POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Kumara Times, Issue 2740, 3 July 1885, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(from otjr own correspondent.] Wellington, July 2. In the House yesterday no question of importance was asked. M'Kenzie, Hurst, Fisher, Pyke, Moss, and Newman spoke ou the no-confidence motion. It has become very dreary, and the great bulk of the members are anxiously wailing the termination. The only one who enjoys the fun is Sir George Grey. It appears the old gentleman was asked what course he would take in the event of Atkinson moving a no-confidence motion. His answer was, as usual, evasive, and is reported to be ss follows :—" Dear me! and the member for Egmont is going to move at once a noconfidence motion 1 The situation is so perplexing that I must take time to consider. Inform them that he has my heartiest sympathy, and that on the division bell ringing, he shall have a.n answer." Major Atkinson then put up Olutha Thomson to move that the property-tax be increased to one penny. Grey, however, perceived the move, and was not to be had. Thomson is a second time and straight away thrown down. The present no-confidence motion lms destroyed all chance of the Atkinson party for the session. Some people; lire unkind enough to s.-iy thai llift old gentleman loves his poor Tole, (hough he has Bulla nee, Stout, and Vogel. Present events prove that he is the best friend of those he' dislikes.

Fisher, the member for We'lington, paid a nice little compliment to the members for Dunstan and Kumara. Speaking against the Government's local government proposals, he said that " The men in the House best fitted to draft a bill dealing with the necessary amendments required a» regards local government and finance were Messrs Pyke and Seddon. If Government had only sought their advice, the present muddle would not have occurred." Just fancy the authors of « Wild Will Euderby " and " Jack, the Irrepressible," being placed in Commission as bill drafters in ordinary to the Attorney-General ! " Declined, with thanks," says Vincent; " what ! draft bill for a Government who refused to pay fifteen shillings wine bill ! Never ! no, never !" "I do not thank you ;" says the modest Eichard John, " very improper for a bush lawyer to be acting as Solicitor-General."