POLITICAL NEWS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3596, 20 October 1879, Page 3

POLITICAL NEWS

[By Telegraph.] [feom ottb own cobbespoxdent.J WELLINGTON, Oct. 19. Tho latest statement with respect to the tactics of the Government (supported by a leader in the Pdst) is that they have made overtures to the Opposition for a coalition on condition that two members of the late Grey Ministry should have Beats in the reconstructed Cabinet. The Post strongly advises the Opposition to accept this overture. The facts are simply that the Eon Eobert Campbell was employed by Ministers to make some siuli overtures to the Opposition through Mr J. 0. Brown, but they were firmly, one late Minister says, contemptuously rejected. Another rumour is that Government has succeeded in shaking the allegiance of two of the rant and file of the Opposition. On enquiry I find this is intended to allude to Messrs Hurst and Colbeck, but I have the direct assurance that neither has tho slightest intention of wavering. On the other hand, since Mr Bryce's failure to make the anticipated exposure of the Native Department administration, there a*o several waverers on tho Government side. I have it on good authority that yesterday Sir Hercules Eobinson eent for Mr Hall and plainly told him he must bring matters to an issue. He must either Bhow that he could carry on the Government of the country or accopt one of two alternatives —dismissal or resignation. The Opposition has offered to grant absolutely necessary supplies on Tuesday, on condition that immediately thereafter the House goes to a division on Mr Macandrew's no confidence motion. Tamoana is disgusted with the position ho has occupied since joining the Ministry, and is said to have oxprcaspd his intention of resigning, whether the Ministry as a body does so or not. Since joining the Ministry he has not been permitted to take any part in Cabinet business. To-morrow morning there is to be a caucus of Government supporters, to consider the situation. My own opinion is that whether the Ministry resign, as is not improbable, or the issue bo brought to a test on division, Thursday at latest will Bee the question settled. The temper of the House will not brook delay. There «esmi not a shadow of a doubt that the Opposition will win. Last night Sir W. Fitzherbert gave a dinner to the Legislative Councillors, which the Governor attended on tbe express condition that there should be no political speeches. Yesterday, Tawhanga served a writ on Hono Tawhai for £100 damages for having eat and Toted for two days as a member of the House of Representatives, he being disqualified. Tawhai says he will go on as he lias been doing oven if he should have to go to gaol. It is said that tho wording of the Act is so ambiguous that no penalty can bo recovered. No Coalition, and no Compromise. WELLINGTON, Oct. 20. The New Zealander this morning in an article, evidently written on authority, characterises the statement of tho Post, resSecting an alleged coalition as " either a eliberate falsehood, or a most foolish invention." The Hon E. Campbell interviewed ifr 3. C. Brown suggesting that a compromise ' might be effected between the Opposition and' Government parties. The Bubject was then mooted to the leaders of tho Opposition, and 'their ultimatum unreservedly expressed, was "We will not consider tho proposal of a coalition, but we will give you our votes for granting reasonable supplies for the public •service ; if you will allow the no-confidence .debate to come oa immediately thereafter." The Opposition still await the reply of the Hall Ministry.

[Pee Pbbbs Association.] WELLINGTON, Oct. 18. Both evening papers state Mr Eees is about to apply (to tho Supreme Court for a mandamus to ccmpel the Registration Officer at Napier to place his name on the Electoral 8011. Should ho succeed he will offer himself m a candidate for the Thames seat. Oct. 19. The Committee of Selection has appointed Messrs Colbeck, Gisborne, Bain, Johnston, Swanson, Montgomery and Whyte, to b8 a Committee to report whether the Auckland City West election petition is in order. The Committee on the petition against the return of Sir G. Grey for Chriatchurch was struck to-day, and is constituted as follows : — Meajrs Fulton (chairman), Jfoprhoueo (repve-

aenting , petitioner), Stewart (representing sitting member), Colbeck, M'Caugban, Allwright, and Tawhai. .