PARLIAMENTARY NOTES

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1918, 28 July 1886, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES

[Our. Special Wire],

Parliament Buildings, July 27. Whilst the amendment moved by Mr Richardson was clever in construction, the tactics of the Premier in refusing to accept it in auy other shape than as a noconfidence motion has, it-is thought, quite taken the wind out of the sails of the Opposition, who now appear to have made up their minds for a defeat. The several divisions early this morning on the question of adjournment were party divisions, and indicate pretty dearly what the Government majority will be. The debate h, by reason of its being precipitated into one of no-confidence, assuming an interesting ph»se, and may be prolonged indefinitely, The result of the division, in my priva’e opinion, becomes problematical the longer it is delayed. If it were taken now it seams to be admitted on ail bands that the Government would hare a good mij irity, but for the reasons 1 gave you last night the voes of some members, who have plums thrown before them, may be subdued by threats from their constituents worked by the other side, if time is given for pulling the wires. Sir R. Stout’s speech last night was a masterpiece of party eloquence and debating skill. Many think is was the grandest speech ever heard in the House. There was more excellence perhaps in the manner than the matter, and ihose who read the speech may not be able to form so high an estimate of it as those whose privilege it wag to listen to it. The debate continued until within a few minutes of fire o’clock, and would probably not have concluded then had not Ue Hansard staff been knocked up. As this is a no-confidence debate »11 businegs must be suspended until a division is taken. Mr Cowan resumed the d-bate this afternoon.