THE COLONIST. PUBLISHED DAILY. NELSON, TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 1882. PARLIAMENTARY JOTTINGS.

Colonist, Volume XXVI, Issue 3480, 13 June 1882, Page 3

THE COLONIST. PUBLISHED DAILY. NELSON, TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 1882. PARLIAMENTARY JOTTINGS.

[Feom Otjb Own Cobbespondent.] Wellington. June 12. The Nelson, Marlborough, and Westland members met again this morning, Mr Shephard in the ebair, their being present the Hon W. Robinson, Majorß Richmond and Baillie, and Messrs Conolly, Dodson, Weston, and Levestam. After discussion as to the best route for a railway from Canterbury, northwards, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Weston, seconded by the Hon. W. Robinson, to adjourn till after the Financial Statement is made, if an intention to borrow further is announced, the Chairman, in his discretion, ia to convent) a meeting of the Marlborough, Kelson, Canterbury, Westland, and such other members as may seem expedient, to consider the question of completing the main lines of railway in the Middle Island. There ib still some uncertainty as to the day when the Einancial Statement will be delivered, as Major Atkinson, though much improved in health, has not recovered his voice. Much anxiety, and not a little impatience, is felt, more especially as to a new loan. Various rumors have been flowing about, and of course the propagators of each profess to have certain exclusive information. One rumor is that no borrowing will be proposed this session—little credence is given to that; another is that three millions is the sum named; to-day four millions is the pet amount. The fact is, nothing is known outside the Cabinet, and it is doubtful whether even they have finally decided. Let this be distinctly understood, maoy member! who have taken part in local railway caucuses make it a condition of their attendance that they shall not beheld pledged to vote for a further loan at present. All they mean is that if, borrowing is insisted upon by a majority, part of the money ought to be spent in a certain way and place. The leadership of the. Opposition and the vacant portfolio continue to exercise the mind of ' t the curious. As to tbe first it is said that some new members were so verdant as to invite Mi Sbeehan to put himself forward. He is far too wide-awake to make such a false step, and declared that tho only position he would occupy is one of the rank and file ot the Opposition. If there were no other reason against him aspiring not to'be the head, that is too ridiculous, but to a seat ia a new Ministry, whenever, that maybe formed, it is well Jjtiowri-that hia pro- ■ feasional income is so large that the emoluments of, office are not only not .-a temptation, but he would be making a most serious sacrifice. Tho old story that he must be selected:in case of a change of Government is not and was oob true, Mr;Maeandrew will not listen to any solicitation to accept the lead, and so Mr Montgomery remairjy. Ab to the portfolio, it goes to keep certain membeis on the rail quiet.atid will pro bably be kept open till the strength of parties has been tested, and waver,: era have committed: themselves too fai

to'-.r.i'trea'tV-': Mr Wri^Mi-.as For som* days br-H) the 'Hvor'pe m die ati,.sn;ii..| Last .B«8-i».ts, li(i l< jfi lurion- ; ,a»aiiiHt,tl>| Government actioa al out the oNe^ Plymouth harbor, faud ao l.ir. h«f avoided doing anything that, cvii'itl iiir dicate which side'he'Will ink . j