POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Patea Mail, 21 June 1881, Page 3

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(15V TELEGRAPH.) FROM OUR PARLIAMENTARY CORRESP ON DENT. Wellington, Monday, Speculation is rife regarding Grey’s intentions as to the Local Government Bill, The Government look on the whole question as one of finance, and it is expected they will make no sign till the Financial Statement is made, when Major Atkinson will state the intentions of Government. Oppositionists and the Middle Party do not act in unity on the subject, one believing in resuscitating Provincialism, the other desiring to abolish County Councils and giving larger powers to Road Boards. Mr Seymour George, the Opposition whip, arrived to-day ; also a large number of Southern members. After the arrival of the late Minister of Public Works yesterday, from Dunedin, a rumor was circulated that his late colleagues had requested him to resume his former position. Thisi ß semi-officially denied to-day, but there is no doubt he was sounded on the matter. Caucus of Otago and Southland members was held to-day re waste lands of Otago. A deputation was appointed to wait on the Minister of Lands to ask for the appointment of a select committee to report to the House on the Otago land question. Government is framing a clause for the Licensing Bill, providing necessary machinery for the election of Licensing Com. missioners, as resolved by the House on Friday’-, The Governor has forwarded to the Secretary of State newspapers containing Mr Bryce’s speeches to his constituants at Wanganui and Waverley, at which he ex- - plained reasons for his resignation.