Wellington Gossip.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 931, 22 October 1879, Page 2

Wellington Gossip.

THE RUMOURED COALITION. The Post of Saturday says : " We learn on excellent authority that the Opposition are making overtures to the Government with a view of putting an end to the deadlock which at present exists. It is understood that the Opposition propose a reconstruction of the Ministry by which members of the Government will have seats on the Treasury Benches. If their proposals are accepted, the Opposition will assist the Government to get on with the business of the country without any further delay, but if Mr. Macahdrew and his party could turn out the Hall Ministry and take their place, there is every reason to believe that there would be several secessions from his ranks — sufficient indeed, to render their tenure of office equally brief. The correspondent to the Auckland Star referring to the foregoing, flays the above statement is, I believe, without foundation. I have been at much pains to sift the rumour, and have been assured by Mr. Sheehan and Mr. Macahdrew that there is not a word of truth m it.. Bui I am informed that the Government on Saturday made proposals to the Opposition for a coalition Ministry, offering to sacrifice two or three of the present occupants of the Ministry to be replaced by Opposition men, and this has been absolutely declined. An on dit m the lobbies is to the effect that Mr. Hall was again sent for by, the Governor, and told that if he would not carry on the business of the country he must resign. Mr Hall asked for further time m order to endeavour to form a coalition Ministry, and the Governor consented to wait a few days longer. Mr. Hall afterwards wrote proposals to Mr. Macandrew, which have been absolutely declined. Mr. Hall made the following proposal on. Monday to the Opposition : — That Mr. Whitaker be Premier, and that Messrs. Hall and Macandrew, as other members of the Ministry, to select the remaining portfolios alternately. Mohi Tawhaia, H.H.R., was on Monday served with a writ against his election at the suit of Sydney Taiwhanga on the ground of his being a Government Assessor m receipt of pay at the time of his election. The petition against Toxnoana by Hans Tapaell broke down through informalities. There is said to be only a few thousand pounds, available m the Treasury out of the last vote, and the Government must ask for supplies on Tuesday. The Opposition will not refuse supply, but will tack on to the motion to the Governor expressing want of confidence m Ministers. . It is reported on the authority of a Ministerial supporter that the Governor on Saturday told Mr. Hall the business of the country could not, be suspended to keep any particular set of men m office. The Government must either obtain supplies on Tuesday or resign. The Opposition, m reply to overtures from Mr. Halls's whips, replied they would grant supplies on condition that the no-confidence motion be debated immediately afterwards, and a division taken on Wednesday. The Government supporters meet to-day to consider action.