PARLIAMENTARY.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1692, 21 July 1875, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPON-

DENT. J

WELLINGTON.

This day,

The Governor's Speech

There 13 considerable surprise at the meagreness of tbe Ministerial programme. When the Governor read the passage relative to abolition, a smile passed over almost every face, and a suppressed titter was audible among the representatives, who commenced whispering in knots of two or three. The House sat for only half-an-hour. Sir George Grey Sworn. The swearing in of Sir George Grey caused marked interest. It was originally intended that Mr O'Roiko and Wi Katene should introduce him, but on Mr Stafford's request he took Mr O'Rorke's place. The applause from all sides of the House, and the clapping of hands, was long and continued, as Sii George Grey made his bow to the Speaker. The Leader of the Ministry. Sir Donald McLean is holding office as leader of the Ministry, and made the Ministerial statement of the changes, consequent on bir Julius Vogel's absence, etc. Friendly Attitude of Mr Stafford. Mr Inglia has giveu notice of moving the address in reply. This is recognised as indicating that Mr Stafford will do nothing in opposing the Government, Mr lngli3 being the whip to Mr Stafford when in office, and geneiaily a jackal when out. It is said Mr Stafford intends acting on the hint in the speech, and leading off for total abolition. He is supposed to thiuk that the general current of feeling tends in that direction. : Thames RepresentationMr O'Neill presented a petition from the Thames, asking for four members. A ripple of laughter passed over the House, evidently from ignorance respecting the population of the Thames relative to other electoral districts. Four Auckland Petitions. Mr Swanson presented three petitions. One from Messrs Cruickshank and Co. relative to the damages obtained against the Hero by the Customs ; the second, from Mr Theolphilus Heale, asking that he should have a share in the advantages of the exchange of land by Mr Whitaker for other land at the Piako, said to be much more valuable j the third from three DeThieny's, asking compensation for losses sustained by them. A fourth was presented from H. Pitts, relative to the penalty of £150, enforced for exceeding time in tbe cutting of Hurst's road across the swamp at the North Shore. Railway at OnehungaMr O'Rorke gave notice of question relative to carrying the railway down the wharf at Onehunga. Mr O'Rorke Chairman of Committees Sir Donald McLean gave notice of motion that Mr O'Rorke be Chairman of Committees. The Opposition. It is understood there will be no positive action on the address in reply, but the clouds of opposition are gathering. 1 p.m. Foreshadow ings of tho Future. It is difficult to forecast events. Members shake their heads and don't know. It is believed the abolition question definitely raised will be settled on the address in reply. The party of partial abolition seems nonexistent. All seem either provincial or total abolitionists. It is believed the latter are very strong. It is evident that the question will be pressed before any other business. There is no combination of the opposition yet. The settling of this question will prepare for defining parties. There is not much confidence in the personnel of the present Ministers. The debate to-night will be deeply interesting, decisive, and probably brief. Golfidelds Caucus. A caucus of goldfields -members was held to-day on Mr Shepherd's Goldfields Bill. It was resolved nat to prevent the eecnd reading, but in committee to refer it to the Government, as it was not right placed in the hands of a private member. That means squelching it. Mr Hollowly. Mr Holloway, the agricultural labourer's delegate, is appointed emigration agent in the Oxford district.