POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 310, 5 July 1898, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH - SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT) Wellington, Last Night. GOVERNMENT CAUCUS. Tiirc Ministerial pirty held another weekly caucus th:s morning, and the Government Whips report that all the party were either present or accounted for. Several queitions were asked respecting the Police Commission and other matters. It was understood that necessary legislation in such casps would be introduced with the reports, so that the proposals of the Government and the reports could be considered together. The Immigration Restriction Bill, it was explained, would be on similar lines to the Natal Act and in accordance with the Bill prepared by the Victorian Government, the education test being the one to be applied. The Produce and Exports Bill would provide for the cniding of meat and dairy produce. The Local Government Bill provided that all questions such as voting to bring in the system of rating on the unimproved value shall be decided by a bare majority of those voting. Questions were asked in respect of several other policy measures, and in reply trie Premier announced that the order of business as on the Order Paper would be adhered to. It was decided that no caucus would be held next Monday, unless at lesst seven members requested the Premier to call the same. The Whip states that the utmost good feeling prevailed, and members generally expressed the opinion that the snatch division of Friday night last would do good inasmuch as it would stop the freeand easy go-as-you-please of the past engendered by having so large a majority. It was further decided that Pairs should only be given through the Whips. MR DUTHIE'S RECEPTION. Great preparations are being made for the reception of Mr John Duthie on his arrival from England, about Hie 12th inst. The serious business of the House is expected to commence after Mr Dnthic's arrival. It is well known that the Premier fears the member for Wellington more, probably, than any other member of the Opposition, and this feeling was emphasised by the frantic efforts made by Mr Seddon in March last to keep Mr Duthie out of Parliament,