POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 471, 1 November 1877, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[BY TELEGRAPH, FKOM OlU'w ows COUUE SrON I' I '.NT. ]

"Wellington, November 1

The latest shitting of the poliical kaleidoscope shows a probable majority of two for the Opposition, including Tawiti. Even if defeated, it is doubtful whether Sir George Grey will feel justified in resigning, seeing that the present chaos lias been produced by the base political traitoroiisness and abnegation of all constitutional party government. F'>ur men (Gisborne, Rolhston, Travers, and Curtis) are absolutely holding the d :stinies of the country in their hands by keeping the balance of the voting power in the House, and being in a position to throw votes into any side which suits their private ends. Gisborne wants placj and pay ; RolLston, wiiile protesting honesty, has his ambitious eye on the Premiership ; Travers wants the Attorney-Generalship to settle some qui stions of bar precedence ; Curtis wants Postmaster - Generalship. The X'eal man who sways the destinies of country is wretched, maudlin Mamlers. An old lady arrived here the other day who is supposed to have some relationship to wife. She was seen actively engaged in the lobbies making arrangements on behalf of her " clear son-in-law." Women are still at the bottom of it all. Great fashionable places of resort here are Miss Baker's (the lady who chastised Mr. Hooper for filching from her her good name) and Madame Valentine's, where jaded members repair for the enjoyment, of the consoling influences of feinalo society. The first-mentioned lady is investing in real property, and building cottages, which are paid for out of honorariums. Some people in high official positions seem to be sadly in want of their wives and families to look after them. Meantime letters and telegrams are pouring in from all parts of the country showing that the popular feeling is gathering in Sir George Grey's favour. Mr. Gisbnrne's principal supporters have telegraphed that lie is cooked for the next election. In Canterbury, five of the Opposition are certain not to be returned. In Dunelin, the feiling is equally strong against Mess:s. Burns and M ulders. Tli" latter says that he will not seek re-eh ct:on. Tiiere is a goid reason why. Mr. L tsk had paired with Mr. Stall'ord, who lias d. Sir William Fitzherbert has been suddenly seiz ,-d with illness. It is expected that Mr. O'Ruurke will bo put in t'ic chair. If the division comes 011 this will take a vote from the Government. 3.15 p.m.

Conlriry to general expectation, Sir Win. biizherbert was in the c'.mir when the House met., although evidently ill.