WELLINGTON.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 173, 22 July 1881, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

(Froda our own correspondent ) | [By Telegraph.] r, „ . Thursday 9 p.m. lohticai gossip takea a somewhat modified tone to-day. It is quite perceptible that the combined Opposition party are Icbb confident than they were yesterday, and that the Government party ar» much more sanguine than before. Yesterday the Opposition member* utterly scooted ihe Idea that their majority conld possibly be lesser than 7-to-day they admit that perhaps it may not be more than two. On the other hand while many Ministerialist* yesterday freely admitted the almost certainty of defeat, indeed were perhapu a little needlessly frank and out-spoken on this head, they now take a wholly different ten* and assert that the GoTernment Will «« pull through " all tight There ia exceptional difficulty in arriving at any trustworthy estimate of the relative strength of parties, and I therefore prefer to give the calculations of both sides. This difficulty arises mainly from the fact to which I alluded last night that the real and ostensible meaning cf Mr Ormond'B ingeniously worded motion ia so entirely different from what it would be aa interpreted by the ordinary sens* of tils words Many agree with it in a more or leaa degree who will nevertheless vot« against it. They agree with its ostensible meaning because nearly every body thinks the Ministerial scheme tor local government reform is susceptible of various improvements; and would be prepared to suggest them in Committee, indeed. Ministers themselves say almost as much and' do not pretend that their measures art satisfactory in the sense of being absolutely perfect. Ooly a few therefore, who hold views oh the ostensible point at iaaue too strong to permit them to palter with words at such a time, will vote with Mr Ormond on this ground. The large majority of members plainly accept the situation as it really stands and will vote entirely on the no-confidence issue) namely, that they have or have not sufficient confidence in the Government to entrust them with the talk of dealing with the question, but it ia ehe small doubtful majority who embarrass all calculations, and this doubtfulness seems to increage. For instance, the Opposition laet night claimed Mr Saunders as a certain staunch supporter of Mr Ormond; to-day they admit that he is "doubtful," btst on the other hand they claim to have secured Mr Fian who was laat night regarded aa a probable vote for the Ministry, and ataj Mr Bunny who was considered doubtful, but this evening both aides positively claim him. The Opposition whips say that he telegraphed from up country this afternoon requesting them to pair him against the Government, but the Ministerial party assert that he is quite safe for them, and will very likely speak on the Government aide.' Late to-night both sides also claim Allwright Brandon, Colbeck, Hurst, Hirst, M'Caughan' and Weston, but there is real!y nothing definitely known. Members are exceedingly reticent as to their intentions, and several assuraedly have not yet finally made up their minds how to vote. Each side asserts their perfect readiness to go to a division at any moment, bat tbia afternoon, whenever there appeared a danger of this, each alternately put up men to speak. The debate has dragged most drearily, nothing new being said oneither side. The speeches have been very tame and dull, with very few flashes of light to enliven tho prevailing dulness. This is undoubtedly to a large extent due to the double issue placed before the Hon»», which compelled members in many instances to appear to support what they do not wholly approve, or else turn out a Ministry in whom they have the utmost confidence iv favor of men whom they do not trust at all. Mr Ormond does not command confidence, especially in his new associations, and after the unusual and disconrteous way in which he took the Government by surprise, although he had previously more than once asserted hia intention of not doing anything to distsrb them. He persists in declaring that he Ib acting without any understanding with any other members, but it is abundantly clear that at least others are acting in full understanding with him. Mr Sheehan has been acting to a great extent as dues ex maehina, and is working indefatigably, noisily, and effusively, according to his wont, but also very resolutely and persistestly, completely eclipsing the efforts of the actual Opposition whips. The Ministerial whips refuse to give pairs, and both sides are eagerly watching a chance of seizing a catch division. This afternoon after every speech there was a long pause, and the Speaker was allowed to put the question so far as calling for the Ayes before the next member rose. The galleries have been nearly empty, and but little interest is taken by the public, but possibly the bad weather may be partly accountable for this. At present, twenty-one members have spoken, namely— Atkinson, Collins, Johnston, Levestam,McLean,Murray, OUiver, Ormond, Eussell, Saunders, Seymour, Sutton (twice, namely, to the motion and the amendment), Taiaroa, Tawhiao, Tomoana, Te Whero, Turnbull, and Wood! Of these, twelve have declared for the Goment, eight against, and one doubtful. I am still inclined to think the result will be very close, and lhat one or two doubtful votes will turn the scale on either side. Both parties expect the division to be on Tuesday, The Government have received a telegram that the Detached Squadron leaves Sydney on Saturday for Auckland, and will remain at the latter port five days. The Princes will visit the hot springs and the lakes of the North Island during their stay in New Zealand. Friday, 35 p.m. Ministerial prospects have improved, and the Government are almost certain of a majority oj at leaßt two, and probably more

The Opposition admit that their supposed majority has dwindled down to one, and that several votes are doubtful. The division is not likely to take place before Tuesday, but the Ministry is now regarded as practically safe.