PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 5251, 24 July 1885, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

[from our correspondent.]

Wellington, July 23. The East and West Coast Railway is the general subject of comment. "Huge swindle," "gross job," one of Vogel's own schemes," and such like terms with large intermixtures of strong adjectives are the terms generally in use here. So strong is the feeling against it that it was currently rumored this afternoon Major Atkinson would move a vote of no confidence. Up to midnight it did not come off. The Major is waiting till the Yogelian medicine has taken more effect and the patient brought to a still lower condition. Then his patriotism, coupled with a desire for office, will come to the rescue. From the livening Post the rumor that the Native Lands Disposition Bill is not to be proceeded with this session is, we belive, incorrect. The Government intend to push on the bill, and to insist upon its principle, although of course some modfications may be made in committee as to details. Sir George Grey has applied io the Public Petitions Committee to be allowed to be present during the hearing of Sir Julius Vogel's evidence re his claims on account of the inscription of stock. Sir George wishes not only to be present, but to give evidence, and to cross-examine Sir Julius as to his statement that he (Sir George) had been the means of his joining the Agricultural Company. Of course Sir George Grey knows perfectly well that every member of the I House has a right to be present at any committee while it is taKing evidence, although he has no right to take any part in the proceeding, or to be present while the committee deliberates. It is posted that Sir G. Grey is again going to appear in the character of the saviour of bhe

Ministry. He is, it is stated, going to move another vote of No-Confidence. He will give the Ministry another victory, for nothing beyond a most inaignificent Ministry will support any such motion emanating from Sir George Grey. When will he learn that as a possible political leader he is thoroughly "played out." The draft agreement for the purchase by the Government of the following district railways has been laid before Parliament : — Rakaia and Ashburton Forks railway, Waimate railway, Duntroon and Haketeramea railway, and Thamas Valley and Rotorua railway.