THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 246, 28 October 1879, Page 2

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

The following extracts are from the Wellington papers of last night :— [ Chronicle. J] The political situation has not ostensibly altered since Saturday evening, though important complications of a secret character are rumored. We understand tbat the Ministry and their claqueur were engaged the- whole of Sunday iv endeavoring to cajole or purchase members who are now opposed to them. We arereliably informed that the support of the Nelson and Marlborough members has been bought by the written promise of _ci,000,000 sterling to be expended in tbe Nelson and Marlborough provincial districts. Mr Acton Adams is said to hold possession of a document arranging the terms of agreement. We challenge Mr Adams to deny tbis in his place in the House to-morrow. If Auckland is to get one million of the loan and Nelson and Marlborough another million, there seems little chance for Wellington aud Otago. The members of the Liberal party are still confident of victory, notwithstanding the defection of the Auckland rats. [/V_..] No definite change has taken place in the relative strength of parties since Saturday, but there are not wanting indications of further accessions to the Government side. It is now rumored that if the Opposition venture to go to a division to-morrow, Ministers will have a majority of seven. It is whispered that a complete rupture in the Opposition party is imminent, Sir George Grey's temper having been so sorely tried by the galling position into whioh bis party

has fallen as to render the relations between the " Great Proconsul " and certain of his followers, none too pleasant, but rather "strained" than otherwise. Itia quite on the cards that the extreme Greyites may form a little party of their own, leaving the Ministerial party to carry on the public business with a majority of some sixty or thereabouts. It is rumored that in view of the threatened break-up of the Opposition party, Mr Hutchison will he found voting with the Government very shortly. We scarcely think they will be much benefited by his going over to them, his policy being altogether too transparent. The statement circulated this morning by the Greyitc organ, that the Otago members of the Ministerial party are disaffected in consequence of the accession of Auckland members, is utterly with out a shadow of foundation, and is obviously set afloat merely to arouse such a feeling, if possible. The trick, however, is a failure, the Otago members being as staunch to their colours as ever. Indeed, they have not the slightest reason to be otherwise.