THE ESTIMATES TO BE REDUCED.

Otago Witness, Issue 1901, 17 July 1890, Page 17

THE ESTIMATES TO BE REDUCED.

Messrs Macarthur, Kelly, Taiwhanga, and Ross continued and completed the financial debate Jthis afternoon. Mr Mitohelson rose to reply at 5.15, and resumed at 7.30, finishing soon after 8, when a motion for Supply was put and carried. Mr Monk then moved his amendment to reduce the first vote by £1, as an indication that the whole Estimates be reduced by £50,000. He made a very vigorous and florid speech, and was loudly applauded,

The Hon. Mr Mitchelson then briefly stated the intentions of the Government — viz., not to support the amendment, but if the House carried it they would do their best to effect the desired reduction. Mr Ballance instantly rose, and declaring the statement most unsatisfactory, moved to reduce the item by £5,a8 an indication that the Government should take back the Estimates and reduce them by £60,000. Mr Mitchelson promptly rejoined that the Government would not accept any such amendment, and would treat it as one of want of confidence. Thereupon a new debate arose, which is still proceeding with unabated fervour, and seems likely to last an indefinite period, as the House being in Committee every member can speak as often as he pleases, The galleries to-night were packed to an extent wholly unprecedented, and intense interest is manifested in the proceedings. Ministers count on defeating Mr Ballance's amendment by a majority of fully 10 or 12, but expect Mr Monk's motion to be carried.

It is not yet by any means certain that Ministers will divide the House against Mr Monk's motion, or that they will vote against it should a division be called for. They are very much inclined to leave matters entirely to the House, and if the House seems willing to have the reductions made, Ministers feel indisposed to offer the slightest resistance.

The division on Mr Ballance's amendment took place at 12.30 a.m., the Government having a majority of 11. The debate is continuing on Mr Monk's amendment, and its duration is uncertain.

Alfred Sparkes, an elderly man from Wellington, was arrested recently at the Redfern railway station, New South Wales, for deserting his wife and family. He was in the company of a woman named Hood, and had £376 in gold in his possession. He has be.en formally remanded to Wellington,