Thursday.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIII, Issue 20, 11 September 1885, Page 13

Thursday.

In the Honse af Representatives yesterday, Mr. Buchanan ie-umed the debate on Captain Rußsell's motion, " That ia the opinion of this House the Government should reduce the Estimates of Public Works expenditure by a sum of no less than £500,000," and Mr. Moss' amendment, "That the estimates having been passed without a diminution in the burdens imposed upon the people, this House does not consider it advisable to suddenly stop public works already in progress, but requests the Government to take such measures as may be necessary during the recess, and bring them down at an early period next session." He pointed out the critical condition of the Colony, and contended that the Treasurer had failed to relieve it fr<>m such a position. He hoped the amendment of the member for Hiwke's Bay would be carried by a large majority. An immense and distinguished audience assembled to hear Mr. George Augustus Sala at Auckland last night, although only 24 hours' notici of the lecture was given. For more than two hours, without reference to book or note, the great journalist gave a most graphic description of the Russian Empire, concluding with his opioioa as to the probability of war between England and Russia. He held his audience from first to last. Great regret i 9 expressed that Mr. Sala cannot prolong his stay. He leaves lor Wellington, and on his way back to Melbourne will lecture in Tasmania. Mr. Sala was entertained at the Northern Club with a select party by Mr. B. C. M'Millan. He made a speech referring to his colonial impressions. It is believed that the Emperor William will abandon all designs on the Caroline Islands, provided the Spanish Government can effect ively prove their claim over them. In consequence of the pacific attitude displayed by Germany in the matter, public feeling ia becoming more calm in M idrid. The Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, addressing a public meeting at Wai lington on Tuesday night, stated that he rejected the demands made by Mr. Parnell, and expressed a hope that the Whig party would accept the programme of the Radicals, as otherwise they would be compelled to part company.