LATEST PARLIAMENTARY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5022, 7 June 1884, Page 2

LATEST PARLIAMENTARY.

♦ The Burnham Industrial School.

Consolidation of the Opposition. [SPECIAL TO THE " BTAE."] WELLINGTON, June 7. Mr Hutchinson, I understand, is by no means satisfied with the answer he received yesterday from the Colonial Secretary with reference to affairs at the Burnham Industrial School. On Tuesday he is to more, I hear, for the appointment of a Select Committee to enquire into the management of the institution. What may be the reason for Mr Hutchison taking such a fatherly interest in Burnham, does not at present appear ; nor why the affair, if it is pressing, could not have been left to a Christchurch member. While the understanding on all sides to wait for the gathering of members is accepted generally, speculation as to the state of parties is rife. The Government supporters especially are improving the occasion, while their chiefs keep everythingbackthatisoftheslightest importance. In Ministerial! circles it is expected that most of the former Canterbury supporters of the Ministry will support them at a crisis. To this end the reports of speeches of such of them as have recently made speeches are much in demand, as a touching proof of simple confidence. As the elec tions are near, it is also an instance of the tenacity which is developed in the hour of drowning by the presence of so Email a thing as a straw. When the speeches of these members aie examined, it will be found that some of them are committed past all withdrawal. If the Opposition plays its cards properly, it will have their vote. It is playing its cards properly so far. Its policy is gradually crystallising into a general agreement, for a purpose, of all the elements. After the bulk of the members arrive (they are expected to be assembled not later than Monday), more will be definitely known on this subject. Major Atkinson's illness is, I regret to say, worse to-day. In the coming struggle it threatens to deprive the Government party of the only debater on their side. With this exception all the debating talent is with the " outs." Yesterday, report mentioned Mr J. C. Richmond as the coming Minister, to assist Mr Oliver in the Upper House. Since, the public has discovered that the Government estimate of Mr Richmond's ability b correct, namely, that he is even an abler man than his brother the Judge ; the public thinks it unlikely, therefore," that he will elect to join a sinking ship. In consequence, the name of Mr George M'Lean iB going about as likely to belong to the Ministry. Mr M'Lean has been in his time so closely identified with Ministers, and is in certain ways such a tower of strength, that the report of his coming accession is not unlikely.