The House was crowded last night in all parts during the Financial Statement. It was received with great enthusiasm, especially the proposals re the land fund, and land for the whole colony. At the conclusion, the leader of the Opposition persisted iv asking several questions about the date when the land fund would be taken, and whether the present Land Rill would be gone on with. Messrs Gisborne and McLean also pressed similar questions. The Premier regarded them as derogatory to the House, which at length interposed its disapproval of such an unusual catechism. An adjournment was then proposed by the Premier, which he did in recognition of the usual custom. After a light discussion it was agreed to on the voices. EFFECT OF THE STATEMENT. The Statement appeared to strike the Opposition with consternation at the bold ness of the perusals, and it was evident from the craving anxiety for variety of information that there is no unity of opinion among tbe Opposition. Immediately the House ad journed, the lobbies were comparatively deserted, owing to four or live little caucuses in different parts of the building. A few with Major Atkinson; ditto, with Mr Rolleston, others with Mr Mont gomery. These did not seem to last long. No matter what the Financial Statement, the Opposition proper is bound to attack. Supply is the order for to-day, and there is likely to be a big discussion early. THE MAORI MINISTER. Hone Nahe, whose appointment to the Cabinet waa announced, took bis seat as Member of the Government, alongside Mr Sheehan. The Speaker announced that he had ap pointed Mr Grace as Extra Native Interpra ter iv conseouence. " PROSPECTS. This week will probably reveal the existence of several small parties in the House, and also the fate, not of the Ministry, but of the House. OPPOSITION CAUCUS. A caucus of the Opposition was held this morning at the late Premier's house. No

thing definite is known, but it is stated in the lobbies that Mr Stafford intends to move as an amendment on going into a Commit tee of Supply to-day that tha amount of the Land Fund* reserved by the Financial Statement be reduced to ten per cent.
