PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3904, 4 July 1881, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

[By Telegraph.]

(from our special correspondent.)

Wellington, This day.

A rumor was abfoad on Saturday, apparently on good authority, and which gained general credence, to the effect that Mr Pitt would join the Ministry. I have reason to believe, however, that even if offered, Mr Pitt would not accept. The greatest secrecy is being maintained with respect to the Ministerial caucus held on Saturday, and beyond the statment that it was highly satisfactory, nothing can be obtained from members who were present. The Times gives the following particulars: —" There were present: Messrs Atkinson, Bain, Bowen, Beetbam,Brenan, (in chair), Bryce, Colbeck, Gibbs, Hall, Hirst Hursthouse, Johnston, Kelly, Leven, Murray, McOaughan, Pitt, Eolleston, .Russell, Seymour, Saunder, Stevens, Studholme, Satton, Trimble, Wakefield, White, Wright, and Whitaker. Some half-dozen members expressed very strong views about the resumption by the counties of 20 per cent, of land fund which was sequestrated last year. Mr Wakefield made a forcible speech, defining the leading lines the G-overnment should follow iv its conduct of the public business, but was sat upon by some of those present for so doing. Nothing was said about the vacant fortfolio or the finaucial proposals of the Government, and it is said that the southern members left the meeting in a fit of spleen, and that no resolutions were passed nor was a time fixed for any future meeting.

It is considered that the financial statement will not be made to-morrow night, this is supposed to be in consequence of the views expressed at the caucus on the question of local self-Government, readering necessary a recasting of the statement.

It is understood there will be no further reductions in Civil Service salaries, but that there will be a further amalgamation of offices and dismissals.

HgMany politicians believe that the session will terminate abruptly.

An explosion took place on board one of Williams' coal hulks, lying alongside the wharf, when three men were badly injured, but no one was killed. Nearly all the windows iv buildings along the breastwork facing the bay were broken.