When the House sits in committee on the Public Reserves 13111 Mr Stout moved an amendment to prohibit the granting of licenses to sell liquor on racecourses situate on jniblic reserves. Mr Fox said racecourses were great places of assemblage of sharpers, prostitutes, thieves, old rogues, and old rascals. In i consequence only few respectable people | went to such places, and they were annoyed j by, the other classes he had named. : Mr Manders got on his legs and de- i nounccd Mr Fox, adducing medical argu- [ ments to shew alcohol was not injurious. Mr Stout, in a withering reply, said it did not matter whether a man was drunk on the race-course or in " another place." \ lie was not responsible for his actions. Mr .Stout's amendment was rejected by 34 to 24. Another clause, granting leases of race- j courses and other recreation reserves for forty-two years, was also struck out. The Bill was reported, but will be re- j committeed on Friday for the insertion of | a new clause, which will be arranged j between Messrs Sheehan and Stout, grant-. ing leases for shorter terms. A rumour is current that sediment found ! in the glass out of which the imprisoned ; member drank, at the invitation of other i members and toadies of the late Govern- , ment, is being analysed. GOLDFIELDS DEPUTATION. The goldliclds members interviewed Mr Larnach yesterday, re making goldlields lease-money county revenue. He promised to consider the matter. Curiously enough Major Atkin.-on lately received a deputa tion on the same subject, and promised.a favourable reply, but no record whatever can be found of his on the subject". It is supposed that he must have forgotten all about it. THE " POST " ON THE SITUATION. The "Post" last night reviewing the political situation says : —" Sir George Grey has several very strong points in his favour. Ist. The extreme unvillingness generally felt to see the late " Continuous Ministry/ even in a modified form, return to oirice. 2nd. The English feeling that the new Go vernment ought to be allowed fair play, and a chance to develope their policy. 3rd. The late period of the "session, and consequent difficulty of keeping the House together for a party fight. 4th. 