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Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1123, 4 September 1879, Page 2

MELBOURNE, August 26.

The Government narrowly escaped a defeat on their Budget proposals. Mr Berry rallied his party, and, on a division, obtained a majority of 4. On the first item of the Bndget several Ministerialists asserted that their only reason for supporting the Budget was that, at the present time, a change of Ministry was unadvisable. The Reform League is preparing to hold meetings throughout the colony. The position of the Ministry is critical. Outrageous scenes have disgraced the Assembly. Upon slight provocation, Mr Patterson, Minister of Public Works, attacked an Opposition member, upon which Mr Gaunson interjected that it was not becoming for a cattle-duffer to talk so. Mr Patterson retorted, after recrimination, and unless^Mr Gaunson withnrew his false charge, he must be flogged. Mr Gaunson threatened to wring the Minister's nose and break every bone m his body. He aimed at him the epithets, "bully," " blaguard," a™d " whelp." The House adjourned. The West Burke election caused great excitement, being regarded a test election. Two years ago the Opposition could only poll 800 votes ; now Harper, the successful candidate, obtained over 3600 votes. ■