POLITICAL NOTES

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3152, 6 September 1892, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES

(by telegraph—special correspondent). THE PREMIER'S ILLNESS. Mr Ballance has been very unwell for some time past, and was so much worse this morning that Th. Henry, his regular attendant, called in the aid of another medical man. I understand that they decided it was absolutely necessary that the Premier should take immediate rest from his Parliamentary duties. It is pointed out that there is now only one Bill before the House for which the Premier is likely to be requued fir some time and that is the Land and Income Tax Amendment Bill. Upon this there is agreement with the exception of the quos-tiim of taxing improvements, upon which Sir George Grey proposes to move for the exemption of all improvements. The Premier agrees with the principle, but contends that the revenue which this will uiise is at present necessary. Under these circumstances it is considered that his colleagues will persuade the Premier to take at least a week's rest and change, which would appear to be absolutely essential in his present condition, and no doubt the Opposition will do anything in their power to assist in the meantime. The Land Bill, the Estimates, and Bills brought in by other Ministers will be proceeded with this week. GOVERNMENT RAILWAY BILL. The proposal in tins Bill to virtually Imnd over the railways to Mr Seddon, by vetoing tho power of the Commissioners, is still received with strong condemnation, and a prolonged stonewall in cominitt«e U threatened if the Government persist in going on with the Bill. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce to-day joined with those of Auckland, Napier, Invercargill, and other chambers in passing a resolution unanimously to the effect that thera was no justification for again bringing the railways under political control. NORTH ISLAND TRUNK LINE. A meeting of members who advocate the construction of the North Island Trunk Railway by the Stratford route was held this moruing when it was decided to communicate with all those likely to give evidence on the question and to ask them to communicate with the members of the select committee which is to commence taking evidence tomorrow. The report of the committee will give rise to an animated discussion on the part of the Wellington member of the Stratford route is recomluenled as the most desirable one.