POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 622, 18 June 1891, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

PESSIMIST BRYCE LEADS THE OPPOSITION. THE STATEMENT WARMLY APPROVED OF. [special to the standabd.] Wellington, last night. Mr Bryoa has been chosen leader of the Opposition. The Financial Statement has bean splendidly received by the Members of the House, and will certainly tend to harden the Government party. The leading Members of the Opposition, too, seam to take to it favorably, but of course a repeal of the Property Tax will be resisted by the monopolists. Under the taxation the large land companies will have to contribute far more to the revenue than hitherto. Mr Fisher gave notice of a Book Purchaser Protection Bill. Mr O’Connor is moving for a committee to enquire into the working of the Government Insurance Department. The Hon. Mr Beeves agrees that it is desirable to have an expression of opinion on the desirability of having uniformity in school text books throughout the Colony. The Government fully recognise ths desirability of establishing a reciprocal tariff treaty between New South Wales and New Zealand, and oommunication will be carried on with a view to bring about the result. The Government propose to gather the necessary details to enable New Zealand to be represented at the Chicago Exhibition. The Government have no idea of proposing that the colony should take over the Manawatu Railway thia session, al'hough they agree with the Bailway Commissioners as to the desirability of doing so. Ministers recognise that the taxation pro poaala will probably ba thrown out in the Upper House. The Premier considers, in view of their moderation, that ti;e Conservative rarly will ba wise to accept the proposals as bay’ stand, as Government is prepared for ail emergencies, and is confident of the ultimate result. The Government have received a communication from the New Plymouth Harbor bondholders, offering to nogept 4 instead of 6 pet oent ii Government guarantee the interest.