PARLIAMENTARY INCIDENTS.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1025, 8 October 1877, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY INCIDENTS.

[feom the coeeespoxdhnt of THE PRESS.] Weti/Ixoton, October 7. Things political are becoming exciting. Both parties are making efforts to influence votes, every individual one being of the utmost importance. It is true that Messrs Ballance, Curtis, and Sharp, have withdrawn their support from the Government, though not pledging themselves to the Opposition ; but Government deny the loss of any further votes. It is reported commonly that Mr Walter Johnstone has been offered the Premiership by the Opposition to induce him to withdraw Ids support from the Government, but it is difficult to believe this, as much Johnston is thought a commonsense man, quite mediocre, and no more lit for that position than Mr Montgomery. Mr Rolleston is said to have refused the Premiership definitely, and it is quite unsettled as to who could form a Ministry in case of the Government defeat. On Friday the Opposition claimed a majority; now they admit a tie. I think the Government have still a majority of two or three. The Opposition are holding frequent meetings, at which Sir G. Grey and Mr Rees do not attend. The supporters of both sides seem to advocate a dissolution, and in the present state of anarchy, the Governor would most likely grant it if recommended by the Ministry. A direct vote of no confidence is to be tabled to-morrow, though it is not yet settled by whom, Mr Larnach again probably. It has been said that Mr Larnach votes with the Opposition, on consideration of forming one of a new Ministry. If Mr Bryce votes with the Government and Mr Brandon is absent, there will be a majority still: but, on former occasions, Mr Bryce has followed Mr Ballance’s lead, and'it is said Mr Brandon is pledged to support a direct vote of no-con-fidence. Unless a dissolution is granted, (here is a prospect of the session being interminable. The Land Bill will probably go through as reported from Select Committee, though amendments may occasion much discussion in the House. In case of the Ministry being out, the policy of the Opposition will be to adopt the Government financial proposals almost entire, and to take up many of the Consolidation Bills, leaving the larger questions, like Native lands, till nest session.