WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7189, 15 June 1885, Page 3

WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

* ; .*.V. S -. ' ■ , : ■»' . , £b&01& OUR BPEOIAI. COBBESPONDEtfT.] V .\, '-'..' Jm TBLBORAPH.J rV Wellington, Saturday. ' ( .LJmf~'R appears to be generally admitted 4^r^j?,w that the Governor's' speech which '* Y '" r -^was actually delivered by his Excellency whs a very different document from that . . which it was intended should hare been -• brought down, and of oourse the opponents of the Government are turning this to account by spreading abroad reports that the Cabinet are hopelessly divided on most questions of public policy. It was persistently rumored last session that Mr Stout and Sir Julius Vpgel were not in accord on many points, and the rumor is again being circulated in the lobbies. It is further alleged that the Hon. Mr Stout warmly resents the notion that many well-in- ~ formed people have of his being only the nominal head of the Ministry, and that Sir Julius Yogel is the actual Premier. Whether this supposition be correct or not the fact is patent to everybody that but for Sir Julius being a member , of the Government the Stout Ministry would have a very short life indeed, it being admitted on all sides that the Colonial Treasurer is the real mainstay of the Stout- Yogel Cabinet. 1 understand that the proposal to indemnify Sir George W hitmore against the disqualification he would be subjected to as a salaried commander of the forces while at the same time being a member of the Legislative Council will be wafmly opposed, mainly on the ground cf its creating a dangerous precedent by setting aside the provisions of the Disqualification Act. The first marine excursion of the present session took place round the" harbor this afternoon. The occasion for this "Legislative spree," (as Mr Shephard termed them while speaking against the proposal to adjourn the Houbo in order that members might visit the , Christohurch exhibition), was for the -i. purpose of inspecting the fortifications the entrance to the port, and the having been got in readiness the Governdr and about thirty members o.f both Houses proceeded by her down, the harbor. On arrival at the fortifications his Excellency and the members expressed great surprise at the forward state of the defences of the port, although, of oourse, there is still much to be done before they are completed. The day being beautifully fine the trip proved both enjoyable and interesting. The Hinemoa returned to port about 5 o'clock. It is stated here that Sir "Wm. Fox, ex-Premier and late member for Rangitikei, does not intend returning to New Zealand, in consequence of the delicate state of Lady Pox's health, and that that was his reason for disposing of his estate at Westoe, Rangitikei. ; The intelligence of Mr Sheehan's death was received in Wellington with feelings of very general regret, as the deceased gentleman had a host of friends here. The Hinemoa is to be despatched to Napier to-night for the purpose of conveying Mr Sheehan's remains to Auckland for interment. This little tribute of respect to £he memory of the deceased ia generally considered a graceful act on the part of the Government.