PROPOSED NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 382, 6 July 1889, Page 6

PROPOSED NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION.

Wellington, July 2. It was rumoured lasb night that there was a serious split in the Opposition, and Sir George Grey and Mr Lance had formally severed their connection with the pgu'ty On inquiry, ] find that the rumour has, as usual, been grenr.ly exaggerated. Sir Geo. Grey has indeed letfc ihe Opposition and will play his usual lone hand, but Mr Ballance declares that he never was oi the party, and in support of this it is declared that Sir George Grey left last Friday's meeting before the leader was nominated. Mr Lanco is still at heart and soul with his old associates, but being a strong believer in the property tax he cannot see his way to follow them into the lobby on the motion for its direct repeal. Mr Ballance informs me that no definite action has been decided on by the party with regard to the tax. If a division was forced on them, Mr Lance would probably walk out of the Chamber, and Mr Kerr and a couplo of others" would adopt the same course. After a careful pricking of the cards the Ministerial whips reckon on a majority of five in favour of the property tax if the vcte is taken on that issue, but if the question becomes a nononfidence one then they calcuate on a majority of thirteen for the Government. At any rate the Opposition lecognise that deteat awaits them on the direct and property taxmotion, and are now hesitating as to the correct course to pursue. The Opposition declare that they have no desire to harass or worry Sir Harry Atkinson, but only to fulfil the duties of a proper organised party. This is clearly a backing ,d°w n from the position contemplated by them at the end of la?t week, when they were ready to do and dare. " . , LETTER - FROM SIR W, FOX. Sir W. Fox has. sent a letter to ,every member of the Legislature, protesting against the proposed Bill authorising the issue of publicans' licenses at Dundein Exhibition.