POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Evening Star, Issue 5171, 1 October 1879, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[Per Piiess Agency.] WELLINGTON, October 1. A good deal of competition waa shown thia morning among those anxious to (Ij honor to Mr Pyke. On thß arrival of the Ringarooma & piivate brougham and several ex-Miaisters were in attendance, and the object of so much attention waa speedily escorted, pleased but mysterious, to the social sanctum provided by the country where members can recruit their spirits. Tho Speaker refuses to issue a new writ for the Thames f.r thirty days, holding that suoh time must be given for petitions to be presented. In 1867 Mr Moorhouse was returned for Mount Herbert and Westlaad, and elected to sit for Westland, and MrStafford at once meved that a new writ should issue, which was done. The speeches yesterday were above the average. The introductory speeches were the boat heard for several years. Tho ' New Zealand Times' considers that Mr Hall's lameness of attaok was politic. Mr Saunders laid kiraself open to ridicule. Sir George Grey succeeded well, considering the late hour at which he spoke. The division monopolises all attention. There are no ohanges to report since last advices. Messrs Masters and M'Caughan I are hardening in Opposition views, as also ! are Mewre Dick and Fulton. The Opposition organisation is admirable. Mr Hutchinson will to-day give notice of appeal to provide for a new Bill for the abolition of imprisonment for debt. Mr J. C. Brown is not acting as Govern* ment whip, as is generally supposed. It is reported this morning on the authority of an ex-Minister, that if the Government are defeated the reconstruction of the Ministry would ensue, with Mr Macandrew as Premier, and Mr Ballauce as Treasurer. It is also stated that Mr Pyke will support this reconstruction.