Political Gossip.

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 527, 1 June 1880, Page 2

Political Gossip.

(Special from our Correspondent.') Wellington, Monday Night, Speculation is rife as to the course of politics at the opening of the Session. Parties have been slow in convening the usual caucus meetings, but there is some active gossip going on this evening, in preparation for Tuesday’s business. Members are flocking into Wellington, anti a good muster is expected when the Lower House meets to-morrow. Opposition members do not seem to know who is to be, leader this session. Mr Macandrew has strong southern support, but I do not find that he is generally popular as a party leader. Northern members on the opposition side are “ cutting in ” for a change. They want the “ old man ” back. They say he is the only prominent politician on the opposition benches who has a distinct policy; and though some o them don’t care for Grey politics, the choice of men is so narrow, with Mr Stout out of the House, that they incline to support Sir George Grey’s lead as the strongest party man. If he were willing to keep in the back-ground, if he could subordinate his fierce nature so far as to let the younger leaders do the front fighting, there would be a good opening for Mr Ballance to contest the lead with Mr Macandrew. Until the opposition can organize their fighting strength, there is not much likelihood of a Government defeat. The Address in the Legislative Assembly will be moved by Dr Grace. In the Lower House Colonel Trimble will reply to the Governor’s Speech. A number of Government supporters met in conference this evening to consolidate the Ministerial Party, and’ exchange ideas as to the prospects of the session. There is every indication of lively, times in store.