PARLIAMENTARY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 836, 16 July 1879, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

[By Telegraph.] ♦ [from our special correspondent.] WELLINGTON. This Day. DELIVERY OP THE SPEECH. - There was a large turn put of public yesterday at what was really the opening of Parliament. The Governor read the speech remarkably well," and in a clear and distinct tone, but he seemed particularly to emphasise the words " my advisers " whenever they occurred, as if to intimate that he did not concur in the opinions expressed. FORMALITIES. In the House, before- going to hear the Governor's speeoh, the customary assertion of right of Parliament was observed by the Premier, introducing a Bill to prevent the introduction of convicts, whioh was read a first time. A SHOAL OF PETITIONS. After returning from the Oounoil Chamber, a whole shoal of petitions were presented <>n all subjects, the largest beinat.by Mr. William Swanson, from Auckland, against; the introduction of Chinese. . NOTICES OF MOTION. Notices of appointment of the usual sesssional committees were given, and Mr. Macandrew also gave notice of a committee to consider the principle upon which Goyernmentadvertisements should be distributed amongst newspapers. The Premier gave notice of motion for the suspension of Standing Orders on next sitting day, to allow of Imprest Supply Bill and Public Works Imprest Supply Bill to pass all their stages. Sir William Fox gave notice of moving that Mr. Seymour be Chairman of all Committees of the House. Mr. J. S. Macfarlane gave notice of a committee to consider and report what conveniences and facilities in telegraphing could be afforded to the Press, without inconvenience or loss to the public FOX ACCEPTS LEADERSHIP OF THE OPPOSITION. The Opposition had a caucus on Monday, night, which lasted till an early hour in ihe morning. The result was that Sir William Fox accepts the leadership. Mr. Whitaker, whild refusing it for himself, strongly recommended the appointment of Fox, of whom he spoke in high terms. Whitaker also enjoined the caucus to sink petty differences and unite for the common cause and interests of the colony. It is stated that Mr. WhitaVer can influence eight votes. It is the general belief that Vox will command a majority against the present Ministry ; but it is doubtful whether he oould do so in support of the one he. may form. Woolcuck attended the caucus in forenoon, but wrote in the afternoon 10 the whips declining to attend again as although, he was prepared to vote against the present Ministry, . he was quite sure he would do the same against any Ministry whioh might be formed the Opposition. This surprises" no one* *for Wooloock'-*has been always regarded as unreliable. THE OPENING SHOT. An amendment to the address in reply will probably be moved by Fox to bring matters to an immediate issue. WHIPS OF THE SESSION. Sir Robert Douglas and Captain Morris are the Opposition whips. Seymour George and Mr. Feldwiok are Government ones. J. C. Brown has retired from formal position of whip, but helps the others: Up to an early hour yesterday morning it was intended to bring Mr. Bryce forward for the Chairmanship of Committees ; but then it was found that an absolute majority was pledged to Seymour in the belief that Bunny was a Government candidate. It was accordingly decided to allow Seymour a walk over, and the Premier offered to second his nomination.