POLITICAL NEWS.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1059, 13 July 1883, Page 3

POLITICAL NEWS.

Mr Wright, who is said to be the coming Minister of Railways, is sounding members regarding a scheme to place the railways under local administrative boards } and make them non-political. Mr Tole’s Libel Bill provides that a newspaper report of public meetings is privileged if accurate and for the public good. No criminal prosecutions can be taken for libel without a fiat from the Attorney-General. If a court of summary jurisdiction thinks the jury would acquit, they may dismiss the case, and if the case is tri vial and accused - consents, the Court may convict summarily. A return showing the number- and cost of the detective force shows the total number to be twenty-three men ; the annual pay, £3,921 ; travelling expenses, £386. Total annual cost of detectives in Auckland district, £906,; Otago, £1,074 ; Canterbury, £895 j Wellington, £949. The correspondent of the Auckland Star, says :—Mi Montgomery’s decentralisation motion does not excite much interest. He is regarded by ail sides of the House as wishy-washy, full of sound and fury signifying nothing. It does hot go far enough for ultra-provincialists Jibe Messrs Moss and Buchanan, and X shall not be surprised to find them voting against it. I believe Sir George Grey thinks it means nothing, and that even Government supporters will vote for it.

All through the recess the Government Architect, an officer of the Public Works Department, was endeavouring,to discover the causes of draught in the douse. On Tuesday evening, says the Auckland Star correspondent, it was difficult to keep the members in the House, and there was a bare quorum. Yesterday Mr Shrimski remarked that the draught through the House kept members away, whereupon a Phillistine remarked sotto voce that it was the “ draughts in the bell-lamp ” that was the cause. Joking apart, the Chamber is very draughty, and many members are suffering from affections of the throat.and chest, attributed to this cause.

In reply to a question re the ’Frisco Mail service, Mr Dick said the contract expires in December next, but the Government arranged for a renewal for two years, subject’to a break in twelve months if tlie American Government declines to contribute. The gross cost of the service during 1882 was £4380, of which the, interprovincial service cost £6OOO. The deduction from the cost made by receipts was £39,238, which showed a net loss for the year of £4OOO. Another debate .of a no-confidence character is imminent. vSir G. Grey has given notice that he will propose to censure the Government for deciding not to give effect to a previous resolution of the House, for taxing properties'which have been increased in value by expenditure on public works. A date will probably be fixed for this motion, as soon as the debate on Mr Montgomery’s motion is concluded.