Saturday, July 29th.

Otago Witness, Issue 1602, 5 August 1882, Page 11

Saturday, July 29th.

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 Ministers 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 there seems little prospect of such 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 is stated that Messrs J. Buchanan, Pilliet, 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 useles?l I near 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. The gross receipts from railways for the first quarter of the currant 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 £400,000. This very closely approaches 5 per cent, on cost.

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

The petition from the deferred-payment settlers 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 Cominjttieo, Mr Connell gave evidence yesterday,

and Mr Macandrew to-day. Mr J. 0. Brown is summoned for to-morrow. From the composition of the 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."