NO CONFIDENCE

Patea Mail, 21 July 1881, Page 3

NO CONFIDENCE

EXPJBCTED DEFEAT OF MINISTRY. GOING TO THE COUNTRY. (BY TELEGRAPH ) FROM OUR PARLIAMENTARY . . CORRESPONDENT. Wellington, Wednesday Morning. Last night in the debate on the second reading of the Crown and Native Lands Rating Bill, a crisis rose suddenly. Mr Ormond, leader Of a small but influential Middle Party, moved an amendment that the proposals of Ministers in respect of local government and local finance are unsatisfactory. The Government at once accepted this as a vote of want of confidence. Mr Saunders and some other prominent members met and agreed to support Mr Ormond. The belief at present is that if Ormond be successful in defeating the Ministry they will appeal to the country. The debate continues to-day. PARTY CAUCUS. Wednesday Night. The general impression in the lobbies this evening is that Ormond’s amendment will be carried by a small majority. Government held a caucus of supporters to-day, when those present promised to continue their support. To-day Mr Hutchison again asked for production of the Governor’s suppressed despatch. The Premier replied angrily that if members, after the statement of Government that the production would not be beneficial to the public service, still persisted, he should move an address to the Governor reqnesting him to have the despatch laid on the table of the House. The debate on Mr Ormond’s amendment was resumed by Mr Levestam, the new member for Nelson. Mr Collins and Mr Murray followed in support, and the latter urged Ministers to take back their bills and remodel them according to the wishes of the House; and urged Mr Ormond, if Government accepted the suggestion, to withdraw his amendment. This proposal was received with ironical cheers by the Opposition. Mr Turnbull spoke against Government. The Premier is expected to speak late to-night.