GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1038, 23 October 1877, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[by telegraph, per press agency.] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Monday, October 22. The House met at 2.30 p.m. THE “MAORI KING.” Mr Sheehan announced that on Saturday evening Sir Geo. Grey had received a telegram from Manuhiri, [the Prime Minister of the Maori King, congratulating him on his accession to office, and expressing a hope that it would promote better relations between the races. NEW BILLS. The following ncw’Bills were introduced : Walsh and others Pension Act, 1869, Amendment Bill (Macandrew) ; Protection of Eish Bill (Macandrew). FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Mr Larnach explained that it would be impossible for him to make a full financial statement, of the correctness of which he would be quite satisfied, until probably next week. He would, however, be prepared to proceed with the estimates to-morrow. bills rx;ad. The Port Chalmers Compensation Bill was read a second time, Public Reserves Bill read a third time, Destitutes Persons Bill read a second time and considered in committee. PARLIAMENTARY INCIDENTS. MEETING OF MEMBERS OF THE OPPOSITION. MAJOR ATKINSON ELECTED LEADER. [from the correspondent of the fress ] Wellington, October 22. An Opposition caucus was held to-day, at which thirty-three members were present, and the absence of eight more was satisfactorily accounted for—all supporters of the late Ministry. Sir R. Douglas proposed, Mr Seymour seconded, and it was carried unanimously, “ That Major Atkinson be leader of the Opposition.” Further questions were discussed, and ultimately it was left in Major Atkinson’s hands to take what action he thinks best, and to oust the Ministry. Subsequent to the meeting that half of the Middle Party which declined to support Sir George Grey gave an unconditional adherence to Major Atkinson. Their names are Messrs Rolleston, Curtis, Sharp, Baigent, Travers, Brandon, Johnston, and Gisborne. This gives the Opposition a strength of forty-nine, or a majority of eleven. It was intended not to take any action till after the Financial Statement, but to - day Mr Larnach put, it off for a week and members are getting weary, so it is possible that a no-confidence motion may be brought on at once. The Lands Bill is on the Order Paper for to-night, to be further considered in committee, but Mr Sheehan announced that he would not be ready to proceed with it for some days, and would ask for its postponement. 1 understand this will be opposed by Major Atkinson. There will possibly be a warm debate on it later in the evening. The House is still in committee on the Destitute Persons Relief Act. [from another CORRESPONDENT. ] Members of the Opposition met at eleven o’clock this morning. Thirty-three were present. Six more of the party were unable to attend. The object of the meeting was to elect a chief. The meeting elected Major Atkinson unanimously, leaving him to consolidate and strengthen the party at his discretion. Major Atkinson subsequently met those members of the Middle Party who are opposed to the Grey Ministry, with completely successful results. The Opposition have a decisive majority. No immediate plan of action has been decided on. Major Atkinson is unreservedly entrusted witlx the conduct of matters.

[PEB PBEBB AGENCY.] The leading members of the Opposition invited those who voted with them on Mr Larnach’s no-confidence motion, to a meeting which was held to-day. Thirty-three were present, and eight of the party sent reasons lor their unavoidable absence. Major Atkinson was unanimously elected leader, and the course of action to be adopted was left in his hands. It was agreed that no undue pressure should be brought to bear on the Government to induce them to bring down the Financial Statement, but that all reasonable time should be afforded. None of the Middle Party were invited, but it is said some eight or ten will vote with the present Opposition.