POLITICAL NEWS.

Woodville Examiner, Volume VII, Issue 659, 30 January 1891, Page 2

POLITICAL NEWS.

From our own Correspondent, Pressure is being brought to bear on the Government to take steps to have the pro* petty qualification in elections altogether reraoven. Mr Dockland has given notice of a bill to reduce the salary of the Speakership to £4OO a year, clerk of the House to £4OO a year and Chairman of Committees to a bonus of £SO, in addition to his honorarium, making in all £2OO, in place of £4OO as at present Mr Cadman was sworn in this morning as a member of the Government, with the portofolio of Native Minister. In the House the Minister of Public Works announced that the Gorge line would open for traffic on 10th February. NO CONFIDENCE DEBATE. GOVERNMENT VICTORIOUS. MR W. C. SMITH DROPPED. (By Telegraph). Wellington, This day. Mr Rolleston moved last night an amendment to the address-in-reply, in favor of an adjournment for a reasonable period instead of prorogation. The Government accepted this as a motion of no confidence. The matter was debated till midnight when the amendment was negatived by 85 to 24. There seems some likelihood that Ur Smith’s canditure for Chairmanship of Committees will be dropped by the Government, if indeed any Chairman is elected this session. In the Upper Hoase on Wednesday, Dr Grace moved the Address-in-Reply and said the policy disclosed in the Governor’s, speeches was admirable. Mr Fraser seconded. Mr Scotland deprecated a moribund Government making appointments to the Council. Mr Shepherd defended the action. In the House of Representatives, Mr Buckland gave notice to move that voting in the House be by ballot. The Speaker ruled Mr Fish’s motion of censure on the Governor out of order. In reply to Mr Hogg it was stated —That no funds had been provided under the last loan for completing the Northern line from Eketahuna to Woodville, but the Government considered the question a matter of policy, and would give it their attention.

Mr E. Thompson’s motion for the pro* duction of the Premier’s letter to the late Mr Sperrey was carried. A resolution expressing appreciation of the services of Sir George Grey was passed many members eulogising the G.O.M. _ Mr Ballanee proposed Mr W. 0. Smith as Chairman of Committees. Mr Palmer moved an amendment that the position be not filled till next session but this was lost by 81 to 29 and the discussion interrupted. At the evening sitting the Addreas-in-Eeply was taken and the debate adjourned. Mr Shera gave notice of motion to call Sir G. Grey to the Legislative Council. Several questions 'were answered and the debate on the Addresi-in-Eeply continued. THE PEOEOGATION. The general impression is the session may close to-night and the prorogation may take place on Tuesday.