POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7568, 20 May 1886, Page 2

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

[From Oun Own Correspondent.)

"Wellington, May 19. BUDGET RUMOURS. Dullness still prevails in the political world, and there seems little hope of enliven-

ment until the Budget is down. Two opposite rumours are afloat on this matter. One

is to the effect that the Cabinet has posi-

tively agreed to construct the Budget on the

lines laid down by Mr Stout at Invercargill,

the other is that there is still a division between Mr Stout and Sir Julius Vogel on this question. I cannot pretend to say which version of the situation is the more correct. I only know that Sir J. Vogel is hard at work on his Financial Statement, and that all the departments are equally hard at work on

their estimates.

Both are still looked for

about Tuesday next,

THE DEBATE. Nearly all to-day was devoted to the New

Hebrides. Sir George Grey moved his reso-

lutions in an eloquent but perhaps somewhat over-florid speech. Many members talked

lengthily on the subject but mostly without much appearance of knowledge. There were

several passages at arms between the Premier and Sir George Grey. In one instance Mr Stont expressed regret that Sir George Grey should have spoken with so much

" heat." Sir George Grey instantly rose and said very solemnly, "Sir, I developed no heat." Mr Stout retorted, " Well, sir, lam glad to learn that the hon. gentleman was

cool, but in that case I really do not. know,

what he woiiid-. have;. said if he ; had- been heated." Another time, Mr Stout hinted that Sir G. Grey's bitter denunciations of Lord Granville as a " truckler"' were inspired by the recollection of old feuds between them. Sir George flatly denied

lat he was actuated by any such unworthy

feelings. On this Mr Stout retorted that he was glad the hon. member apologised for words doubtless used in the heat.of debate.. Sir G. Grey indignantly denied haying made or intended any tapology, and. said he en-

tirely adhered to all he had uttered. A rather awkward deadlock nearly occurred] Mr Stout had moved an amendment to Sir G. Grey's resolution to the effect that the ' question be referred to a committee. The House desired to adopt this course, yet did not wish to negative Sir G. Grey's resolutions, but they could not vote for the amendment without doing this. In the end, however, Sir G. Grey and Mr Stout withdrew their motion and, amendment, and ,the latter gaye notice to move ,for a, committee, to which it was agreed that Sir G. Grey's resolution^ should be referred with other matters re-

lating to the subject. This concluded the day's business at an early hour. REPKESENTATION. An idea prevails that Ministers are very anxious to avoid, if possible, the extreme worry and rush of bringing in a new Eepresentation Bill, and that if they are compelled to amend existing distribution they will endeavour, if possible, to do so by two or three simple alterations without overhauling the whole system, which most Ministers would not unnaturally be afraid to touch. NOTICES OF MOTION.

Among the notices of motion given to-day were the following:— . Mr Guiness is to move ". that the present system of granting free passes over Government Bailways to school children be amended so as to give free passes to children attending other than Government schools. .. . : Mr Fergus to ask the Government whether their attention has been directed to the recent accident at Dunedin, and whether before explosives are placed in the hands of workmen any precautions are taken to ascertain'whether these workmen are acquainted with such explosives. . Dr Newman is to move that it is advisable | that reserves should now be set apart in the North Island for charitable aid and higher education and harbours, and that the Government be requested to take action accordingly. ■ - Mr Johnston is to ask the Government whether it is their intention to introduce this session a bill to amalgamate the city elec-

torates. Mf Seddon to ask the Government whether it is their intention to introduce this session a bill to abolish the export duty on gold* MINiSTEBIAL EXTEAVAGANCEV

Mr Hurst gave notice to-day to move for returns of all travelling expenses incurred by ministers, all expenses of ministerial residences, furniture, &c, and also to move that the ministerial residences be abolished; allowance for house rent being given in lieu thereof. NO NEW KAILWAYS MOVEMENT.

A movement is on foot among one section of members to present, if possible, any new railways being undertaken nntil the lines, already begun, have been completed to remunerative points. It is estimated that this would take about two and a-half millionSj and the idea is to spread that expenditure over three years. The advocates of this course assume, but has a right to look for some relief of those now existing. A very firm determination seems to exist against all attempts to increase the public burdens in that direction.; : ■ MAJOR ATKINSON DECLINED WITH THANKS.

The Southern prejudice against Major Atkinson and his regime seems as invincible as ever, and all seem resolved not to support him in any circumstances. No plan of operation has however been formed as yet, nor will be until the ministerial policy is more fully developed and more decisively before the House. . '