SESSION GOSSIP.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2950, 30 July 1878, Page 2

SESSION GOSSIP.

The special of the New Zealand Herald contributes the following to that journal amongst other sessional notes :— : THE TACTICS OF THE OPPOSITION. "The Opposition, from all lean learn, are not likely to be obstructive in any respect, but are disposed quietly toa«cept the inevitable, and wait their turn, come when it may. A few still entfertain the hope, and it is surprising to find how Sne idea prevails, that disparagements among Ministers themselves, and the alleged determination of Sir George Grey to bend them all to his will, must cause some serious dispute in the Cabinet. Some cf the leading members of the Opposition have set the story afloat, but it is now looked on, even by the most extreme section, as a very forlora hope indeed. HEALTH OF THE PBEMIEB.

Sir George Grey has, unfortunately, been very ill, and is so still. He was seriously suffering for nearly a week, and was considered in great danger. He is still confined to his room. It is feared, although he does not say so, for he never complains at all, that the extreme exposure to the bad weather which he underwent at Waitara, has induced an internal disorder, from which he has been placed in considerable danger. He is improving now but slowly.

IMMIffBATION. . Immigration returns show that during the year ended 30th June, there were 5628 persons who immigrated to New Zealand from Great Britain, and a grand total since immigration commenced of 84,103. The following are the number of louls who arrived at the different provincial districts for the year and up to date:— Auckland, 498—11,472; Nevt Plymouth, 99—1925; Hawke's Bay, 405—8416; Wellington, 560—13,004; Marlborough, 93—1216; Nelson, 126—1738; Westlend, 145—1400; Canterbury, 2034—

22,773; Otago, 16,686—24,104. Another paper on immigration contains au unofficial report on .the German settlement at Wanganui giving a complete and conclusive contradiction to the statement published by the German Government to the effect that New Zealand was a bad country for immigrants. . THE SPEECH. , Here may be added in supplement to what was quoted in my first telegram, a few words more as to the comments on the Speech :— The New Zealander says:—"To those who say (as some delight in saying) that the Ministry have no policy, it can now be fairly answered, 'Bead the Speech.' It deals with what has been done, and very plainly foreshadows what is intended in the future.''

The same paper approves of the proposed law reform of Mr Stout, and expresses a hope that the fourteen or fifteen lawyers who are members of the House will not frustrate the good work; The Post further remarks: — " Altogether, the speech of His Excellency indicates that Ministers intend to, adhere to most of the main features of their previously declared policy, that the present condition of the ( colony is one of satisfactory and unceasing .progress, and that the Government;are ready to begin the work of the session in a spirit of hope and confidence.", *

All the Wellington papers speak favorably of the Speech. Even the Times, which has hitherto written in a manner implying its fixed belief that no good thing can possibly come out of the Galilee of the Grey Ministry, offers a frank share of honest praise. It is such a contrast to the style of criticism hitherto adopted by the Times, that not only is a general surprise expressed, but a belief is created that, while there is nothing to find fault with, else it would be found, there is much to praise. The talk is that the Speech is the best, most clear, frank, definite, and outspoken that has been presented to the Assembly for many years, and the^quidnuncs are giving credit nn& kudos to Ministers. The Times believes " the Opposition will.assist in passing all measures likely to promote peace, order, and good government." It refers to the work of Sir Donald McLean and Sir Julius Vogel, and gives credit to both without detracting from the labors of the present Ministry. •"'•'.