POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 2984, 29 August 1891, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

[IIV TKLKfJII.H'H — SPECIAL IIEFORTKK.I Wellington, Last Night, MR BRYCE'S INTENTIONS. TllK principal topic of discussion to-day was as to the intentions of the leader of the Opposition after the very unjust resolutions of censure upon him by the House Inst night. There is no doubt at all that if the Government had not mado the resolution a party question and whipped up their supporters to vote for it, no cenKtire would have been passed on Mr Bryce, and the unpleasant incident of last night is resjiirded as much more likely to injure the Government and the country than Mr Bryce. Up to the present strong hopes aro entertained by the Opposition that thoir leader will not carry out his threat of resignation, and there can be no question that Mr Bryce's absence from Parliament would bo a serious loss to the colony at the proseut juncture of affairs. 11 p.m. It may now be considered certain that unless the motion of censure passed by the House in regard to the words he said yesterday is expunged or rescinded, Mr Bryce will resign his seat. In fact it is understood that he has already draftod an address to his constituents explaining his intentions. Mr Bryce was urged at the Opposition caucus to-day to consider the country first in this matter, then his constituents, afterwards his party, and lastly himself. He admitted the force of this, but claimed he had a right to consider this as a personal matter. OPPOSITION CAUCUS. A caucus of the Opposition was held this morning to consider the announcement of Mr Bryce that in view of the vote passed regarding him last night he might feel bound to resign his seat in Parliament. With the exception of Mr Buckland, who was prevented from attending <he meeting, all the members of the party, 26" in number were present, and the chair was occupied by Mr Bryce. Sir John Hall led off by expressing the hearty sympathy which the party felt for Mr Bryce, and tho loyal support that every member of it was prepared to give him. He ureed that Mr Bryce should not think too much of what was, with a few honourable exceptions, a purely party vote. Sir John earnestly hoped that Mr Bryce would reconsider his determination and not rosign. Every member of the party spoke in a similar strain, and the most perfect unanimity prevailed. Several members said that they had been authorised by various members of the Government party to express their regret at the turn affairs had taken, and their deep sympathy with Mr Bryce in his present position. Mr Bryce s.iid ho was exceedingly gratified for the kind opinion which had been expressed by all the members of his party, but he must take time to consider about the course he would adopt. Nothing further transpired at the meeting.