PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 814, 23 November 1877, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

(Condensed from our Exchanges.) Wellington, October 13. There was an immense lot of talk last night over the privilege business. Major Atkinson, finding that his party would not follow Mr Travers in his vote of censure, was anxious to shelve the affair. The Government, on the contrary, wished to bring on Mr Travers’ motion if possible, and they were rather disappointed in being beaten by one in two divisions on the question of adjournment. They thought Sharp was going to vote with them, and the second time Mr Lunuden promised to do so, but Mr M'Lean goi him not to do it There was rather a little scene between him and Mr Stout over the matter, and Mr Lumsden’s explanations only plunged him deeper in the mire. Sir George Grey made an admirable speech, and so did Mr Stout. Altogether, the speaking was of good quality. Mr Travers got pitched into very warmly on all sides, and defended himself vigorously, but with no great success. Ultimately, Mr Shrimski hit on the expedient of superseding the question for adjournment of the debate by moving the adjournment of the House, and this was finally agreed to. The effect is that the whole privilege case drops for the session. Mr Stafford has given notice to ask the Government whether the statement, published in the press from “ own correspondents,” that the officers of the Civil Service have thrown difficulties in the way of Ministers obtaining information, have any foundation.

Mr Gisborne now avowedly supports the Government, and one or two others are wavering, disgusted with Major Atkinson’s had management and leadership. It is now almost certain that the Ministry are safe for the session.

Major Atkinson’s no confidence mot’on will never come on unless Minister’s know they can negative it, when they may give it a chance if he likes to take it. It will stand somewhere about No. 14 on the Order Paper to-morrow, and is certain not to be reached duiing the afternoon. November 14 Tho Canterbury ron clauses of the Land Bill were warmly discussed last night, and strongly opposed by Sir George Grey. The matter was an open one with ministers, however, and Mr Larnach voted for tho ten years, and the other ministers against it. Mr Sheehan was so poorly, he had to give charge of the Bill to one of his colleagues, and to-day his throat was so bad, he could not make his Native Statement, which is postponed till to-morrow. The rest of the clauses of the Land Bill did not cause much discussion, until a new clause proposed by Mr de Lautour, dealing with riparian rights, and in purport similar to a clause in Shepherd’s Goldfields Act No. 2, of 1876, was reached. Over this there was a long discussion, and on a division it was read a second time by a small majority ; hut before it could be added to the Bill, Mr Reid, who opposed it, by a majority of one carried a motion for reporting progress. Tho appendices, will he considered to morrow Sir George Grey’s answer to-day to Mr Stafford’s question about Civil servants withholding information, was very diplomatic and suggestive. It was simply that the Statement referred to was not made by authority of the Government. Seveial members of the Opposition say they will be no parties to any further party contest, hut not much reliance is placed on the statement, and there is suspected to he something put up, hut no one knows exactly what. Rumour has it that Mr Stafford is to replace Major Atkinson as leader, and will make one more attempt to unseat Sir George Grey. With ordinary procedure, however, Sir George Grey will hold hia seat. November 15. Mr Kellv’s Disqualification Bill was thrown out last night, and to day, although the Government Bill on the same subject was read a second time, it is understood it will he dropped. The Public Works Statement will be male on Tuesday. November IG. Mr Sheehan’s statement last night was well delivered, and received with applause on all sides. It has produced an excellent effect, and the worst the Opposition can say of it is that it is really their policy which he has adopted, though they fail to show how, however.

To-day there were rumours of intended opposition on the imprest Supply, hut none was offered. The Bill passed both Houses. To-night the House does not sit, as Ministers want time to consult in Cabinet on the Financial and Public Works Statements.

If these are half as satisfactory as Mr Sheehan’s statement was last night, the Government will have a good majority at their back.

The Opposition will remain quiet now till the statements are made. November 17. Very little news is stirring. The Cabinet was sitting nearly all day preparing the Ministerial Statement. A rumour was circulated last night of overtures from the Opposition to Mr Shoehnn, to desert his side, on the promise of obtaining the office of Native Minister with

their side. This caused somo excitement. There Is no doubt Indireofnvertures in this direction have been made, but indignantly rejected. Mr Sheehan says ha has no intention of , following the example of Mr Reid. t November 19th. Considerable comment has been caused this afternoon by Mr Sheehan in Committee on the Band Bill letting fall remarks pointing to the conclusion that the Financial Statement will propose to make the Land Fund colonial revenue. This proposal will probably revolutionise parties. The Legislative Council has struck out clause B—the appropriation clause—from the Education Bill. The object of this is to endeavor by conference with the Lower House to get the capitation clause of the original Bill restored.