PARLIAMENTARY INCIDENTS.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1049, 7 November 1877, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY INCIDENTS.

SCENE ON THE NO-CONFIDENCE DIVISION. [trom the correspondent of the press] Wellington, November 6. The scene in the House to-day was a most extraordinary one. The Government party had been well brought up, and a division was snatched before the Opposition were ready They tried to continue speaking after the question had been put amid a scene of great tumult and noise, but were ruled out of order. It had evidently been planned, as Mr Gisborne was refused a pair this morning, although not well. The pairs were—For the Government, Bastings, Lusk, and Wood; for the Opposition, Cox. Kenny, and Wason. Mr Gisborne was away, Mr Johnston arrived just too late, and Mr Travers was engaged in the Supreme Court. Major Atkinson lost his temper on the Speaker ruling them too late to speak when the question bad been put. When the result was declared the tumult was again deafening, with cheers from the Government and groans and hisses from the Opposition. Mr McLean moved an amendment that the Government should resign immediately, not having a majority in the House, but before rising the Speaker intimated his opinion against its admissibility, but is to give a decision this evening. He said the question might be reconsidered by a motion to rescind this afternoon’s vote, and this course will probably have to be adopted. He also expressed the opinion that this was a catch vote, and that it would be better to have it settled bya majority of the House, his vote being given according to the rule in such cases to vote so that the House may consider the question. It is quite possible that Mr Travers may consider himself freed from allegiance to Major Atkinson, now that the question has been put. It may take weeks more of debating. At the first opportunity Mr Lusk will bring his privilege question before the House again,which will also take some debating It was reported to-day on good authority that Sir G. Grey would resign on the difference with the Governor, so as to avoid a vote of no confidence, and he may yet adopt this course. Sir George cheered, clapped his hands, and laughed with the pleasure of a child on the result of the division being announced today, but the whole scene was most unmannerly.