POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Patea Mail, 19 May 1882, Page 3

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Opinion is much divided (says Wanganui Herald's cor.) amongst members, public officers, and experienced journalists as to the duration of the session. All agree, however, that it will not be an ordinary session ; that it will 1: be either very short or unusually protracted. In my opinion the j result turns much upon the successful manipulation of the' ‘‘new chum members.” If the Government should quickly secure pledges of support from a majority of these, they will undoubtedly push business through with the utmost rapidity. If, on the contrary, the Opposition net brings in the largest number, it will be in their power, and most decidedly their game, to gain time by prolonging the debates and wearying out the Ministers. In the meantime the important factor in the political situation is that represented by the ohutnmies. Some clue to the interest taken by the country in the forthcoming session is the fact that a much larger number of newspapers, is represented this year by special correspondents than has ever been the case before. —~

PROSPECTS OP THE OPPOSITION.

The Wanganui Herald says :—The Opposition will be stronger than it has. been for many years, and will be .safely led by Mr Macandre.w and Mr Montgomery,— two veterans on whose capacity and firmness the party can always depend. If other less solid, qualities be desired, they can be furnislied by Sir George Grey, who no doubt deserves kindly consideration at tbe liands of the Xiiberal p«ft. But as a leader be is too much of a free lance, and has not the confidence of the part}'. It is hardly likely the Opposition will make any move to disturb the Ministry on the Address, or before the policy, or no-policy, has been discovered in the Financial Statement* The elements of a new House require time to crystallise into parties, to become acquainted with their leaders, aud to know something of procedure. It has been; sain by a portion of the Press that the new House is not of the same calibre ns the last. This is a very foolish thing to say before anything is known of many of the members. We doubt not there are many of the new members who are possessed of great ability which will soon show itself, and that the present Parliament will compare favorably with any of its forerunners.