The Opposition Caucus

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

The Opposition Caucus

Sir George toy Sleeted Leader.

3.1(5 p.m. The caucus of the Opposition has just risen after a very satisfactory meeting. There was a numeious attendance. Kote3 were received from several absent members expressing full sympathy. After considerable discussion, it was unanimously agreed to pi event the passing of the present Government Bills until an appeal has been made to the country ; to insist on a thorough and complete enpuiry into the condition of public finance, expenditure, and public departments.

Sir George Grey was unanimously elected leader, and will formally announce its formation and position, and that he is to be the exponent of its views. The Opposition is to insist on statement of public works and immigration and the Representation Bills being submitted, and full details of the finance of abolition before the estimates arc considered.

The struggle, therefore, will be on the estimates. It is confidently believed that the Bills cannot paES this session. No stone will be left unturned. Members will talk against time, obstruct any stage, and use all Parliamentary means to compel the bills being sent to the counsry.

Mr Fitzherbert declares his determination to put forth all his strength, and give instructions to younger members under any difficulty in making speeches as to how to spin them out.

It is known that a considerable number of those at the late Government caucus will work with the Oppesition in determining to prevent the final passing of the bills this session.

We learn here that a most garbled and untruthful statement as to the unanimity of the Government caucus is circulated in Auckland. I can say on authority that great diversity of opinion was manifested, and the defections since have been numerous.

The Bills will not pass this session. The pending struggle is about to be the fiercest and most determined yen known in Parliament, unless the Government give way promptly which is not unlikely.

The caucus of Auckland members is now being held at the Princess Hotel. It commenced at three o'clock.

About 30 members were present.

-Sv'lSj (Per Press Telegram Agency.) This day. What the Times Thinks of the Caucus

.. In an article on the caucus of Government supporters, held on Saturday, the Times this morning says: —"It is impossible to state that a majority of the House of Representatives pledged themselves to carry the Government bills through during the present session. It also states that the Government are so well fortified with high legal opinion that no doubt whatever is entertained as to the power of the General Assembly to abolish Provincial Governments.