THE STONEWALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2696, 29 December 1909, Page 5

THE STONEWALL.

STILL STANDING. (Special to “Times.”) WELLINGTON, Dec. 28. The fight on the vote of £4OO for thefinancial adviser to the Government in London was resumed this afternoon, and continued this evening with, renewed vigor on all sides. There was a .much fuller House than on Friday, but Uiere are still a number of absentees, including several of the Government supporters who originally voted against the Reeves item. Messrs Poole, Russell and Clarke (supporters of the Government), who v/ere amongst the opponents of the vote when the ordinary estimates were before the House, now accept the Premier’s declaration that they voted under a misunderstanding, and announced their intention of recanting. Messrs Witty and Davey are also converts to the opinion placed before members of the Ministerial party. Tw'o or three of the opponents (on the Government side) of the vote stick to their -guns, but the opposition is evidently a forlorn hope. Mr. Massey practically admitted as much to-night, and repeated his offer to have a conference between two leading members on each side of the House, but Sir Joseph Ward was adamant and refused, so the discussion had to go on as each party declined to give way. There is a tendency towards recrimination, and before the affair ends there may be a surprising blaze up. But it appears as if the battle will be long. It is quite possible that with the present spirit of either side the controversy may not be ended this week. When Mr. Massey's renewed offer of a conference was rejected, the old idea of continuing the 399 amendments was resumed, and that is going on now.