PARLIAMENTARY INCIDENTS.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1061, 21 November 1877, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY INCIDENTS.

THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT. [from tub correspondent of the press.] Wellington, November 20. A full meeting of the Opposition members was held to-day. All wore present or accounted for. It was determined to watch the financial proposals of the Government, that the party should hold together, but that the colonialisation of the Land Fund should bo left an open question. Messrs Reid, Burns, Stevens, and Bowen announced their intention of opposing it, and Mr Stafford and Mr Whitaker of supporting it. At the end of the meeting, Mr Sharp said he would support the colonialisation of the Land Fund, and would consider whether he could not support the Government policy altogether. This evidently means “ ratling.” Mr Gisborne did not attend the meeting, and it is hinted that he will support Sir G. Grey, After the manner in which the Government party taunted him lately it seems hardly possible, but this is the rumor. If these two votes are got it leaves the Government a majority of one, but the debate beginning this evening will probably disclose the true position. The general opinion is that Sir G. Grey will now retain office. Indignation is felt by the Canterbury members at Mr Fisher being party to depriving Canterbury of the land fund. It is felt now that Mr Fisher, otherwise useless as a Minister, was probably taken into the Ministry to secure his vote on the land fund question. It will not be submitted to without a light, but probably it will be carried ; that is if Government remain in office. On the motion, just being made, lhat the House go into Committee of Supply, Major Atkinson has risen, and is to make a long speech reviewing the finance of the late Government, and criticising the present Financial Statement. He has begun by refuting the charge that Government has been a continuous one since 1860, and explaining the changes in administration and finance since then —comparing the state of the colony in 1860, at the beginning of the Public Works scheme, and of the present year, using a number of figures from memory, and hardly using a reference —a very favorable comparison to the delivery of the Financial Statement last night.