PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1688, 18 July 1879, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

WELLINGTON, July 17. The House adjourned for the day at half-past three. The Government are too weak to fight anything. Even a motion of Dr. Henry’s that the public works of the West Coast should be administered from Wellington instead of Dunedin, was only mildly protested against by Mr Macandrew, as a matter which would be bettor left to the Government, but was nevertheless allowed to pass without a division. Sir G. Grey, with his present feeble crow, looks like a sea captain when the sailors have struck, and who has been obliged to fill their place with Chinamen. Mr Rees, in his usual good taste, gave notice of a motion amounting to a vote of censure on the Queen for the knighthood of Sir Wm. Fox. It is quite true, as reported by the “ Chronicle,” that Sir G. Grey’s party want to get rid ®f him. They say th-y will not hold power another week if ho continues Premier. The Ministry had a long Cabinet meeting today, but the exact nature of the discussion is unknown. It is rumored, however, that the Government contemplate resigning, with a view to a coalition. It has transpired that there was really no urgency about getting the Loan Bill passed yesterday, and no serious consequences lof any kind can follow from what took place. It was only a ruse of the Premier to embarrass the Opposition. in the House to-day, Mr Stevens gave notice to ask the Government to afford information as to the extent to which) holders of New Zealand bonds have availed themselves of the Inscription of Stock Act during the past financial year; also as to what quantity of the Wellington reclaimed land has beau sold during the recess, and if by auction, what percentage was paid to the auctioneer, and whether any instalments are in arrears.

In with the rumours as to an attempt to form a coalition Ministry, the “ Chronicle ” says:—“ The d- feat sustained by the Government last evening, when they were beaten by a majority of ten, taken with the utter weakness of the Ministry as at present constituted, should convince tho Premier that he has no chance of carrying on the Government. The proper course for Sir G. Grey to pursue would be to request the Governor to send for some gentleman of the Liberal party more trusted than himself.” _ The following members are said to have deserted from the ranks of Sir Geo. Grey’s supporters :—Messrs Bryce, Sbrimski, Hobbs, Green, Oliver, and Carrington. _ The Speaker of the House is going to curtail his own gallery by six seats, to increase the accommodation in tbo Press gallery. The Local Option Bill, introduced hy Mr Feldwick, and road a first time to-day, is practically the same Bill as was proposed by _Mr Stout daring tbo recess. It limits tho principle of local option to new applications for licenses.