POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2563, 26 June 1882, Page 3

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

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JPEOM THB “PBEBS.’’I WELLINGTON, June 25,

Chief Justice Bir James Prendergeet took the oaths as administrator of the Government yesterday at the Government House, before Mr Justice Richmond. The following Ministers were present:—Premier, Colonial Treasurer, Colonial Secretary, Minister for Lands, and Mr Oliver. A few members of both Houses attended, but none of the public, although proceedings, as usual, were open to all.

The adjourned caucus of Opposition and (nominally) independent members was held yesterday at the Parliamentary buildings. The proceedings occupied about two hours, but those present decline to say how many members attended or who were present at it. This reticence is very significant is view of the freedom with which a good attendance is always [boasted of. The whips, Messrs Steward and Feld wick, furnished the following memo, as the official authorised version of what took place:—“ A meeting of Opposition and independent members was held to-day at noon. A number of absent members sent proxies. There was a difference of opinion as to the expediency of electing a leader. Ultimately it was carried by e> considerable majority that a leader should be appointed. Some members stated that though they considered it would ba better not to appoint a leader at present they would follow the one that might be appointed. On the motion of Mr Macandrew, seconded by Mr Steward, Mr Montgomery was appointed leader, Mr Steward was unanimously requested to aot as whip, which he agreed to do. Mr J. W. Thompson, member for Clutha, occupied the chair.” I am inclined to think this gives a fair though mild account of what was done, and of the marked difference of opinion which prevails among the party, excepting that its “ independent ” element mast not be understood in the ordinary sense as indicating members whose ideas are evenly balanced between the two sides, bnt as rather describing the numerous members who call themselves Oppositionists, but nevertheless prefer to fight in their own way andto be their [own leaders. Mr Dargaville’a financial speech on Friday night is a good instance of this style of warfare. By-tho-bye, that same speech is not producing quite the desired effect. It is admitted that it was a good party speech, but that as a financial criticism it was singularly weak and inaccurate. Indeed, it was a current saying in the lobbies yesterday, that " No man over before mads so many mistakes in the same time.” I find the Opposition are highly indignant that their plan of attack for last Friday, which proved so utterly abortive, should have become known in advance, and some even deny stoutly that anything of the kind was contemplated. It is, I believe quite true that tha design was abandoned before the House met in the evening, but there is no doubt the attempted resistance to committee of supply was contemplated, but when it became known that the Government were fully prepared, and were resolved to put their foot down at once, and bad a safe majority, then not unnaturally the intended course was given up. It is now, I think, quite certain that no aggressive move will be tried until after members return from their Christchurch trip, and 1 doubt whether then unless the aspect of affairs politically, shows a complete change in the interval.