WELLINGTON.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 208, 5 September 1867, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

[from our o"wn correspondent.] September 2. The mosfc absorbing topic of conversation here just now, is tho recall of the Governor with regard to which a general feeling of dissatisfaction and indignation prevails. Whatever may have been Sir George Grey's shortcomings or mistakes during the first three or four years of his present governorship, there can be no doubt but that latterly he has proved himself a true and fearless friend to New Zealand and has braved everything in his desire to advance her interests and uphold her character. On the despatch containing the intimation of his speedy recall being laid upon the table, both Houses adjourned for the purpose of allowing members to call at Government House, an opportunity of which they all availed themselves, thus marking at the same time (heir respect for his Excellency and their disapprobation of the coarse pursued by the Homo Government. Never before iv the history of NewZealand was the want of a party leader felt as it is now, and never before was the state of parties in such a complete muddle. Were there a man capable of taking the lead in whom the House had confidence, the Stafford Ministry would soon find themselves in a hopeless minority; but as matters now stand members who strongly disapprove of the present policy dare not vote agaiust tho Government, lest by so doing they should place Mr Yogel in power — a catastrophe which I quite agree with them is diligently to be avoided. The position of .the Government is peculiar, to say the least; they have already offended their friends, and will, if they succeed in weathering the storm, do so by the assistance of- their late opponents. Auckland members who came down vowing venge- • ance against Mihistprs/ will, support them' c L o a man ; Nelson, which' hns.h}ther£ti> i'np-

ported them will now rote against them. Canterbury uses her whole influence in opposition while .Otago and Wellington, until lately their bitterest opponents, are now to a great extent holding put the right hand of friendship. A debate commenced on Thursday last oa the Colonial Treasurer's motion that the House should go into Committee of Supply, .by-Mr. Vogel'a moving an amendment condemnatory of the proposed new loan. Mr Fitzherbert, in a speech of three hours, proposed an amendment "on. the-amend-ment, and the House then adjourned oil the motion of Mr Stevens, who resumed the debate next day. He is a young orator, aud hung ou t siguals of d iatress on starting, which he kept flying until he reached the turning-post, where he arrived in about two hours. However, during the interval he made one or two capital hits, the-mast telling of which was the following — "In all the course of his experience he had never heard of or met with but one financier who could be at all compared with the Colonial Treasurer, and that was the celebrated Artemus Ward, whose advice was, " let us all be happy and live within our means, even if we have to borrow money to do so." This was followed by a ehout of laughter, in which none joined more heartily than Mr Fitzherbert himself. Some excellent speeches have been made on both sides, among which will rank highly that of your Superintendent of Lilliput or Lilliputian Superintendent (I hardly know which is the more correct expression), who has thia decided advantage over his brother members, that he speaks to the point. In twenty minutes he said more than some of them do in two homs. His opinions appear to carry great weight with them, if, one iaay judge from the silence that prevailed whilst he was addressing the House. Of course in a time of political excitement such a3 the present, it is difficult to know how much of what you bear is worthy of credence. I consequently feel considerable diffidence in pronouncing any opinion as to what will be the re* suit of this debate, which will not close before Thursday night. However after carefully sifting all the rumors that are afloat, 1 think I may venture to give you the following summary of "on dits":—That unless Ministers get a decided majority, that is to say 5 or 6, they will resign and appeal to the country; but this is an event not likely to occur, for as they have secured the support of most of the influential members, including Dr. JFeatherstoo, their majority will most probably be Bor 10. This is merely founded on gossip, and must therefore be taken, for what it is worth, but I am inclined to think that it will on the whole prove pretty accurate. On the order paper for Wednesday next is a notice of motion, the division oa which^will be looked for some interest by the Kelson public; it is placed on the paper by a Mr Armstrong, and is to the effect that the sum of £28,000, now oa the estimates for Militia and Volunteers, be struck out. Mr Armstrong is a member of no influence whatever, and his proposition will, I believe, be met with a decided negative.