The debate in tbe House of Com mons on Mr Gladstone's proposed new rules, in reference to the business of the House, baa been rapidly proceeded with at recent sittings. During the past week seven more resolutions have been passed, and all tbe resolutions uffecting procedure have now been dealt witb. Three final resolutions affecting standing committees alone remain to be discussed.
EAST AND WEST COAST RAIL WAY.
At a meeting of the Greymouth Railway League, held on Satu day evening, the following letter was read from the Secre tary of the Westland L :ague : — "Sir,— By direction of this Railway League, I have the hmor to invite your cordial co-operation with us in an endeavor to have the East and West Coast Railway constructed via Arthur's Pass (the Lake Brunner line) as aga'nst the proposed Reefton (Ada Saddle) route. " The construction of the latter line will seriously affect Greym >ufh and Brunner ton ; and the people of your district cannot possibly support such a project, if they give attention to the local considera tions involved, to say nothing at all of the overwhelming evidence in favor of the Lake Brunner route, as disclosed ia the tables, &c, forwarded herewith.
"I understand that it is generally be lieved that the coal in tbe Reefton district, and in the viciniy of ths Miruia river, is equal in quantity aad quality to the Brunnerton coal, if that be so, you cannot hope to compete with that rich coal producing district in the Caaterbury market ; and Greymou'h itself will, if the Reefton line ba constructed, Jose much, if not the whole of the Reefton and Grey river up country trade.
