The Government Caucus.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1702, 2 August 1875, Page 3

The Government Caucus.

Forty-five will Support Second Beading-

WELLINGTON,

Saturday. [A portion of the following appeared in a second edition on Saturday.]

At the caucus held at Dr Pollen's house, forty-six were present, including Mr Reader Wood. He stated that he regretted he must part from the party with which he had hitherto worked, because he beUeved they were doing an illegal act. He retired. It was then put to the vote whether the party would support the Government in pressing through abolition, and none of the forty-five objected to support the second reading, but several said they must consult their constituents as to supporting the other stages of the present session as meetings were held. Mr Brown of Otago, and Messrs Bradßhaw and Creighton were those who expressed a desire to consult their constituents before supporting the measure further than the second reading, . This day. The Gum Tax. You may regard the gum tax as shelved, its father having abandoned the bantling. The views of the committee were rather unfavourable, and Mr Dargaville's telegram clinched it. It is generally known that the i-mancial statement, when fiist prepared by Major Atkinson, dealt exceedingly severely with Mr Vogel over the loan negotiations, taking side with the Crown Agents. He was subseouently compelled by his colleagues to lick ittnto shape so as to eulogise Mr Vogel and his action. It is known that Major Atkinson, who is by all regarded as an honest, candid member of the Government, is not at all in " all fours " with his colleagues. Opposition CaucusA caucus of the Opposition is being held at twelve at the provincial buildings. It is understood that it will trump the Government by far more liberal proposals, and a complete reform. The finance of the Government abolition is generally laughed at. The statement will be shown to be utterly fallacious' and impracticable. You may expect startling things. ~ A caucus of Auckland members is convened for to-night.

We learn that Mr G. N". Brassey has received a telegram stating that the solicitors at the Thames have consented to close their respective offices to-merrow, out of respect to the memory of the late District Judge, Thomas Beckham, Esq. I?,A barque, deeply laden with coal, is coming in as we go to press. It is, no doubt, the Stag, which lefc Newcastle on the 22nd July. |

The City Council offices will be closed tomorrow afternoon from two till four, out of respect to the late Mr Thomas Bcckham, whose funeral takes place at that time.