Political Intelligence.

Southland Times, Issue 8063, 18 July 1885, Page 2

Political Intelligence.

fßr TsLEaBAPHj

(FROM OUB OWN COBBBSPOHDBNT.)

Wellington, July 17.

The Minister for Public Works i has forwarded the following letter to MriHatch : Sir,— "With reference to your' letter of 11th inst., covering petition froavWners of land in Tyner street, InveVcargH', on the subject of the Tyne street siding, I • have the honour to inform yon that after full -.enquiries into the matter, and after considering the objection of the property holders both on the north and south side of the street, I find I have not the power to [accede to tbe] demand on behalf of Messrs Tapper and Quinn for giving them private Biding accommodation. I have therefore finally concluded that the plans which my predecessor in office proposed to execute in compliance with certain demands cannot be carried out."

It is understood that the will merely introduce their >Harbour Boards Bill this session and allow it to lapse. -.5 Mr Bruce to-day presented a .petition signed by about 1200 seamen aeking that they may be qualified to, vote at election! for members of Parliament,

Mr Hatoh has givbn notice to ask if the Government will take into consideration the undesirablenesa of permitting' those in Government employ coming into such close and unfair competition with outside applicants, as they are at present doing in connection with the Property Tax valuation and any such other assistance required from skilled persons ; the present system showing that there are officers seeking other employment who are not properly employed, or have not enough to do to employ their time. Major Atkinson has an active constituent known as E. M. Smith. He is no stranger in WellihgtOD, and his efforts to utilise Taranaki iron-sand have extended over many years, and are known throughout the colony. Unfortunately his efforts have not been as successful as they might have been, but his ill-success in attempts to render iron-sand malleable have only spurred him on to greater things, and now he is anxious to try his powers on a still less promising material. He wants to be heard at the bar of the House' on the question of local industries, and Major Atkinson has presented apetition to that effect. Mr Smith w : ll probably find the House harder even than iron-sand to work.

Following are the total amounts of money received from the Government by County Councils during the year ended March last:— Rates on Crown and native lands, L 21,616; receipts from lands Bold on deferred payments, L 5245-; goldfields revenue and gold duty, L 37,304 ; fees and fines under the Financial Arrangements Act, L 139 9; grants under Boads and Bridges Act, L 92,27 2; special grants, L 48,579 ; other receipts from the Government, L97l2.— Total, L 216.129.