PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Thames Advertiser, Volume XII, Issue 3437, 6 October 1879, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

['ADVERTISER' SPECIAL WIRE.]

[fbom OUK OWN COBEKBPONDBNT.]

Wellington, Saturday

Sir George Grey's party had a caucus this morning, in Parliament Buildings at which every supporter was presenl They numbered forty two, the extra one being Mr J. C. Brown, who had paired for the division. There was great talk over the!situation, and a unanimity of feeling on tho score of keeping together and resisting; the assumption of power by the Opposition. The following resolution was adopted, viz., " That tho members present are determined to take all steps necessary to preg-rve the Liberal party and to resi-t a coalition, and now adjourn till Monday to enable Ministers to consider further what action shall ho taken." The Opposition are not at all discomfitted at ibe result of the caucus, but consider the decision favourable to their cause. Of course they are in high glee at the result of tho division, and say r e Wheoro did not intend to vote, but was smuggled in by Mr Hamlin, ono of the Government party, against his will. It is certain that Mr Whitaker was looking after him in the Opposition interest, and only let him slip when his own vote was endangered by doing so. Tho Opposition have a dinner party at the Empire on Monday night to celebrate their victory. Government supporters seem satisfied that the Opposition cannot get on if their party are determined and concrete. The Address in Reply will be sent up to His Excellency by the Speaker, in charge of the hon. the leader of the Opposition, when the House meets on Tuesday afternoon, and in the meantime business is suspended; and further delay must also ensue after Tuesday's sitting in shaping the future course. The proper thing would be SirGeorpe's resignation on the result of the noconfidence division, but it is now uncertain whether this will be decided.upon, J and is in fact exceedingly doubtful unless Monday's caucus brings forth a ohange in his determination. Should Ministers do the proper thing and recommend the leader of the Opposition to be sent for the new Cabinet will be composed as near as possible of the names sent to you early last week. Mr Tole has a petition from 73 licensed victuallers of Auckland, praying for a redaction of license fee. Mr Tole also presents a petition from Mr James Hiokey, Thames, for a grant of land for military services. The .Native Affairs Committee brought up a report on the petition of Henry Alley to the effect that petitioner had not made out a satisfactory case, and the olaim was rejected in consequenoe. The olaim of the Meurants, settled by payment of £2000, has again cropped up in the form of an appeal against the stamp duty of £5 charged thereon. Government are to be asked to provide a drill ground and hall for the Thames district. The five acres of foreshore given for that purpose have again been taken for station purposes at Grahamstown.