LATEST.

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 2951, 29 September 1879, Page 2

LATEST.

This afternoon, 2 p.m. THE LATEST TIP.

The latest reliable information states' that Mr Masters, whose vote was doubtful, will go with the Opposition. The latest reckoning of the cards gives forty-three to the Government, including Mr Lundon, who has paired with Mr Whitaker, and Messrs Shepherd, Montgomery, Finn, Ireland, Tainui,T-whaia,audTe Wheoro. The Opposition votes are reckoned asf orty, including Messrs Whyte, Bryce, Mason, Masters, Wright, McCaughan, and Stewart The following aie still doubtful: Messrs Murray anil Pyke (who are claimed both by Opposition and Government) and Tomoaua. Probably only a few leiding men will speak on either side, and the debate will close on Wednesday. All the Nelsou and Maiborough men will give block vote against the Government, except Messrs Fisher, Reeves, and Shepherd. The corrected numbers are: Government, 42; Opposition, 41. Wridit, member for Coleridge, votes with the Opposition. Three others are doubtful. CURRENT TOPICS. A strong feeling exists among all patties in the House in favour of protective powers. The prevailing feeling among the Auckland members is that Mr Whyte ought to yield 10 the opinions ol the great majority ot the party, and preserve the spirit of unity, especially as he had already given a promise not to vote aaainst *be Government to an Auckland member.

[PER PRESS AGENCY.]

WELLINGTON, this day. The " New Zealander" says the Government made a mistake in taking the tax off timber. It says, " Protection must be given to the manufacture of such raw material as we possess, and such a modification of the tariff should be made as would distinctly assert that the principle of protection is needed."Mr Richardson, late M.H.R., goes to Christchurch to-day to give necessary advice to the Returning Officer respecting the illegality of Sir George Grey's election. It is reported that an inquiry will beheld Into the Government expenditure on the late elections.