PARLIAMENT. Wellington, August 30.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 66, 6 September 1884, Page 6

PARLIAMENT. Wellington, August 30.

Coalitions-Rejected and Probable. Negotiations for a coalition were opened yesterday by Major Atkinson through Canterbury members. The proposals were that Sir Julius Vogel should be taken as Colonial Treasurer, and Mr Stout as AttorneyGeneral, under the Premiership of Major Atkinson, the latter and the Hon. George McLean to meet the representxitives of the opposite party in arranging portfolios. There was some under talk of appointing Mr Waketield and Mr Hursthouse Political Under-Secretaries. These proposals, however, were nipped in the bud by objections to Major Atkinson's Premiership. Considerable feeling was excited among independent supporters of Major Atkinson by the terms of these proposals. They objected to being handed over with their hands tied to a coalition with which they had no sympathy, and repudiate the right of leaders to make such overtures for the possession of the Treasury benches. Others, however, declared a coalition absolutely inevitable, and supported the action taken. The object of the Atkinson party was to prevent a division on the pending no-confidence motion. The rupture, however, caused the debate to proceed, though speakers all alluded to each other in such guarded terms as to prevent irreconcilable di3erences from arising. The speeches pointed to a coalition, and the influence of Canterbury members is being steadily directed towards securing this.

Mr Wakefleld and his Constituents. The following telegram, signed by six of Mr E. Wakefield's supporters, was received by that gentleman yesterday :—" In joining Major Atkinson, we think you have mado a most unholy alliance, and hope your Ministerial death will be sudden and complete."

Scone in the House This Morning. The iinal division was taken at three this morning. The galleries, which had been densely packed all night (hundreds being turned away), continued filled to the last, a large sprinkling of ladies also remaining. Tho result was anticipated, though some hopes were entertained of the Government being able to carry the adjournment. When Mr Hursthouse, after the first defeat, spoke with disappointment of the summary treatment which the young members of the Ministry had received, he was evidently moved by strong though suppressed feeling, and his remarks stirred the sympathy of a large number in the House.

What Next? There are still many obstacles to the formation of a Government commanding a majority. The Grey section will be strongly adverse to a Vogel-Stout-Atkinson coalition which Canterbury members have been endeavouring to bring about. Mattei'B are very little if any nearer solution than before.

Repairs at Bird Grove. Mr Mitchelson has agreed, on behalf of the Government, to widen the Onehunga Road at Bird Grove, where numerous accidents have occurred, a recent one ending fatally. This promise is due to the exertions of Sir G. M. OTvorke and Mr Buckland. Wellington, 2 p.m. Ministers have resigned. If their advice is asked they will recommend the Governor to summons Mr Ormond. They are resolved after the rejection of the terms of coalition yesterday to refuse all overtures to join the Stout-Vogel party.

Treachery of Canterbury Members. It appears that the nine Canterbury members who induced Major Atkinson to consent to a coalition on the basis that Major Atkinson should be Premier, Sir Julius Vogel Treasurer, and Stout AttorneyGeneral—the two latter to arrange the other portfolios with Atkinson and George McLean—wrote their name 3 down on paper as a pledge that if Mr Stout refused, they would support Major Atkinson. This understanding, all except Mr Grigg, broke last night. Major Atkinson and the members of his party are strongly incensed, and declare they will now resist all overtures. Some, however, consider a coalition should be accepted in the interests of the business of the couutry.

Mr Stout the Stumbling Block, All the Canterbnry members are pressing this on Sir Julius Vogel and Mr Stout, and a large number of Mr Stout,s party take the same view, but there is yet no basis of understanding mentioned, and tne feeling between parties is more strained to-day than ever before. Those members favourable to coalition are industriously engaged in trying to smoothe matters, with what success time will show. It was Mr Stout who prevented coalition yesterday, and on that side he is still the chief obstacle.

Jubilation in Christchurch. There is considerable excitement and a general feeling of satisfaction here over the sudden downfall of Mr Atkinson's Ministry. The newspaper offices were rushed for in formation, and flags were hoisted in a few places in honour of the event.