IN THE LOBBIES. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.] [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Last Night, 11.30p.m.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1246, 24 June 1880, Page 2

IN THE LOBBIES. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.] [ FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Last Night, 11.30 p.m.

THE WEST COAST POSITION. The following is the latest intelligence from the front :— "Sixty men were sent forward from camp to cut road. The old fence where the dispute occurred was not re- erected, but about three-quarters of a Hllle south from the camp a new fence was put up across the line cut. A gap however was made, and some natives commenced putting the fences up again. Mr Bryce went forward in pereon, and with a few men took it down. The Maoris waited till they had pulled it down again. Mr Bryce had the natives moved away, when they expressed themselves satisfied that no road should proceed, but it is being pushed on. The exact significance of the action is not understood, but the general impression is that it is only a silent protest, and that all peaceful roads will soon be completed.

TAKING IT FOR GRANTED. The Chronicle this evening made an awful faux pas. Mr Macandrew was supposed to speak ; but the adjournment of the House was proposed, and the debate on the Civil Service Commission came on and he did not do so. The Chronicle, however, in a leaded local, Baid that Mr Macandrenr resumed the debate ; " his speech was not eloquent, but it was full of hard and unassailable facts, and was very damaging to the (Government!" This was read in the House amidst roars of laughter.

THE NO-CONFIDENCE DEBATE. The " no-confidence " drags on. There will be no division probably before Friday. The Government majority is unchanged. following bellicose niorccaii appears in the Post, and is strictly true :— " The Hon. Mr Gisborne yesterday seemed literally to "pump" his speech out, when discussing the financial proposals of the Government his right arm was used like a pump handle, and fell in regular motions throughout his remarks." There was a slight diversion however at one portion which was missed by the House generally, but was not losfc on a member of the Government ; it was during this too that Gisborne displayed the most lamentable ignorance on the subject of anatomy, he was saying that he could not "lay his right hand upon his heart, and conscientiously, etc.," and in endeavoring to give proper action to his utterance he suddenly swerved that limb from the pump - handle attitude and vigorously clapped it on his coat- tail. This was done when he got to the words "ray heart," and a member of the Government who saw the little terror of the member for Totara was observed to roll in his seat and almost choke with suppressed laughter. The report of the Civil Service Commission is causing a great deal of talk. It will probably induce a sweeping reform.