POLITICAL NOTES.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 169, 14 July 1888, Page 3

POLITICAL NOTES.

(from OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.} Wellington, last night. The second reading of the Native Land Bill waa carried without division. Mr Mitohelson. in moving the second reading ot the Bill, said the Native Lands Administration Act was greatly objected to by the natives, who were averse to the restrictions placed on them in disposing of their lands. He moved that after the second reading the Bill, together with other Native Bills, should be referred to a select Committee, consisting of Sir H. Atkinson, Sir J. Hall, Messrs Ballance, Carroll, Graham, Hislop, Kellv, Ormond, Parata, Samuel, Stewart, Taipua, Taiwhanga, and the mover. If the Hon Mr Rolleston persists in declining to stand for Ashley, it is on the cards that the Hon Mr Bryce will be solicited. Tuesday next is the date now given by the Minister for the delivery of the Public Works Statement. The Canterbury Agricultural College cost the colony £2300, which divided over eighteen pupils showed that they cost £127 each. In the course of the debate on the Native Lands Bill, Mr Hobbs made a remarkable statement, namely that overtures had been made to get him into the toils of native land jobbing, but he had rejected such proffers, and as long as he was a public man he would never dabble in native lands. The Opposition seem to have plucked up heart of grace, and held a meeting yesterday, the nature of which has not been disclosed, but it is probably to spring a mine on the retrenchment business. It is argued that if something ie not done this session to eject the present occupants ot the Ministerial benches they will be secure for the rest of the term of the present Parliament. The great difficulty is a suitable leader. The Post says :—“ If Mr Ormond or Captain Russell would take command success would be almost certain, but it is doubtful if either of these gentlemen would care for the position. The Hon Mr Ballance would be a capable leader were it not for his extreme views on certain questions. It is unfortunate that the Hon Mr Larnach is about to leave the colony, as, if he had been available, he could certainly have rallied a majority under his banner. If a competent leader can be found the Ministerial position will be strongly and successfully assailed.” The man Agnew and his wife who have been plaguing members with the history of their alleged wrongs, are again picketing the Parliament Buildings, and a constable has to be stationed to guard the approaches of the Ministerial offices. The worthy couple seem to be in a fair way of going to “ another place ” through getting crazed by brooding over what they regard as their wrongs and grievances.