GOSSIP Of THE LOBBY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1241, 11 September 1875, Page 10

GOSSIP Of THE LOBBY.

MrMprtay has given notification that the redistribution -of representation should be on uujprmciple that any district having less than 2000 European inhabitants, should be merged in some other district unless of an area of 1000 square miles, and having a population of 1500 Europeans. Also, that the Public Works and immigration Committee take the Cospatrick disaster into consideration, with a view to recommending measures to prevent the recurrence of a like, disaster.

Mr Stout and Mr Wood wanted farther proBf* 8 * i* l ® l the Abolition Bill postponed until the Government measures promised in Major Atkinson's statement were brought down. The Uoveroment, however, would not agree, and debate went on to-night A formal motion to the same effect will be moved. Mr ■ Monntgomery made a very powerful ■peech last night, and Mr Carrington a very amusing one. Sir George Grey talked a good deal of bunkum, and Sir Donald M'Lean got exceedingly excited when he was talking. The general opinion is that Major Atkinson's statemeat last night was a thorough change of front, ana entirely, alters the whole aspect of their proposals, and were the best cards yet played to the Opposition. Messrs Stout and Reid drew out Mr MacandreVs Bills and Amendments, which led to the Government doing as they have. The Cabinet had a long sitting over the matter yesterday, and at one interval a rupture was imnunent. The step^ taken is regarded as a proof or weakness, and is exceedingly distasteful to a large number of Government supporters. The Ultra-Centralists say the Board of Works will be .Provincial Council under another name; and, except to the Otago members,.the proposal to localise the control of education and the endowments is exceedingly objectionable. The new departure will undoubtedly split up the Uovemment party, and render the passage of the Abolition Bill this session less than ever Jr e iy*v 4^^, Major Atkinson's, statement i?*x t ? e y abandon nothing. It is understood that the Government will abandon the Local Government Bill and the clauses in the Abolition Bill relating- to the constitution of PraTuuaal districts, nominated Superintendents, iTeasmy Bill, and pound for pound endowments to municipalities. The Public Accounts Committee is said to be making a very searching investigation into the financial condition of the Dolony, and the result, it is said, will astonish and alarm people.