POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Evening Star, Issue 5172, 2 October 1879, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[Per Press Agency.] WELLINGTON, October 2. Mr J. C. Brown, in a letter to the ‘ New Zealander ’ this morning, in incidentally referring to the Vogel-cum-Hall Government in 1872, says “ The Hall Government then offered to myself anything for my vote. My reply was that I required nothing for myself, but that they should be honest in their dealings.” Mr Hall this afternoon rose to make a personal explanation to the House, and characterised Mr J. C. Brown’s statement in this morning’s ‘ New Zealander ’ as an “unblushing and unmitigated falsehood.” He appealed to Mr Gisborne, who immediately denied that such an offer had been made. Mr Brown then exonerated Mr Hall and Mr Gisborne, but said that the Select Committee which had been called for would prove all he had said. [From a Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, October 2. Mr Reeves has renewed his sessional notice of a duty of 5s a ton on imported coal; and Mr Murray has given notice of his intentien to move that “the repeal of tho duties on grain, flour, and timber has been injurious.” 0-1 (lit that Mr Murray, when sounded by the Ministerial whips, asked for a written assurance from the Premier that he would retire, in which case he would vote with the Government. Shortly afterwards the whips came back with a direct negative from Sir George ; and Mr Murray at once gave in his adhesion to the Opposition. Mr Seymour gave notice to ask the Government whether they will take steps to compel keepers of lodging-houses to make provision for the preservation of life in case of fire ; and for land tax returns, distinguishing between counties and boroughs. Mr Ormond has given notice of motion for the appointment of a committee of inquiry into the expenditure for Native purposes in excess of different votes, specifying the class of each item, and the cost of Maori meetings attended by representatives of the Government. The report of the Minister of Lands’ reply to Mr Johnston’s query re deferred payment land in Canterbury was incorrect. In October, 1878, a proclamation was issued de--7,393 acresopen under that date, but up to the present only two allotments, having an area of 320 acres, have been taken up. The Minister described the land as of very poor quality. . The Opposition feel confident. It is stated that Mr McCaughan was invited to a meeting by the Government whips, when he was surrounded by several members who represented that Ids constituents wished him to support the Ministry. Mr MoCaogban treated the conduct of these officious members with utter contempt, and said that he would act as he liked. Mr Barron seems to be helpless, and under the control of the Government whips. (This message should have come to hand J ' < ’ eterdi - V - ) 4,20 p.m. Great indignation is expressed against Mr J, C. Brown °n account of his letter published in this morning’s ‘ New Zealander ’ accusing tho Vogel-Hall Government of having offered to bribe him. Mr Hall, in his place this afternoon, termed the accusation as an unblushing and an unmitigated falsehood. Mr Brown exonerates Mr Hall, an) ji had to apologise for the way in which he replied to Mr Hall. [From our own Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, October 2. The Opposition last night refused a pair for Mr Lundon, on the ground that they have hopes ef him and that ho is not sworn in. They therefore discouraged their men from speaking. As a consequence the debate hung rather drearily, the best speeches being from Mr Speight and Colonel Trimble, Mr Hick, who spoke later, spoke earnestly, attributing his defection from the Grey party, which he had sympathised with, to their smaller acts (as they called them) of maladministration and want of Ministerial union. Mr Gisborne was unprepared, and his speech, though in good English, was stilty, and fell flat. Mr Barron and the Postmaater-General are likely to speak this afternoon, some member of the Opposition following. Mr Fisher and Mr Sheehan will sj>eak at abouh eight. and will bo followed by Mr Wakefield or Mr Ormond, to be in turn followed by Mr Reader Wood. Mr Macandrew may move the adjournment to-night, which the Opposition will have to agree to. It is expected the division will take place on Friday evening, before midnight. Ministers, m spite of all rumon to tho contrary, will be no parties to any offers of reconstruction from either side. The Opposition will, therefore, have to form a Government from its own ranks, and in such case Ministers are confident that they cm pot command a majority. Some think that Sir Goorge Grey will reconstitute iu terms of the amendment, but if Sir George attempts that the probability is that the Governor will refuse to take his advice and send for Mr Hall. The Government whips claim forty-three with Mr Lundon, against forty-three on the other side, making it a tie; but the Opposition, through their whips, claim to be able to do without Mr Lundon. Someone miy turn at the last moment, but 1 incline to my previous list, giving to the Opposition both Mr Pyko and Mr Murray. The rumors current yesterday of a reconstruction were wholly unfounded.