LATEST POLITICAL ITEMS. (From our Special Correspondent.)

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1051, 18 June 1884, Page 3

LATEST POLITICAL ITEMS. (From our Special Correspondent.)

Wellington, June 17th. The haziness of the political outlook, existing since the defeat of the Government on Wednesday last, somewhat cleared up this afternoon, when the House met for the announcement of the Premier that the Governor had granted a dissolution of Parliament. Major Atkinson said that the Government were unable to go on with any business until Thursday evening next, when they would ask for supplies, and, if necessary the financial debate would ensue. He expected that the House might prorogue on Thursday, and the elections could so take place as to enable a new Parliament to meet on the 28th August. The Opposition are favorable to going on with the business, but are opposed to granting supplies until the end of August, believing it to be in the interest of the country that there should be no delay in the elections, with a view to the early assembly of the new Parliament.

A meeting of the Opposition is called for to-morrow forenoon, when it will be determined whether to give Government supply or insist upon their going out at once, the Opposition forming a provisional^ executive to carry on from the dissolution till the meeting of Parliament. The last course will likely receive the largest support at the caucus. Sir George Grey delivered an incisive speech against the principle of a defeated Government remaining in office for any length of time. Mr Fish, Mr Mapandrew, and other members were for giving them a reasonable time. Mr Montgomery would not concede the delay the Premier was desirous of. Mr J. C. Brown said the constituencies were ripe for the elections, which could be got over so as to enable a new Parliament to meet in sis weeks' time instead of ten as proposed by the Colonial Treasurer. The Premier, in reply, said that the writs could be made returnable in thirty or forty days if the House so desired, and that the long adjournment which he now asked was to enable him to prepare, up to the present date, a Financial Statement, which he would deliver on Thursday evening. The Ministry seem to be considerably weakened, but think time will help them. They are very tenacious of office, and are making considerable efforts to remain in power. Sir George Grey has refused overtures from them.

It is reported that proposals are now being made to Mr Montgomery and Mr Macandrew, who refuse to coalesce with the Continuous Ministry. There is certain to be a financial debate, lasting into next week, and in all probability the business will be over it sufficient time to enable the House on prorogue about Tuesday week.