POLITICAL NEWS. [BY TELEGRAPH.— SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1891, 19 August 1884, Page 2

POLITICAL NEWS. [BY TELEGRAPH.— SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

The Proposed No - Confidence Motion. Wellington, Monday Night. It appears to be now definitely settled that the Government will have to face an amendment to the Addreas-in-Reply. Several names have been mentioned as the probable mover of the amendment, but I understand it will be proposed by some member not personally objectionable, with the view of securing some of the wavering votes.

The Strength of Parties. Both side«, as Übiial, claim a majority, and the Opposition are very confident of wiuning. Et is evident, though, that the Government have slightly gained in the opinion of members duiing the last day or two, and Mr Ormoud's determination to give Ministers a general suppoit, will no doubt influence a few votes in their favour.

The Feeling of Members. There is also a feeling, even among members who formerly supported Major Atkinson, that the Majoi't. five years,' finances should be examined by a Treasurer so competent as Sir Juliiib Vogel in geneially admitted to be. The division is expected to be a very clo&e one. and the issue will be watched with the greatest interest by all parties in the House and the country. Major Atkinson and Sir George Grey. Should the amendment be carried, I understand that both Sir (ieoige Grey and Major Atkinson have expressed their willingness to stand aside and let some other member take the responsibility of forming a Ministry. The Cabinet.

Sir Go jrge Wliitmore was sworn in this morning as a member of the Ministry without a portfolio. Ministers have been in Cabinet at Sir Julius Vogel's residence for several horns to-day.

Opening of Parliament. It has been decided that the official opening of Pailiament by the Government will take place to-morrow. Goldfields Members. A meeting of gold fields members was held to-day, about twelve being piesent. It was agreed that a deputation should wait on Mr Macandrew, the Minister of Mines, requesting him to bring in a bill to abolish the gold duly in the South Island, and to make the abolition of the duty permissive in the North Island.

The Government Whip. Mr J. McKenzie, member for Moeraki, will be the Government whip for the session, aisi->ted piobably by Mi Walker.

Mr BrackenThe New Zealand Times emphatically contradicts the report that has been in circulation, that Mr Bracken, late member for Duuedin Central, has been appointed private secretary to the Premier.