POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2487, 19 June 1888, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(by telegraph—own cor respondent. ) Wellington, Monday. THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Notwithstanding all the reports that are in circulation about; the certainty of a regular flare up when the tariff is disposed of, the Opposition disclaim any intention of seeking to overthrow the Government this (session, unless some very unlooked for contingencies should arise. In the event, however, of a "no-eonH-dence" motion, pure and simple, being brought down by the Opposition as a party there is little doubt that nearly the whole of the senders from the Government would vote against it or walk out, of the House, not nut of consideration for Ministers themselves, "out owing to the danger of allowing a Ministry from that side of the House to slip into office. At the same time it is quite apparent that the breach between the Premier and at least five or six of his former supporters is final, and no amount of explanation or attempted justification will convince them that they have not been wilfully thrown over by their leader in order to please the Protectionist element in the House.

THE NEW RAILWAY COMMISSION KKS. A report is afloat, the correctness of which I cannot at all vouch for, that the new liailway Board to Ue appointed by the Government under the Railway Management Act of last year, is to consist of Col. Trimble, and Messrs G. - Wright and Nicholls. Of the gentlemen named. Col. Trimble was member for Taranaki in the last Parliament. Mr Wright was formerly member for Ashbuiton, and in the early days of Napi«r was a partner in the wellknown firm of Triphook and Wright, which carried on business as surveyors in that town for some years. Mr Nicholls, I understand, hails from the South Island. His name has been repeated with such persistency during the last day or two that it looks as if there was something in it. THli BEER DUTY. The Premier has been urged by several members to put an extra tax of 3d on colonial beer, on the ground that the ingredients of which beer is composed have been greatly cheapened since the present duty was imposed. The question catne up in the House during the debate on the Tariff, and Sir Harry Atkinson then stated that it had not escaped his notice. It is very doubtful, however, whether any extra doty on beer will bo proposed this session. The probabilities are that, like the sugar duty, it will be reserved as a " nest-egg " for future contingencies. INDISPOSITION OF THE PREMIER. Sir Harry Atkinson has been confined to his room tor the last few days owing to an affection of tho throat. It is very questionable whether he will be able to lead the House to-morrow. The Premier was so unwell this morning as to be unable to see his colleagues, no improvement having taken place since Saturday. EXTRA DUTY ON TEA. There is a strong impression that the tea duty will be struck out by the House, as the feeling is at present dead against it. The country members will of course be placed on the horns of a dilomna in voting on this question, as, if the tea duty is lost, it means also the loss of the subsidies, which specially affect the country districts. However, a good many members agree with Mr Ormond that the time has come when the money required for local works should be raised by local rates instead of being contributed by the general revenue of the colony. The salt duty is also likely to be struck out in Committee. MORE RETRENCHMENT. A committee from the economical side of the House is busily engaged going through the estimates as submitted by the Government with the view of ascertaining what further reductions can be made in them preparatory to the general discussion on the departmental estimates taking place. MR PEARSON'S ILLNESS. The serious illness of the member for Ashley, has given great concern to his numerous friends in the House. A telegram was received by the Government this afternoon to the effect that Mr Pearson had passed a very bad night and was delirious. Ile was somewhat better this morning and no immediate danger was anticipated.

MAJOR HAMLIN'S CHARGES. I informed you a day or two ago, tluit during the debate on Mr Joshua Jones' case, Major Hamlin, member for franklin South, made some serious charges against Mr Macdonald, Chief .Judge of the Native Land Court, which the Premier requested should be |mt in writing. Major Hamlin has consented to do so, if the Premier agrees to the appointment of a Parliamentary committee to enquire into the truth of the charges he has made against that officer. LECTURES ON NEW ZEALAND. During the recent passage of the Aorangi from England, Captain Russell contributed greatly to the enjoyment of the passengers by giving several entertaining lectures on the colony. Captain Kussell takes his seat in the House to-morrow.