supporters of the Ministry, moved that Ministers should take back their Estimates with a.view to their reduction by £50,000. The Government, of course, treated the motion as equivalent to a motion of no confidence,, although Mr Swanaon altogether disclaimed a hostile intention. Major Atkinson distinctly told the House that he could not possibly roako any further reductions than had already been made in preparing the Estimates, and said that if, further reductions wore to be made the Hnuso would have to put other men on the Treasury: benches to do so. Tho Opposition wore very confident to-night that if the motion came'to a division at once it would either be carried, or at least that the voting would be so close as to make it rather unpleasant for the Government. The general impression appeared to bo that Ministers would put up their men to speak, so as to delay the division till next week, but this proved to be incorrect, as the Government whips were observed _to be gathering their forces, and when the division was called every member was in his place, excepting, of course, the pairs. The majority against the motion would nave been 15 instead of nine had not three Government supporters— Messrs Wright, J. Green, and Swanson--voted for the motion. A lengthy triangular duel then ensued between Sir George Grey, Major Atkinson, and Mr Rolleston, which was interrupted by the 10.30 adjournment. I understand the promoters" of the Native Lands Company intend giving their beat support to Sir George Grey's Native. Land Act A mendment Bill, and that the bill itself was tile outcome of an arrangement between them. IS is understood that the bill has been framed so as to catch the votes of some of the Government supporters who were expected to vote for the Company's Land Bill. The latest lobby rumour is that Mr Pilliet, whose health is known to be in a very precarious state, intends resijrning for Stanmore in favour of the Hon. E. Richardson, who has been iv Wellington for nome time cast. A curious puint has cropped up with reference to the Committee now sitting for the purpose of inquiring into the alleged evasion in Otago of the Land Act. It appears tho Dummyism Committee find that their labours will be practically useless unless the witnesses themselves are indemnified against any possible law proceedings that might arise in consequence of. evidence given before the Committee. It was in consequence of this that Mr Rolleston today introduced the Parliamentary Witnesses Indemnity Bill, which he said was essential in order that tho work of the Committee should have any practical effe»t whatever. He said he should ask that the bill bo passed through all its stages on Tuesday. '