PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

Press, Volume XXXII, Issue 4416, 25 September 1879, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

C**** on ows coßß_si»aitDSsTS.J WELLINGTON,September M. An Opposition caucus was held this afternoon, when ft was determined to hold another meeting to-morrow morning, when a leader |« fiie party wiß be f oraaßy appointed and :» pan of action decided upon. The prsTail- : ing feeling was in favor of testing the strength ef parties without any delay. One very weak straw has shown the direction of tbe Government- tactics. Mr Joseph Sheppsrd has already discovered some all- ~ sufficient reason for not carrying out his promise to the Waimea electors, and has expressed his sympathy with the present ' Government, even including Mr Macandrew. He has taken bis seat as near as possible to the Ministerial benches, and seems unable to Jearn the good old maxim, "Seek them as a "«S3sequence rather than an object" Several of the members which tie Minis. terM organs had such •* excellent reasons " •for placing on their list of members} made their appearance at the caucus of the Opposition to-day, and etfeetusHj removed all doubts as "*° their intentions, if any such existed. The Government and party claim Mr. -Voihikfr as a staunch supporter, but his private opinion of Sir George Grey is that he is the only stumbling block which prevents - Liberal measures being passed. It is eoncertain one ef the new members I K»lase his seat. _ She Oppositioa ar» very jubSaat, and con«Mst that there w_2 he a change of Gorera*Wwt within a fortnight.