THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 118, 26 June 1880, Page 3

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

[by telegraph.]

(From our own Correspondent.)

Wellington, J une 24.

Last night was the first this session in ■which real excitement was apparent, and it was a very damaging one for the Government. What their enemies had so entirely failed to do was done by themselves and their supposed friends. Mr. Macandrew’s speech occupied the first hour. It did not by any means “ bristle with hard facts or damage the Government,” but was fanciful and perfectly harmless. Mr. Oliver followed with a speech like that of a stqpid schoolboy, well calculated to set the whole House against the Government. It is difficult to conceive anything so weak and yet as mischevious, and its effect on the Government and the House was at once apparent. Mr. Ormond rose, and in a most masterly speech announced a well thought out policy in opposition tq that of the Government. The effect on the House was wonderful, and it was at once evident that he had a majority with hint. He made nq attempt either to oppose er to support the Government, but announced his own views as if utterly regardless of consequences The Opposition vehemently cheered each of his announcements, whilst the always nervous Premier was unwise enough to ejaculate “ come here and do it yourself. ” It is most evident that the Government are getting alarmed at the difficulties that surround them on all sides for want of money, and would gladly throw up their heavy responsibilities, so that their friends dare not risk unseating them by even a friendly dissent from their proposals. Mr. Oliver might be exchanged with great advantage, and Mr. Atkinson would not be much of a loss, but Mr. Hall is a man the colony cannot afford to lose in its approaching difficulties.