POLITICAL NEWS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 3383, 31 July 1885, Page 3

POLITICAL NEWS.

(By Telegraph.) (moM oub o\re cobbe3Poxdknt.) Wbllixgton, July 30. It is stated by ono of the evening papers that the Public Works Statement will be brought down within the next fortnight. This may of course bo true, but the delivery of the Statement depends altogether on the disposal of the East and West Coast Railway question. It is rumored m the lobbies that an attempt is to be ngnin made to reruovo tho seat of Government, this time to Auckland. The rumor has obtained publicity m a local paper. The idea is very much laughed at, and is positively denied by the Auckland members. Tho Middle Party aro still scheming about the lobbies, and continue to feel sanguine of developing into mature growth m the course of a week or so. I believe tenders of support and allegiance havo been received from somo rather unexpected quarters, viz. : Mr Mitcholson, who was formerly Minister for Pubjic Works m the Atkinson Government, and Mr Hursthouse, Momber for Motueka. There is to be a meeting of the partj during the course of the next day or two, which it ia expected will be largely attended. Tbo meeting is to be held for the purpose of considering wlxt steps will be taken by the party when the motion for referring the East and West Coast Railway question to a Select Committee comes up on Tuesday next. A preliminary kind of programme has already been drawn out which includes determined opposition to the motion. A number of amendments have been prepared which it is intended shall bo moved, one after the other, until tho object aimed at — the strangling of tho motion for a Select Committee — has been attained. One amendment will bo m tbo direction of striking off tlie names of all members nominated for tho Committee who represent districts interested. If that is dono Sir Julius Yogel Mr Garrick, Mr Hursthonse, Mr Montoath, and Major Steward, will be removod, and as Major Atkinson, Mr Macandrew, and Mr Mitchelson are understood to bo unwilling to act on tho Committee, tho proposal will be killed. The first thing to bo attempted, however, will bo to quash tho Committee at the outset by an amendment to tho offect " that the House do now resolve itself into Committee to consider the question." This will probably be moved when the motion cornea on. As I informed you last night, a very nurrow division is expected on the motion to set up a Committee, and if the Government orojdefeated, a direct no-confidoncc motion is spoken of. It is said if Mr Ormond will not lead the Middle Party, the services of Mr Montgomery m that capacity will bo sought. Tho idea of his leadership does not, however, find universal favor.