Political News.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5295, 27 June 1895, Page 1

Political News.

[PBOM OUB OWN COBBBBPONDENT.] i WELLINGTON, Junk 26. MIDLAND BAILWAT.

. : The .House was informed ihi» afterntfonthat plans and specifications for the first mile of railway construction from Jackson's would be ready to-morrow, and that plane for the whole length to connect Jackson's and Springfield would be ready within a month. This information was given by the Premier when replying to a question by the Uon W. J. Steward on the subject of finding work for the unemployed.

TIMBRE IK OIIOED BUSH. Some time before tbje opening of Parliament, Mr Meredith was in communication with the Government with reference to the reduction of the rateßOf royalty paid by sawmillers cutting timber in Oxford Bush. He has now succeeded in his object, the Government having consented to lower the rates for cutting pine by 25 per cent and for cutting birch by 33 per cent The Commissioner of Crown Lands for Canterbury has received instruction to intimate this reduction to Oxford sawmillers. This concession should give an impetus to the timber trade of the district, and lead to the employment of more men.

StBBNGTHBNING THE MINIBTBY. A good deal of uncertainty prevails as o the intention of the Government with regard to the appointing of an additional Minister. Nothing definite can be done until the Hous9 has passed a measure empowering the appointment of an extra Minister, but that fact does not preyent a good deal of conjectural gossip. At least a dozen Government supporters are named as possible Ministers, but those who are at all probable are few in number, and are Messrs Gninness, Larnach, Pinkerton and Tanner. A wild rumour was circulated to the effect that the Government would offer . the portfolio of railways to the Hon E. Miteholson, but that gentleman, arriving from Auckland to-day, gave an emphatic denial to the report that he will accept office under Mr Seddon. My own information leads me to believe, that the Bill will hot. be passed till towards the close of the Bession, and that there will be a complete redistribution o£ portfolios. By that time it may be found that the state of Mr M'Kenzie's health will compel his resignation, so that there will be two vacancies to fill, la the event of a new Minister of Lands being required, the choice will lay between Messrs Pirani, Duncan and G. W. Bnssell.

MISCEIiLANBOTrS.

Mr Joyce has been appointed Chairman of the Public Petitions Committee, M to Z.

The member for Eiccarton is preparing and will shortly introduce a Bill for revaluing, every ten years, all lands leased in perpetuity. It will be remembered that last year Mr Russell made an attempt to get the revaluation principle incorporated in the Land for Settlements Act, This year he will try to get the principle of revaluation applied to all lands leased ia perpetuity.