POLITICAL NEWS. [BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Efforts to Form A Coalition

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1896, 30 August 1884, Page 2

POLITICAL NEWS. [BY TELEGRAPH.— SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Efforts to Form A Coalition

Government. Wellington, Friday Night. There was a general impression, to-day, that Mr Stout's no-confidence motion would not be brought on this evening, as negotiations have been m progress all the atternoon for the purpose of effecting a coalition between the Government and the Stout- Vogel party. The coalition, it appears, was proposed by the Canterbury members in the first instance, and was to the effect that Major Atkinson was w illing to take Sir Julius Vogel into the Cabinet as Colonial Treasurer, and also Mr Stout and another member of the Opposition. The Stout-Vogel party objected to the terms proposed, and all negotiations were brought to an end. The object of the coalition was in order that the business of the session might have some chance of progressing in a satisfactory manner, it being a matter of certainty that if the present Ministry is ejected from office no other Government has a better chance of success in the present state of parties. Major Atkinson in his speech to-night referred briefly to the negotiations for amalgamation made by him, and said that the House and the couutiy ought to know that he had made most reasonable concessions to the Opposition. He had indeed gone much further than his party thought he was justified in doing, but the Opposition leaders refused to meet him in a reasonable spirit. Sir Julius Vogel interrupted Majoi Atkinson with the remark thnt he waa disclosing confidential communications, to which the Premier replied that he had said nothing whatever as to the nature of the negotiations further there was generally known outside the House.

The No-confidence Debate. The delnte on the no-conlidence motion was opened by Mr Stout in a speech of a modi i ate ohataoter and lather quiet delneiy. He made some good points in refeience to railway management and the general administration of the late Ministry. Mr Wakefielil was the Minister put tip to reply to him, bat he was by no means at Ins best, although his eßoit on the whole was an able one. Sir Julius Vogel followed Mr Wakefield, and made an admirable speech. He was quite in his old form, and received several rounds of cheers during its delivery. Major Atkinson of co (use rose to leply to Sir Julius, and the debate began to get decidedly in teresting. Ho spoke at considerable length, and with much vigour. The amendment on Mr Stout's motion was moved by Mr Guinness, the member for l>i ey mouth, whose maiden effort made a \^iy good inipte&sion on the House. It is doubtful whether the debate will finish to night. The division is expected to be a veiy close. The Government still anticipate .1 small m-ijonty. The Opposition whips give their side ol) certain votes. The Opposition, however reckon the votes of membeis who have decided tor the Ministry. Amongst them is Mr Locke and one or two otlieis who have no intention of voting against the Government. Wluclu'\er side wins the day it is quite certain that a coalition will have to be bi ought about afterwards, and it is toleubly ceitain that Sir G. Grey will at once seek to effect the downfall of the next Ministry directly it is foimed. It is the geneial opinion oi the oldest members of the House that the piesent condition of affairs is such as has never befoie been witnessed in New Zealand. 11,45. Mr Buckland (Fianklin), has just made a most cliaiaotenstic speech, md ainidot 1 oars of laughter declated that the present House was the essence of political dodgery of eseiy kind. He seconded Mr Guinu.ss's amendment and denounced Sir G. Grey's land tax,