POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Dunstan Times, Issue 946, 4 June 1880, Page 3

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

May 28th. The general opinion seems to bo that the Government are safe for the session unless they fall on the property tax.

Ministers are very reticent as to their intentions on this, hut the Opposition members freely express a conviction that it will be modified in some way, so as to soften its most objectionable features. It is believed that Ministers themselves are not altogether satisfied with the mode of collection and assessment, the complex and apparently inquisitorial nature of which latter has been mainly instrumental in raising the present strong antagonism to the tax. Nothing, however, is yet definitely known on tho matter. May 29 di. Many conflicting rumours are afloat as to tho prospective movements of both sides ; hut the real truth is that as yet chaos has not even begun to evolve order. Tho question of tho Opposition’s understanding is still quite open, hut the general opinion is that Sir George Grey’s resumption of the lead is inevitab'e, as neither Mr Macandrew, Mr Montgomery’, nor Mr Ballance could command the confidence or reliable support, of the,party, whereas; Sir. George Grey would probably be popular as Opposition leader so long as there is no chance of Ids again attaining office. As a matter of fact, however, nothing is yet definitely known, settled, nr even proposed. There is almost equal uncertainty as to the designs of the Government regarding the only questions that are deemed dangerous, namely the property tax and the subsidies. Care is being taken and will he taken that nothing more transpires as to the actual financial position and prospects of the Colony until Major Atkinson brings down the Budget in the ordinary course of tilings. It is well known that rigorous reductions are being made in all departments, and an impression prevails that this is one of tho surprises preparing for the House—namely, an announcement that far larger savings will he shown than tho public have been led to believe possible. I know tiio departmental estimates have been returned to the heads of dep irtinents again with positive instructions that they must be cut down. The majority of officers have to came hack every night and work till very late, indeed, nearly all the score of windows in the lug building arc to bo s-ou lighted up nightly.

It is understood that the Government are anxious to have the report of the Us 11 way Commission before the Public Works Statement is brought down, as the nature of the latter necessarily must depend on the former ; but it is not yet known how soon the report is likely to be available. June Ist It is said now that no amendment will bo moved on the Addrcss-in-reply, and no factious obstruction attempted, but that every facility will be given to the Government to bring down their policy, especially regarding finance.

It seems likely that the Opposition may abstain altogether from a trial of strength this session, on the same principal that no interference with the Grey Ministry was attempted in the session of IS7S, with a view of “ giving plenty of rope,” in the hope that Ministers may be lulled by security into fatal blunders. It is tbe fashion at present among members to express the utmost confidence that the session will be a short one, but there are some who entertain serious doubts on ibis head.