PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1747, 25 September 1879, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

WELLINGTON, September 24. An Opposition caucus was held this afternoon, when it was determined to hold another meeting to-morrow morning, when a leader for the party will be formally appointed and a plan of action decided upon. The prevailing feeling was in favorof testing the strength of parties without any delay. One very weak »traw has shown the direction of the Government tactics. Mr Joseph Sheppard has already discovered some allsufficient reason for not carrying out his promise to the Waimea electors, and has expressed his sympathy with the present Government, even including Mr Macandrew. He has taken his seat as near as possible to the Ministerial benches, and seems unable to learn the good old maxim, " Seek them as a consequence rather than an object." Several of the members which the Ministerial organs had such " excellent reasons " for placing on their list of members, made their appearance at the caucus of the Opposition to-day, and effectually removed all doubts as to their intentions, if any such existed. The Government and party claim Mr Whitaker as a staunch supporter, but his private opinion of Sir George Grey is that he is the only stumbling block which prevents Liberal measures being passed. It is considered pretty certain one of the new members will lose his seat.

The Opposition are very jubilant, and con fident that there will be a change of Govern merit within a fortnight.