Our prediction that Mr Gisborne would be found working heartily with Sir George Grey in Opposition lias been realised. This was hardly looked for by the Govern ment, who reckoned upon him as a safe vote. His accession to the Opposition ranks is undoubtedly an event. Possessing a very intimate knowledge of the weak points of the Government defensive works from a close acquaintance with the internal arrangements, and being more deeply versed in departmental matters than, per haps, any other man in New Zealand, he will prove a very nasty thorn in the Ministerial side. We shall not be surprised to find Mr Gisbome taking a very prominent part in Opposition matters, and influencing the future of the session very considerably. The Wellington section of Oppositionists, and members who are more opposed to the personnel of the Ministry than to their policy, Avill look towards Mr Gisborne as a compromise between the extremes on both sides of the House. If the section of which Mr Gisborne is a type sees its way to anything like a workable programme acceptable fo the Aiu:kl-:nd mid | Ota'^o parties, a clear m ».'oi\ry n.ii.wowAhh?

to the present Ministry will, avc believe, be obtained. Failing this, the chances are that the Government will again weather the storm, notwithstanding their natural weakness.
