Parliamentary Gossip.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3407, 22 November 1879, Page 2

Parliamentary Gossip.

[Bt. Telkgbaph.]

(from a coesespondbkt)

Wellington, Tim day.

The Opposition tried last night to ascertain the feeling of the House, but only showed their weakness. The Government is evidently gaining strength.

The Estimates are likely to bo fought hard, but the great fight will be when the' Public Works Statement comes down. '

The Native disturbance at Hikutaia will probably stop the railway, but it is likely to be continued from the Waikato end.

Hurst is disgusting both sides of the House, while Speight is gaining respect.

Government have not expressed yet any opinion on the Thames Harbor Bill, and it is likely to go* through, but the Upper House will again stop it.

Government will introduce a bill handing over the Water Supply to the Borough.

Mr Sheehan has asked for a rote for the Thames High School.

The Mayor leaves on Monday.

The House sat in Committee on the Estimates until nearly four o'clock this morning. The Opposition resisted the passing of the first items proposed— General Post Office—in order to compel Government to first bring down the Property Tax and their other Financial Bills, and take a general discussion on finance. Several motion* were made for reporting progress. Grey moved twice in succession that the chairman leave the chair. Mr Hall promised that Government would make no increase on salaries above two hundred, and would bring down the Payment of Members Bill, and test the feeling •fthe House on retrenchment on Monday. • .;■■:■„ • The Opposition members were apparently without any general organisation, but they continued to resist the Estimates.

. The item, General Post Office, wa s reduced to £3000 and passed, whe' progress was reported and the House rose.