SIR G. GREY'S PARTY.

North Otago Times, Issue 7176, 26 June 1891, Page 3

SIR G. GREY'S PARTY.

The Wellington correspondent of the Chnstchurch Press telegraphs to that journal as follows: In my latest telegi.im yesteiday I mentioned briefly that" Sir George Grey was reported to be quietly but engaged in the formation of ajjnew* party under his own leadership, and that he wis believed to have seemed the adhesion of most of the labor members. It is said to-day that his party already numbers fifteen of sixteen membus, and is likely to increase in limnetic il strength. The basis of operations is to be a land tax pure and simple as a plat- | form. Sic George Grey is, as usual, very leticent as to his intentions, but in conversitim with accessible members he has spoken very freely about the land tax as proposed by Ministers, and condemns it as a mere property tax in disguise. I informed you a fortnight back that he would not accept this part of the Minis tenal programme, and would seek to insist on a genuine progressive " bui sting up of land tax," while he does not at all -ippiove of the income tax in its pieseut shape. He has already acquired stiong influence over the labor members. His high stand ing and prestige, his gracious and winning manners, and his marvellous memory for -ill sorts of little personal things calculated to please and flatter those with whom he converses, have quite won the hunts of many. Then he has come back from Australia with a greatly enhanced " ni u ,i," especially in connection with the labor party. He makes a point of chatting separately and familiarly with the members, and in many cases seems to exeicisp almost a mesmeric power over them. There is a siiong impression that most of the Liboi membeis will enlist under his banner, and will follow him loyally. He is expected to make one of his great speeches in the Budget debate, and it is said that he will appeal to the Government to cast away the " pitiful abortion and shame which they have pro duced and called by a false name," and to be true to the Liberal programme of a genuine progressive land tax. There is fin idea afloat that ho may attempt to "jump the claim" of Mr Bryce tomorrow evening by leading off the debate on the budget. This possibly might not be at all repugnant to the wishes of the Opposition, as I shall show by and bye, and they may perhaps eucourage and facilitate such a design. A local journal says to-night, " The latest tip is th.it Sir George Grey evideiuly means mischief. Fully 16 members appear to have attached themselves to him, not for the support of the Government. It a dissolution came about as threatened by the Minister of Lands at Palmerston South, Sir George Grey would certainly come back as Premier, and Mr Ballance would certainly not come back as member for Wanganui — his place would be taken by Mr Carbon,"