POLITICAL NOTES.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 475, 3 July 1890, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

THE VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE. A VERY NARROW VICTORY FOR THE GOVERNMENT. Wellington, last night. On the House assembling yesterday afternoon, Mr Ballance, amidst Opposition cheers gave notice of tbe following amendment — “ That in the opinion of this House the continuance of the primage duty is unnecee sary, and is a distinct breach of the under standing arrived at when it was first; proposed ; |that further retrenchment is imperatively demanded, and can be effected, without impairing the efficiency of the public service; that the retention of the Property Tax, in its present form, and the land policy pursued by the Government, alike impede the progress of the colony.” Mr Mitchelson said the Government regarded the notice of motion by the member for Wanganui as a direct challenge, and accepted it as such. The motion was debated last night. Mr Ballance made a strong attack oa the Government, challenged the appointment of Mr Edwards, and criticised the land policy. Mr Richardson replied and Mr Reeves (St. Albans) spoke. In the afternoon, at 4 o’clock, the debate collapsed. Government won by six votes, the division being 38 for the Government, 32 for the Opposition, The Government party admit that the effect of the amendment moved by the Hon. Mr Ballance has been to alienate some of their supporters, but they still confidently reckon on a majority of from 8 to 10 votes.