PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5200, 16 September 1885, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

[By Teiegdaph.] (fbom our own cob respondent.) Wellington, Last night. Today has been one of the dullest of the session so far es gossip is concerned. There has been absolutely nothing stirring and proceedings in the House up to the time of writing have been proportionately of little interest. Members appear tired and done up, and all are anxious to get away to their homes. There is very lit Ik more to do now to complete one of the most barren sessions on record. Everything that has been done has been of a negative character, and when the balance of the Estimates have been backed about and the Local Bodies Powers and Finance Bill has been further emasculated, there is little interest left in other matters, and it is expected that prorogation will take place on Tuesday or Wednesday next.

This day. Last night the West Coast goldfields' members had punishment meted out to them as I anticipated they would, and the special subsidies down in the schedule on tbe Local Bodies Finances and Powers Bill were ruthlessly struck out. Other goldfields' members of course had to suffer with the West Coasters. The latter are very bitter over their castration, and there were Beveral stormy scenes in the House last night. They are intensely disgusted with a Government which they now find so utterly powerless to help them, and there is open disatisfac tion in their ranks, Mr Seddon last night intimating pretty plainly that he would be found in opposition next session. The only thing accomplished by the Local Finance and Powers Bill is the repeal of the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, and Sir J. Vogel says that if the Government had accomplished nothing, they are worthy the thanks of the country for this. Major Atkinson made a powerful speech on the whole question, and no doubt feels pretty sore that his pet child has been slaughtered. The Land Bill is still before the Legislative Council, and it is hinted that there ia to he more trouble before this bill is oat of the bush.