PARLIAMENTARY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 85, 6 September 1873, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

FORMIDABLE OPPOSITION. THE POSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT INSECURE. GREAT EXCITEMENT AT WELLINGTON [From the Auckland Star.] August 30. A CHANGE of tactics was made by the Opposition after the debate on the Provincial Loan Bill commenced. After Messrs. Gillies and Wood were applauded so warmly, and a feeling so marked and determined was manifested, a division was demanded. Southerners appear generally strongly opposed to works being rolled back on the land fund. Mr. Macandrew unwittingly led the Government into an ambush. Mr. Fitzherbert and the Wellington firm are in opposition. The excitement in the House and around is very great. Mr. Stafford’s speech is described by members as the finest ever heard from him. It was calm and exceedingly telling. Mr. Gillies was mad with fun, Mr. Wood was smiling with preternatural blandness. Mr. McLean sat imperturbably solemn on the back bench, like a venerable Maori chief. Mr. O’Rorke was quiet and indifferent, as if he had reached the point of which he spoke when scathing Mr. Vogel about the Auckland Improvement Bill and Mr. Vogel’s factious opposition and overbearing conduct. Mr. Bunny has not yet spoken, but his soul seems on fire for the fray. Mr. Fitzherbert sat with his hat over his brows motionless, as he ever is when gathering thunder. Mr. Macandrew in the back ground appears gloomily brooding over the unfortunate me;B into which he has led the Government. He is called the archpriest of log rolling. The contrast between the Ministerial and Opposition sides of the House is remarkable. Almost all the ability and eloquence in opposition, and Mr. Bathgate had to reply to Mr. Stafford. It is believed by the Opposition that the division will be right, but powerful influences are at work. Mr. McLean in the lobby promised Mr. Carrington a harbour at Taranaki. Mr. Luckie is busy giving invitations to Mr. Vogel’s dinners. The assault is general on purse and stomach. The political atmosphere is decidedly electric. The debate was adjourned.