SESSIONAL GOSSIP.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2968, 20 August 1878, Page 2

SESSIONAL GOSSIP.

[By Telegraph.]

(PHOJI OLjI SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT)

Wellington, Monday Evening.

It is currently reported that a Government interpreter up Patea and Waimate way has secured for several friends and himself about two hundred thousand acres of land at 2s 6d per acre. He has been ordered to report himself at Wellington at once.

It is also reported that an attempt will be made to get two special residences erected —one for the Speaker of eac]' House, on the ground that their present apartments are inadeqaate to the hospitalities which are expected at tbeir hands. A good many remarked when the estimates were last under discussion that the Speaker was eloquent while the addition to his own salary was under discus* sion, but directly the other items under the same head came on which interested others more than himself, his absence became conspicuous.

There is a good deal'of quiet talk here as to what are the real intentions of the Government in making a number of changes in certain public offices, and many entertain grave apprehensions that these are but preliminary and preparatory steps with an ultimate view to insular separation. The Times raises a warni-ig cry on the matteF, and points out the fact that Grey, Sheehan, Macandcew and Stout all voted against the seat of Government remaining at Wellington.

Sir Georgo is brightening up the last few days, but is still not as of yore.

Mr Barton seems to have felt the temper of the House tbe wrong way, and it is clear there exists a suppressed feeling of irritation amongst hon. mpjrbers. First of all Mr Swanson gave Barton a passing wipe that made him ree 1, and Wakefield, with his keen rapier, gave him some wicked thrusts, but it was reserved for Saundera to retaliate by a deliberate onslaught, which ought to have a beneficial effect upon Barton, by .keeping him quiet for a time at least. .It is expected, however, that when the judicial vote comes on he will find scope for a shrill harangue, and of course the judges and their associates may look out to shovr how eccentrically members sometimes act.

Tbe other night Mr Pyke spoke most Strongly against tbe Gold Duty Abolition Bill, and then voted for it. Mr Wakefield did a similar thing during the d;scussion on the Estimates, but Taiaroa actually moved that the honorarium and other expenses of members be struck out, and when Mr Pyke remonstrated with him, asking him what he would do in case it was carried, Taiaroa answered " I will take the first steamer South."

There are, vague whispers that a row is breeding, and that members won't get home as soon as they expect. The thing has not assumed a definite form or shape yet, and nothing can be learned from the Opposition leaders.

It is ' pretty well settled that the majority of the members will vote for the adjournment for the trip down South to see the opening of the-Canterbury and Otago railway. A large number of Northern members are particularly anxious for the trip, and, as the Southern members are certain to welcome an opportunity of .getting home, the matter may be considered settled. It will also give a number of members an opportunity to feel the pulses of their constituents, which will be very handy in the event of the warm, work looming in the distance, and there is a fair show of it. Only to-day a leading member of the Cabinet said to a friend that he saw a great deal of opposition sticking out in regard to proposals in the Financial Statement. Then there are those little occuriences in the House which disquiet all well wishers of the Government:. when one member of the Cabinet says one thing, and says i': eraphaticolly, and then in a few minut.es, when a'lothrr gives a promise in a different c' -ect'on, H would appear as if the

Mir'.sterial fo lira lion is not yet made, peifectly soli 3.

This day,

The latest move of the Opposition i 3 to get Vogol out to the Colony again. The great want of the Opposition has been felt to be the want of a head or leader. Major Atkinson is considered very well in a groove, but not equal to party exigencies—that is, he will not go far enough. Mr Whitukor, of course, is considered out of the question, as his connection with the late Government is considered to have been a failure. Mr Fox, who has all his old fire and ability in undiminished form, is quite out of the running on account of his teetotal predilections. However he might stand with his own party, he is not calculated to alienate any supporters of the present Government. The trip South to witness opening of the Christchurch and Dunedin lailway, is supposed to be confined exclusively to members of the Legislature and their families.

(FSOai .ANOTHER COj~EliS?O2>f.i>ENT)

There are several new applications for the Upper House. Brodie is the favorite. E. Graham, R. Workman, Captain Fraser and John Brown are spoken of. The Government are favorably disposed towards Thames. The railway is safe, and the parade 'ground and increased capitation will likely bo granted. Mr Howe is doing very weil. He is consulted by the Government on all Thames matters. If representation were made from the Thames the names of Grahamstown and Shortland would be wiped out in favor of Hauraki, Thames, or some other name. A grand masonic installation takes place nest week, Mr McCullough acting a^ installing master. All the Past Masters of Wellington are expected to'take part. It is rumored that Sir Julius Vogel, besides 50C3 acres of land, will get £20,003 subscribed to come to the colony. Mr Sheehan is very favorable to Thames, and is as good as half-a-dozec members. It is very likely a representative to the Upper House will be called this session. Lands will bo set apart ia the Upper Tb roses for'residents. The Eroomhall settlement question will likely be decided upon by the House. Brodie is looking well after local wants.