PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6309, 6 August 1888, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

♦ [feom oub special cobsespondent.J WELLINGTON, August 5. THE OPPOSITION — SOME CUEIOUB REPORTING. With reference to the Opposition meeting of Friday last, I ccc the Wellington papers, publish an account of it, -which, though not quite so incorrect as usual, contains several inaccuracies. They cay that the meeting was convened by Mr Pyke. It was not convened either by Mr Pyke or at his suggestion, though he was present and took a lively interest in all that went on. Then it said that the meeting resolved to call themselves the "Constitutional Party." They did nothing of the sort, and are not likely to assume any such fanciful title, but will be quite content to be known by the good old name of " Opposition." It is quite true that Mr Pyko suggested the name "Unconstitutional/* but the suggestion was not taken up. Then it said only eighteen members were present. The exact number was twentysis ; five more have since been accounted for, -without counting: Sir Julius "Yogel, Mr Lamach, and Mr J. C. Brown, who are reckoned members, but who are absent or ill. Mr Ward, of Awarua, was present, and gave in his adhesion unreservedly. Finally it is said that the Managing Committee was instructed to meet at eleven, o'clock every morning. This also was imaginary. How could any Committee meet at any hour, when all jrinds of Special Committees are always sitting? It is true that Mr Pyke suggested such a course, but his suggestion was not accepted. Altogether I am led to believe that the Wellington reporter must have bad a chat with toy friend Vincent before the meeting took place, and must have accepted his suggestions as certain to be acted on. This will account for the fishy nature of their rejiort. HUNTING WITNESSES. You will remember that a Commission was appointed to enquire into the Mokau Jones' case. The Commissioners are at present occupied in the equally dignified and economical business of hunting about the country for witnesses. Instead of the witnesses being summoned to meet them, they eet out in search of the witnesses. Mahomet does not come to the mountain, but the mountain chases Mahomet. If the Commissioners do not find a witness in the place they have expected, they go and look for him somewhere else. They are at present busied in pursuing the Hon John Bryce from point to point in the Wanganui district. When I know what their bill for travelling expenses amounts to, I will let you know. ON THE SICK UfiT, Sir W. Fitzherbert is the latest addition to the sick list of this most unfortunate session. Mr Reynolds, Mr J. C. Brown, Colonel Brett, and Mr Dodson are the other absentees through illness. BOABTING A NEW MEMBER. ! An amusing incident took place on Friday night in Committee on the Estimates. Mr Seddon, who likes a joke, set to work to tease Mr Verrall by drawing him out on the subject of State Banks. The member for Ashley, whose craze on this point is-notorious, kept on jumping up with all sorts of interjections and explanations, but Bichard, who had the floor, refused to budge, and time after time Mr Verrall had to subside disconsolate, only to spring up again excitedly at Borne fresh gibe from his tormentor. At last some kind friend gave him a hint that he was being made game of, and the little comedy came to an end.