The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, MAY 24, 1887. THE MINISTERIAL DEFEAT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1570, 28 May 1887, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, MAY 24, 1887. THE MINISTERIAL DEFEAT.

At one o'clock this morning the division lists showed a majority of foar against the Government, and the House was at once adjourned until Tuesday next, when an announcement will no doubt be made as to what will be the next phase of the Parliamentary drama. As to what that announcement will be, we have no doubt at all — it will be that Ministers have asked for and have been granted an appeal to the country. It is understood that the Opposition are buoying themselves up with the hope that the Governor will refuse a dissolution, but we fail to see the smallest ground for such a supposition, it being, we think, absolutely clear that Ministers have, according to all constitutional precedent, a tight to claim the verdict -of the constituencies upon the policy which they have submitted. The issue of Protection to local industries versus Freetrade is one of paramount interest, and for the first time for many years the elections will turn ap a clear and distinct issue of public policy. It is not improbable that tbe Governor, m granting a dissolution, may make it ft condition that the Representation Bill be first finally passed, but even if so, this may prove a difficulty. Tbe Legislative Council is not likely to challenge it m any way, and may perhaps pass it through all its stages m a single day, but it is hinted that the Oppo&ition may endeavor to force Ministers to resign by refusing supplies. There, however, we suspect they are reckoning without their host, for, unless we mistake very much, it will be quite possible to get the elections over before funds at present available are exhausted. On the whole, then, we look upon it as certain that m a week or ten days tbe present House will be sent about its business and the colony be plunged m the vortex of a general election. It is high time, therefore, that any who wish to have a say m the election of the new Parliament should see .to it that their names are on the roll, as the verdict of the country will almost assuredly be required at the hands of the electors within a month from the present date^