Political Notes.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5108, 16 September 1884, Page 3

Political Notes.

— — ♦ DUMB SIR ORACLES. THE NORTH ISLAND RAILAVAY COMMITTEE. [By Telegraph.] [FEOM OCR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] AVELLIXGTON. Sept. 10. The past three days have been the quietest, politically .speaking, that I have ever experienced here on the eve of au important political event. Sir J. A 7 ogel lias succeeded in keeping everything so very quiet, that even the vaguest rumour with

regard to what is to be contained in the Financial Statement, has been of the very feeblest description. Indeed, if ever there was an instance of Sir John Lawrence's policy of " masterly inactivity " carried to the extreme, it is just now by the mystery- mongers and starters of rumours. Their lips are sealed, and they themselves, like Shakespeare's orator, " gravelled for lack of matter " by the sphinx-like silence of the Colonial Treasurer. Gray Von Moltke, the great General, knows how to hold his tongue in seven languages, they say sarcastically. It is evident Sir Julius has firm control of his in ono. If tlie storytellers and professional chaffers are to be believed, ho ha 3 locked up two unfortunate compositors in a solitary room by themselves, and has doomed them to imprisonment until they have "set up" the Statement. They are fed through a grating, and only allowed ii few minutes' exercise every day. Of course, this is not vouched for by tlie very best authorities, who maintain that they are allowed to return to the bosom of their families at night when their work is carefully put under lock and key. ! Another story, which lacks tho stamp of authenticity, is that Major Atkinson is determined to lead a forlorn hope against the Government as soon as the Statement has been delivered, whatever may be the conj tents. That story I have told before, and i given reasons strong and various against ; believing it. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Sept. 15. The North Island Trunk Railway Route Committee held its second meeting today. The Hon E. Richardson, Minister of Public Works, was Chairman. Tho follow- ; ing witnesses were examined : — Mr J. W. ' March ant, Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lauds, Wellington ; Mr 1 R. J. Gill, Under-Secretary Native Lands j Purchase Department; Mr J. M'Kerrow, I Surveyor-General and Secretary of Crown Landb ; and Mr J. Blackett, Chief Engineer for the North Island. It is underj stood to be the intention of the Committee ; to sit daily, and to ask the House to allow it to sit while the House is sitting. Upj wards of 40 witnesses have already been j summoned.