THE POLITICAL HORIZON

Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 32, 13 July 1872, Page 3

THE POLITICAL HORIZON

Tm.; following is from tlie "Wellington correspondent, of the "llawke's Bay Telegraph: "As the time for the mooting of Parliament draws near, the rumours of the foundation of a strong- opposition grow in strength, and command an increased amount of credence. There in, in fact, no doubt now of the defection of Messrs Fitzherbort and Bunny from the government ranks, or that they mean mischief. The question is whether they will be followed by the Wellington members in a block. Ido not think they will, and most certainly they will not if the policy of the new party bo ar I think it will be, tho largement of tho powers of the provinces, ami the transfer to the provinces of the administration of tho Public "V\ orks and Immigration scheme. This, I think, is what Messrs Fit/.herbert and Bunny, now that they have tasted the sweets of provincial office aim at, and in this they will no doubt fmd a good many supporters amongst those who were erstwhile like themselves, government supporters; but that any such retrogiade policy will ever command the sympathy of a majority of the House, I can scarcely believe. Still more difficult is it to conceive that Mi Stafford can ever lend himself to countenance any such policy. Still Mr Bunny has recently paid a visit to Nelson, and since his return his friends appear confident of Mr. Strffords support. Tho session will, however, certainly witness a complete break up of all previously existant party organisations. A great deal of quiet—shall I call it bribery—has been going on on both sides, and as far as political principle is concerned, it will be found that the party leaders have changed sides. i