PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1980, 29 June 1880, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

[By TbliE&baph.]

[PBOM OPE OWN COEEEBPONDBNT.] WELLINGTON, June 28. I hear that Mr Hamlin has totally failed to discover the “ Lyttelton Times ” swamp on the Stoney River road; indeed, he drove in a buggy over the spot where it was alleged to be situated. lam assured by all competent authorities that the swamp is a pure fiction of the imagination, and that no road has yet been abandoned on account of its being found to lead into any swamp. Telegraphic connection between the two constabulary camps is now complete, and the trial road line has been cut from camp to camp. An estimate has been obtained of the cost of printing the evidence taken by tho Civil Service Commission. The estimate is £7OO, or if a certain appendix were omitted £6OO. It would make an immense volume of 650pageF. I am told that the shorthand writers’ charge for transcribing their notes amounted to £620. It is quite uncertain when the Railway Commission will report, as they have not yet finished taking evidence. The Local Industries report is expected to be ready this week or next, and the full report of the Native Commission is nearly ready. It is rumored that this last will contain revelations of a more astounding nature than the Civil Service report or Mr Bryce’s statement. The vouchers for the sum which made up that £2OOO paid on account of the Waitara meeting are said to bo of a particularly spicy character, and likely to throw valuable light on the Native administration under the Grey regime. It is still expected that the division on the no-confidence motion will take place on Wednesday evening, and that Ministers will have a large majority. So far thirty-two members have spoken, namely, eighteen Opposition and fourteen Ministerial. It is said that eight more Opposition and six Ministerialists have yet to speak. There are rumours flying about to-day that a reconstruction of Ministry may take place shortly ; one story being that Mr Hall wished to retire on the score of ill health, and another that Mr Bryce desired to resign on the same ground ; while it was said that Mr Oliver and Mr Dick were tired of office, and also wished to relinquish their portfolios. I have no reason to suppose that there is any truth in these rumours, which I merely quote as among tho current lobby gossip. Ministers have invariably declared to me their determination to see the matter through and carry out their policy so long as tho majority in the House supported them. I have not the slightest ground for thinking they have changed their views, and I regard this last tale as a mere Opposition canard .