POLITICAL NEWS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 3386, 4 August 1885, Page 3

POLITICAL NEWS.

(By Telegraph.) (from our own correspondent.) Wellington, August 3. In moving the second reading of the Native lands Disposition Bill, Mr Ballance made one of bis characteristic speeches. It was a carefully considered and well delivered address, and secured a good deal of applause at its conclusion. Ab Mr Ormond expressed it, no one who heard Sir Ballance could doubt hia sincerity m desiring to settle the country profitably, and, I may be allowed to add, dealing m humanitarian principle with the Maoris. Mr Ormond, however, delivered himself of a forcible speech both against the Bill under consideration and tho native policy of the Government bo far as the administration of the recess was concerned. Mr Stout was also m good form, nnd delivered himself of an exceedingly pithy and warm defence of the native policy of the Government and of the nativo race, whom he said it was the desire of the Government to deal justly with. As I write Mr Bryce is making a good speech and is being very attentively listened to by the House. It is anticipated that the Bill will not pass its second reading. Tho Bill will probably bo adjourned over to-morrow, to allow of tho motion for the Select Committee on the East and .West Coast Kailway coming on. This matter has not much altered its position, and it is thought there is no doubt tho motion will be rejected by five or six votes. Tho Opposition count on a majority of 10 against tho motion, but there aro several doubtful, viz., Mr Macandrew, Mr Montgomery, Mr Fitzherbert, Mr Bradslmw and a couple of Maori members. Somo of these will probably be found voting against tho motion, nnd it is almost sure to be rejected. Sir George Grey's amendment will share the same fate before the original motion comes on, nnd it is probably only moved to nllow of nn early opportunity for an attack upon the Government. (Per Piiess Association.) In the House to-night, Sir George Grey gnvo notice that when m Committee on the East and West Coast Railway resolutions he would move — " Thut all the words after the word ' that ' bo struck out, m order that the following words may be inserted : 'In tho opinion of this House the Government of New Zealand should, with as little delay as practicable, commence the construction of the JEnst and West Coast Railway m the Middle Island, and that, ns its construction proceeds, the settlement of the people at all advantageous points should bo facilitated by the grants of small farms upon a perpetual tenure.' "