PARLIAMENTARY.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3296, 15 July 1879, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(Peb Pbess Agency.) The New Minister of Lands. Opposition Caucus. Fox to lead the Opposition.

Wellington, Monday night. The Opposition caucus to-day was only attended by twentyfput members, with four proxies.- The Opposition caucus is still sitting at Walter Johnston's house. One subject discussed to-night was the. propriety of testing the strength of the Government party in the. election of Chairman of Committees, Government having definitely resolved to support Mr Bryce, while the Opposition favor Mr Seymour. J The Opposition will probably make their first main attack on the Native policyl ■'.:■■■: ■ • • ; ■■■ ; '_'■•■ :'- -■' j A caucus of-! Government supporters will be held to consider the policy embodied, in the speech. Mr Whitaker was not present at the Opposition

caucus. .; ]„.-. <■■-..; ■•.i,;-.^:; :-.i :,: ,H'..') ■, v Mr* Thompson, of Clutha, this evening agreed to join the'Minstry, accepting the portfolio of Minister of Lands. It is definitely settled that Mr Goldie wilLmove the Address in Eeply, and Mr Shanks second it. . ...... ,- - ;

It is understood that Sir Wm. Fdx . will lead the Opposition if the majority of the party request him, and that the strength of the parties will be tested on the Address. j < It is stated on good authority that should Government be defeated on their general policy the Governor will grant a dissolution, as he considers the circumstances in New Zealand and New South Wales are different, the Parliament jn '-the'latter colony being triennial. • ' | 1 It is reported that Sir George Grey wrote to Major Richmond oh the Speakership of the Legislative Council, stating that Government considered it necessary to secure the.services of a person for that position whom.they could rely upon to do his utmost to ensure the passing of their measures. This statement is causing some comment, and is likely to lead to further action. > i This day. i At the caucus of Opposition members held this morning forty-two were represented, and two others are counted upon. Fox was elected leader. ;