POLITICAL RUMORS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2609, 1 August 1881, Page 3

POLITICAL RUMORS.

The Parliamentary correspondent of the “ Lyttelton Times,” telegraphed as follows on Saturday : A caucus of Ministers and their supporters was held yesterday, but little or nothing that took place lias been al lowed to transpire, and the stereotyped phrase “ highly satisfactory,” was not used in the lobbies. I am inclined to think it was neither very largely attended, nor that the business was satisfactory. It is whispered that the supporters appeared more inclined to dictate to Ministers than to implicitly follow. Tlic estimates will' be brought down on Tuesday, and the Public Works Statement will probably be made on the following Thursday, The Local Finance Bills, I should not wonder to sec withdrawn, and it is hinted that the Hospital and Charitable Institutions Bill is not likely to see the light of day. Some significance is attached to the Hon J. Hall’s reply to Mr Barron’s question as to what opportunity would be given to members to express an opinion as to whether a lie-presentation Bill is required, to the effect that an amendment might he moved on the second reading. If the Billis to become law this year, the session will be greatly prolonged, as nearly every member will speak over the heads of the House to both his old and proposed new constituents.