LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 939, 3 October 1879, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

CAUCUS OF WEST COAST MEMBERS PUBLIC WORKS FOR THE COAST. SURVEY OF RAILWAY DEVIATION ORDERED. THE KUMARA SLUDGE-CHANNEL. OUR «IRREPRESSIBLE "MEMBER. [special to kumara times.] Wellington, October 2. At the caucus of West Coast members, all were present. The Hon. Mr Gisborne informed the meetiug that, being a Minister, he could not take j»ait in the discussion ; but, before retiring he would say that the Government would carry out the works in course of progress, and that the West Coast members could depend on las support iu the House and Cabinet to see that the works brought under his notice during his late visit to Kumara should be undertaken in that district. The works agreed to would be the widening of the track from Dill man's to the Christchui'ch road ; the railway deviation ; the tunnel tail-race. *t Stafford and Qoldsborough ; and the finance of counties.

Messrs Seddon and Reid interviewed the Minister of Public Works, who sajd he had given instructions on the 25th ulfc., to accept the contract for tho sludge-.liannel at Kunwra, and ic will be proceeded with immediately, the

cause of the' delay being that more water for Kumara was promised. The Premier was also interviewed. He promised to have an answer about the Harbor works at Greymonth from Sir John Coode on Saturday, so as to place the necessary amount on the Estimates for opening the lagoon. As telegraphed previously, the Government will be thrown out by Mr Masters' vote. The other West Coast members are very indifferent, while all are pledged to support the works previously mentioned. If the Government are thrown out, the Grey Valley members are not to depend on the pledges given by the other Coast members. Mr Seddon asks the Government to-day to authorise the, survey of the deviation of the Hokitibi and Greymouth Railway ; then when the petition arrives he refers the matter to the Select Committee.

The speeches last night were very tamo, but Mr Speight made a good speech. The debate will be kept on until the arrival of Mr Lundon. One of the Hokitika members was selected to speak to-day, but which cannot say, expect it will be the irrepressible, although he declined last night, as his constituents advised him not to speak early in the session. The Government is weak in debating power, and he may yet have to respond.

7.30 p.m. The contract for the sludge-channel is signed, Mr Maher being the contractor. In answer to Mr Seddon's question, the Government promised to order the immediate survey of the deviation of the Hokitika and Greymouth railway. There is great excitement amongst the parties on both sides of the House. October 3. Mr Seddon made a vigorous speech for half-an-hour on the no-confiderfce motion last night, creating a favorable impression. His forcible arguaen't-in defence of Government was attentively listened to, and elicited frequent applause, even from the Opposition benches. He strongly condemned Mr Masters ratting to the Opposition. Mr de Lautour, mem her for Motrnt Ida, subsequently complimented Mr Seddon's earnestness of speech. A division is certain tonight. Opinions are divided as to the result; each party is confident. All the West Coast members with the exception of Masters will vote with the Government. [press agency.] Wellington, Oct. 3. In the House yesterday afternooon, the Hon. John Hall characterised Mr Brown's statement that the Hall-Vogel Government offered buy his vote as an absolute falsehood, and appealed to Mr Gisborne, as a member of that Ministry, to confirm him. Mr Gisborne denied all knowledge of such a thing, and said he would not stay a day in a Ministry that would do such a thing. Mr Masters has declared in favor of the Opposition, maintaining that he was returned to the House as an independent member, and, having come here, hejndgedfor himself, and made up his mind. Mr Murray, as to whom there was considerable doubt, condemned Ministers, and said he would not walk out of the House this time, but would vote against the Ministry The debate was prolonged till 12 30. The House will resume at 2 30 today. MORE FIRES. Wellington, October 3. A fire at Grey town last night destroyed M'Master's stables. The absence of wind prevented great loss. At Featherston, the Bank of Australasia, and the Victoria Hotel were burned down last night. They were insured. [NEW ZEALAND PRESS ASSOCIATION.] New Plymouth, Oct. 2. The Armed Constabulary were all called to the barracks last night, and a large number of them marched out to Okaru this morning. There is some strategic movement afloat, but what it is the authorities are very close about.