POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 5257, 31 July 1885, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[fkom our correspondent.] ',} v ;js. WBLiiNGa?oN, July 30. „|DHere[ were rumora-last night that a io(siition Government was obtainable, the names of Atkinson, Mitchelson, Ballance, Stout and Montgomery^being mentioned as leaders of the new. .cojnbination. Tonight, however,- 'it ' is T positively contradicted. -.«■- .

That strained relations exist .between the Government and Sir Dillon .., Bell is evidenced by the correspondence laid on the table lately. It is hinted now that Sir Dillon's resignation, is highly probable. Though an able public man, and one of the best Agents-General ever sent to London, he makes it clear that he likes his ,own way, whilst our Premier appears more than anxious to exert his little brief authority. If Sir Dillon were to resign it does not seem improbable, that the position would be offered to Sir Julius Yogel, who might not be disinclined to refuse, provided the emoluments of the office were increased for some definite period. He is a disturbing element in New Zealand politics just now. Both sides would think it the cheapest, and easist way to get rid of him. They might even go so far as to vote the iix or seven thousand pounds which lie claims; to pay his passage home, and to "provide him with the necessary amusements on the journey. The next occupants of the Ministerial residence will find it much improved. ' ' It has been furnished ane»v, regardless of expense. It has been held that the most costly discretions of work Ayere pulled to pieces at least a dozen times to suit the capricious fancies of the lady who governs the household.

When the Company's Act Amendment Bill was committed last night, says the Post report, several Ministers complained that the bill was entirely different from the one which was recently read a second time, and the Chairman's ruling was asked as to whether it could bs dismissed without being read a second time. The Chairman^ruled that the bill in its present form was admissable. A motion for reporting progress was lost on division by 29 to 18. The whole of the clauses, with the exception of the last (providing that the .act shall not apply to Mutual Insurance Companies) were passed with only a a verbal amendment and without debate. A division was taken upon the second reading of the last clause, which was carried by 31 to 30. The clause was subsequently thrown out on the motion for adding to the bill by 24 to 19. On the question for reporting the bill the, Treasurer expressed surprise and regret at the clause struck out, and surprise at the division list, and he hinted* that members who voted a,gainst it had done so at the dictation of the insurance companies. Mr Montgomery said he would never have expected such an insinuation from the hon. gentleman. Mr Sutter characterised the Treasurer's remarks as a gross insult to the House. Mr Rolle.Bton said the clause was a sham. Mr Seddon held that the Treasurer's remarks were justified. He did not like to see the Premier going into the lobby as he had .done against the Treasurer's proposal, and jthus: upset his measure. Sir J. Yogel said, lie was quite unaware that any of his ool*

leagues were unfavorable to the clause, and when the member for Geraldine described it as a sham, he felt that a reflection had been cast upon him. What he had meant to convey was that a great deal of pleasure had been inserted in this matter by the insurance companies. After further discussion, this bill was reported as amended. • : : The writer of cigarettes in the Evening Press says that the Colonial Treasurer that there are differences in the measure. Inthe' House the "Treasurer smiled at the Premier, whilst the Premier only laughed at the Treasurer.