POLITICAL GOSSIP IN WELLINGTON.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 7991, 8 October 1887, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP IN WELLINGTON.

(TELKGHtAPHBD BY OUB COBBESPONDENT.) NEW MEMBERS WILL NOT PLEDGE TO ANY PARTY. Saturday, October B. —A meeting of the new members who are in opposition to the Stout-Vogel Government was held yesterday, when the situation wad discussed at some length, bnt no definite decision was come to, though it seemed very certain that they would not pledge themselves to support any party until some more definite policy of retrenchment ie enunciated. x SIR GEORGE GREY TO THE FRONT. Queer rumours are going about with respect to Sir George Grey. It was freely suggested a few days ago that if the young party got a show they would Btorm the position, in which case they would want a figure-head, and Sir Georgo G«-ey would bo exactly the man. It was reasonably said in answer to this that Sir George would never allow himself to be a mere figurehead, but that he would want to take an active part in the policy of the Cabinet. This all sounds very nice, but there seems now to be some possibility of the hints becoming aotual accomplishments. • OPPOSITION NOT A HAPPY FAMILY. The Opposition are not a happy family, for there are many leaders and a large number of applicants for every portfolio. YOGEL AND HIS PARTY. Sir Julius Yogel is certainly not strong enough to do any great things, and it is therefore extremely likely that new men will come into office with an old hand, say Sir George Grey, at the helm. That at any rate is the story at present. OPPOSITION' PARTY WEAK. The Opposition party deemed to be in a state of coma. At the caucus yesterday (Friday) afternoon- there were only forty-four present and accounted for. Among those present were Sir John Hall, Sir George Grey, and of course Major Atkinson. The position was again discussed very extensively, but no decision was come to, and the meeting now stands adjourned again till to-day at two o'clock. MEMBERS CANNOT AGREE AS TO LEADER. Mr. Fulton was in the chair. The object for which the meeting was called was so that members should express their opinions generally upon the situation and possibilities, and in connection therewith the difficulty is as to the leadership. As a matter of fact there is no one available but Major Atkinson, but a prejudice against hi<n exists in the minds of many members who are in accord otherwise. This will have to be overcome before the Major ia recognised as the only leader that can be obtained. Sir John Hall and Sir Frederick Whitaker are out of the question, I think, especially the former; and it is next to certain that Mr. Waterhouse will not be thought of. ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS ABOUT THE CAUCUS. The correct number of the caucus was forty-six present and nine accounted for. Sir George Grey was aßked to take the lead, but refused. Major Atkinson will not be Premier if he is Treasurer, or vice versa. Mr. Mitcholson and Sir John Hall will npt take office. Mr. Fisher or Mr. Moss is likely to be Treasurer.