POLITICAL GOSSIP.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2246, 29 May 1880, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Wellington, May 28. The opening of Parliament was very tame. Only twenty-four Members of the House were present, and the “Lords” were also poorly represented. Colonel Trimble moves the Address in Jteply in the Lower House, on Tuesday next, and

the Hon. Mr Grace will do the amiable in the Legislative Council. The Hineraoa and Arawata with the Northern and Southern members respectively, arrived after the ceremony was concluded.

It is probable that the Colonial Treasurer will submit his financial statement on Tuesday week, when it is said a no confidence motion will be tabled by the Opposition. The present bug-bear of the Government is the property tax, and Major Atkinson is said to be most uneasy on this score. It is understood to be the intention ot the Government to make important concessions in connection with this measure, with the view, if possible, of pacifying popular clamour. The tax is now admitted on cveiy hand to be a thorough mistake, and Ministers are said to be somewhat sorry that it was ever introduced. The Opposition are exceedingly reticent asijto their intended line of action, but it has been rumoured that in order to test the strength of parties, an amendment on the Address in reply will be moved.