POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1309, 17 June 1880, Page 2

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

(from ouk, special correspondent),

Wellington, June 17.

An Opposition caucus was held to-day. The meeting allowed the question of leadership to lapse, as the acceptance by the Government of the second reading of Sir George Grey's Bill to repeal the property tax as a motion of no confidence practically settles the question of leadership. This-is another proof of Sir George Grey's astuteness. . The debate comes on to-night, and it may last several days, the Opposition prolonging it in order to give time for Mr. Sheehan and Mr. Jones to arrive.

Mr. Sheehan is suspected of a desire to remain away. Some members of the late Ministry are angry that he does not hasten down and defend himself against Mr. Bryce's charges. At the caucus to-day there were thirtytwo present, and eight are said to have been represented. My opinion is that Mr. Bunny and some others cannot be safely counted on. However, the Opposition, though not counting an actual majority, hope some of the Government supporters will walk out, thus placing the Government in a minority. I predicted the defeat of the Ministry in five weeks on finance, but I am now doubtful whether events will save my. reputation as a political prophet., The caucus decided to support Sir Geo. Grey's second reading of the Property Tax Repeal Bill. The debate will open up the whole question of finance. The Civil Service Commissioners' recommendation of a reduction of 12J per cent, in salaries has been modified so as only to apply to the Railway Department.

(prom our own correspondent.)

Wellington June 17,

The first caucus of the Opposition was held yesterday afternoon, at which there were over 30 members present and others were represented, bringing the total up to 40, or thereabouts. The main point discussed was the selection of a leader, upon which- there was a difference of opinion, some members advocating the claims of Mr. Macandrew, but objections were raised to him by some Auckland members, who preferred Sir George Grey. The discussion upon the point lasted for some time, but nothing definite was done, it being left to Sir George Grey and Mr. Macandrew to | draw up a programme of action, to be submitted at afuture meeting. Both these gentlemen expressed their willingness to follow each other as leader, and to faithfully follow whichever might be chosen, Messrs.. Ballance and Montgomery also expressed their willingness to work under either gentleman, and both favored the course ultimately followed. There now appears a prospect of the party being consolidated, and an organised Opposition being formed sufficient tq ■■ hold the Ministry in check—if not to defeat them. Mr. Macandrew and Mr, Gisborne are opposed to afiy attempt to qust the Ministry at present, preferring to give them plenty of rope, but others are anxious for a trial of strength, ' _ The announcement of the election of Mr. Jones as the Member for Waitaki fell like a bomb-shell in the camp of the Ministerialists, who had looked upon Mr. Reid's election as a certainty. By the Opposition the news was received with rejoicing, and hopes are oppressed that he will be quickly in his place. Mr. Jones' return is viewed as a strong protest against the property tax and the outrageous manner in which the dominant party permit their friends to traffic in native lands. The first trial of strength is likely to be taken on the Bill introduced by Sir George Grey to repeal the Property Tax Act and the Property Assessment A<st, The Go? vernment have virtually accepted it as a vote of wp.nt of confidence, and are anxious that the second reading should COJAQ an at once, and succeeded in getting it fixed for to-day.. They feel confident of obtaining a majority on the question, but of this there is some doubt. Several of their supporters can scarcely fly in the face of the expressed wishes of their constituents, and the defeat of the Ministry is by no means uncertain. Mr.. Reader Wood and others are taking exceptions to the Colonial Treasurer's calculations, asserting that a larger amount' will be derived from the property tax and the beer tax than the Government state, They are calling for further information, and it is highly probable tha.t failing information of a satisfactory nature being forthcoming they will go over to the other side and vote for the repeal of the property tax.