LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 711, 15 September 1870, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

CUSTOMS DUTIES BILL. WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL AMENDED LOAN BILL.

(From the W. C. Times.) Wellington, Monday. The Government withdrew Customs Tho Ballot Bill has passed through all its stages. Mr Harrison has introduced a clause empowering the Government to dissolve the County Council. An altercation arose between Mr Vogel and Mr Harrison, when the former threatened to lay another letter of Mr Harrison's, in reference to the nominee chairmanship, on the table, and this had the effect of silencing Mr Harrison. Mr Stafford recommends a call of the House to devise measures in case of England becoming involved in the war. (From the &. B. Argus.) September 12. The Governor has received no despatches by the mail. The prorogation will take place tomorrow.

The Government, in order to prolong the session, have brought down an amendment to the Public Works Loan Bill, enabling the G-overnment to negotiate with the Imperial G-overn-ment Treasuryfor a guaranteed million, and to give any priority (?) that may be found desirable; and havo—.also brought down a Temporary Loan Bill, to authorise the raising of £500,000, at any rate of interest fixed by the Governor in Council. This is intended for defence, telegraph extension, railway and water works surveys, North Island roads, purchase of native land, and refunds to ordinary revenue. If the war lasts, no new or extensive public works are to be undertaken, as it is quite possible the House may be called together again soon. If the war lasted, the Government would not dissolve the present House until all things were prepared for the new elections.

Messrs. Stafford and Richmond thought the sum asked for was too large, and advocated a short prorogation, so that in any emergency the House could bo readily re-assembled. The Government expressed great unwillingness to prorogue at all in the present crisis, hut behoved it impossible to keep the House together any longer. Mr Stafford moved an amendmont that the loan be £IOO,OOO. Mr Vogel positively refused to accept any reductiou. t Mr Stafford declined tho responsibility of pressing his amendment to a division.

Mr Fitzherbert supported the Government proposal, and the bill passed. Groat anxiety was expressed as to the probable effect of the war on tho colony.

Tho House has refused to accept the Legislative Council's amendments in tho Railway Bill. A conference is going on. Tho bill will probably be Bholvod.