POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8555, 25 July 1889, Page 2

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

(Fhom Oub Own Correspondent.) Wellington, July 24. A CANARD. It ia stated in the Post to-night that Mr T. Thompson, who has hitherto been looked upon as a staunch Government supporter, has declared himseit aa a freelance. lam informed upon the roost reliable authority that nothing whatever has taken place to justify the Post's assertion beyond what he said on the Representation Bill iin the House last evening. Mr Thompson is i strongly opposed to the.bill, and gave free and full-expression to his disapproval. Beyond that, his position is precisely what it has always been —viz., one of the most independent supporters of the Government in the House, whose future support will be contingent npon the lino of action, pursued by those on the Treasury benches. THE CODLIN MOTH. Mr Jones, who orgauised the deputation re the codlin moth trouble, has prepared the follow- [ ing simple and comprehensive measure which he has submitted to the deputation, and which, I am informed, has met with general approval. The committee, however, will be pleased to receive suggestions from those interested, and all these will have consideration prior to submitting the proposals to the Premier. The olauses in the proposal which it is hoped, if it becomes i operative, will effectually check the pest reads 1 aa follows:— It shall not be lawful to sell or offer for sale any fruit containing any moth, or the caul or chrysalis * thereof, whether such fruit be grown within this colony or imported from abroad, nor to remove the fruit from the district In which it is growa into any {other district, or to convey into any district any I case, box, barrtl, or other receptacle which has at any time contained any fruit bo infected. (2) Any infected fruit or case, box, barrel, or other receptacle containing the same, or which have contained infected fruit, shall, upon being examined and condemned as being so affected, be forfeited to her Majesty, and be disposed of as the Commissioner of Trade and Customs may direct. The machinery containing provisions for penalties for violations of the act has not been settled, buc these will be made as simple and effective as possible. - • AGRICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIPS. Mr Monk, who is much interested in the Canterbury Agricultural College, intends to ask tha' Minister of Education whether he will arrange for special agricultural scholarships in connection with the Lincoln College, such privileges being for pupils who, although deficient in those Attainments for which scholarships are now granted, yet from their bent or inclinations are likely to achieve distinction in that class of t knowledge to which the above institution is , devoted. J TOWN MEMBERS. . At noon to-day town members held a meeting, j when 11 were present, Mr Moss being in the t chair. After some discussion the following 1 resolution was unanimously agreed to: —" That the Representation Bill, now before the House, j is an act of injustice at variance with every i sound and hitherto accepted principle of fair , and equal representation, and that in order to . i give further time for'the consideration of . the measure by constituencies, and for an : expression of opinion thereupon the undersigned pledge themselves to use every constitu- . tional endeavour to delay its passage." This was signed, by Messrs Menteafcb, Fish, Fitchett, Barron, Ross, W. P. Reeves, Sir George Grey, Loughrey, Newman, Allen, Goldie, Perceval, Mofs, Jones, Humphreys, Fisher, and Taylor. Messrs Downie Stewart and Izard refused to sign. An adjourned meeting was held this afternoon at 4 o'clock, when it was decided to act on this resolution. A deputation waited on the Premier asking him to postpone the committal of the bill till Tuesday next, the town members on their part undertaking to lot the bill be committed without debate, but reserving to-thum- _ selves full freedom of action when in committee. It was stated that the delay would enable them to ascertain the views of their constituents, and permit of every possible cornpromisa being sought for. The Premier, however, , refused the offer, unless town members would , undertake not to delay the bill in committee. , This the town members could not agree to.

JOTTINGS. The Public Accounts Committee is considering the Oamaru Harbour Board Bill, which has been referred to it by the Colonial Treasurer. \ Sydney Taiwhanga can hardly contain himself for jay. Mr Fish last year helped to get the galleries oleared while Sydney was stonewalling. Last night Sydney paid Mr. Fish out by voting for the clearing of the galleries while Mr Fish was stonewalling. A membex has received the following laconic letter from a constituent:—" If a ■ bill comes before the House to allow liquor to be sold at the Dunedin Exhibition ' squash it.1" TRIENNIAL LICENSING ELECTION. The Licensing Bill has passed its second reading in the Upper House, and is now quite safe. It will probably pass it 3 third reading tomorrow. Major Steward has already received telegrams congratulating him on the passing of this useful measure.