POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8863, 22 July 1890, Page 2

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

(Fbom Oub Own Coerespondent.)

Wellington, July 21,

THE PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT,

I hear on authority that the Public Works Statement is not likely to be delivered tomorrow. The draft is now in the printer's hands, and copies will be furnished for consideration of the Cabinet to-morrow, when it is expected it will be finally approved. It is not intended, however, to bring it down to-morrow evening, because other arrangements (to bo explained later) have been made for that sitting. ATTACKING THE ESTIMATES. A conference was held to-day between the Ministerial whips and the leaders of the "Economist"—or "Skinflint"—party, with reference to the action of the latter respecting the Estimates. The action of the Economists in attacking the Estimates item by item was objected to, in view of the fact that a reduction by a lump sum had already been agreed upon and accepted by the Economists. The latter ultimately intimated that they would not attack either the Postal or Telegraph departments, with the single exception of Dr Lemon's salary, which it is understood a determined effort will be made to reduce considerably. It is understood Colonel Hume will be another victim to this zeal. THE LABOUR BILLS. At a meeting of Cabinet to-night it was decided to place the labour bills at the head of the orders of the day to-morrow, giving them precedence of Supply as desired by the Labour Councils. These bills will therefore be brought on as early in the afternoon as the preliminary business permits, and will be gone on with during the evening sitting. The further action of the Government in connection with the labour bills will depend largaly apon the progress made to-morrow and the conduct of the House generally relating to the bills. If good progress is made the bills will be pushed on through all stages, but if their progress is obstructed either by opponents or by prolix speeches of supporters so as to unduly block the business, then the Government will resume Supply and let the bills take their chance in the ordinary course without enjoying any special precedence. It is understood, however, that both sides of the House intend to co-operate in facilitating the progress of the bills, but as largo num-' bers of amendments are being prepared to be moved in committee to the Factories' and Shops' Bill, probably with the best intentions in the world to further its advance, it may iustead be seriously retarded. At the same time Ministers, I believe, will not regard this a 9 obstruction so long as there is a manifest desire to improve the bill, and no evident intention to block business.

THE LENGTH OF THE SESSION.

In view of the rapid accumulation of work (over 70 bills being now before the House) it is thought to-day that the session may very likely extend to September. THE PUHIPUHI FOREST. Mr Hobbs has been interviewing the Government in reference to the exclusion of gum diggers from the Puhipnhi bush. He pointed out that the fact of some hundreds of people mining in the forest has altered the position altogether, and it would really contribute to the safety of the bush if gum diggers were permitted to dig there conditionally on their acting as rangers and preventing fires. The Government admit the altered circumstances, and are prepared to allow the regulation to remain in abeyance, depending on the good conduct of the gum diggers generally. It is stated that unless the Government make this concession the bush will certainly be fired in revenge.

LINCOLN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

The Lincoln Agricultural College Committee will meet to-morrow. The first business will bo the election of a chairman. It 13 understood that Mr Ji'Gregor, member for Akaroa, in who3e district the college is situated, will in all probability be chosen, NORTH ISLAND RAILWAYS. In view of tbe opening of the Manawatu Gorge line from Woadville to Palmerstou North in October, the Railway Commissioners are preparing au important scheme of through train services batween Wellington, Napier, Wanganui, and New Plymouth, connecting Auckland by steamtr from the latter, and there will be one through train each way daily between Wellington and Napier, connecting at Palmeraton with trains to and from Wangauui, and twice weekly with the New Plymouth express and Onehunga boat. The direct express between Welliagton and Napier will perform a journey of about 2CO miles in 11 hours including stoppages at the principal stations. The present intention is for trains to leave Wellington about 7, a.m., reaching Napier at 6 p m., and to leave Napisr at 11, reaching Wellington at 10 p.m.; but this may undergo modification. There will now be a short service both ways between Napier and Dauevirko and between Palmerston and Dauevirke. The four engines, which are being converted from what is known as the "M" class, will be brought up from the Hurunui-Bluff line to run this service, and the engines will be changed at Danevirko. MR HUTCHISON'S CHARGES. The Hutchison Charges Committee will meet again to-morrow. From the action of the Hutchison party Ministers are disposed to conclude that a design exists to protract the sitting of the committee until after the end of the session, so as to keep the matter banging on over tho general elections by widening and elaborating tho issues. The Government intend, therefore, to pr«s on the matter and get a. decision arrived at one way or another on the main charges before Parliament separates.