THE POLITICAL CRISIS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1682, 8 October 1887, Page 2

THE POLITICAL CRISIS.

w I Wellington, October 7. At the meeting of the Opposition members this afternoon 44 were present, and nine said to be aooouuted for. Several of those present yesterday refused ; to attend to-dsy. Mr Fulton occupied the chair on both occasions. There was a long discu?aion, lasting t'll cloS3 on 6 p.m. , and views were freely expressed and canvassed. No formal resolution was proposed, and little more wai done than clearing the ground somewhat further. Another meeting is to be held at two to-morrow, when it is generally expected that definite steps will ba taken, and the question of 'who is to form the Ministry, or whether any attempt shall be made to do so at present finally settled. Everything points to M»jor Atkinson being the ultimate choice as leader. Some are In favor of leaving it to Sir G. Grey to take the lead, but it is understood tint he Is disinclined to do bo. Another proposition is that Maj >r Atkinson shall be Promler, but not Treasurer. It is stated that he is pratically secure of the necessary Bupport If he decides to undertake the task, and it is generally believed that tho portfolios will bo virtually allotted by Monday. The Southland members, six In number, held a meeting to-day, at which It waa unanimously deolded t j offer no faotlous opposition to a new Ministry, until t hay have time to lay their policy before the House A meeting o: some of the new members adverse to the late Government was also held, at which a similar decision was arrived at ; m fact caucuses have been the order of the day. A curious point haa been raised relative to tbe order of proceedings on Tuesday. The Commissioners announced that fie Governor wruld state his reasons for calling Parliament together at 2 p.m., but the House on rising adjourned till 7.30 on Tuesday, It is argued that they cannot be called upon to listen to His Excellency.

(From our own Correspondent.) Wellington, October 8. It is believed the discrepancy In the < time of meeting of the House on Tuesday 1 need nob oause any difficulty aa the Com- i mlaaioners will Blmply announce that his ' Excellency's Bpeech haß been postponed. The question of Protection is being raised and urged by the Ministerialists with the view of introducing the appla diecord amongst the Oppositionists. It* is known that Major Atkinßon has Protection proclivities, and as many of the Opposition are Btrong Freetraders, it is thought that the' introduction of the qaestion of Protection may have the effect, if strongly pursued, of smashing up the party, or at any rate of sowing the seeds of dissatisfaction. The new members are P'oving intractable and show strong disinclination to pledge themselves to sop-' port Major Atkinson unless they know who are to oompose the new Ministry. Prejudice .against Major Atkinson still exists. With Otago members Sir John Hall is also disfavored, as beln» a large land owner, and the same remark applies to Captain Russell though he is still named as likely to take the Native and Defence portfolios . Mr Ormond distinctly refuses either to lead or take office. Sir G Grey has been asked to tako the leadership, bnt refused on the ground that he is not likely to bo of much service to the country by taking; a prominent position. He strongly favora Maj jr Atkinson as leader of tho new party, and praseut signs point to tha fact of Moj ir Atkinson being the only possible rival to Sir Jalius Yogel. Later. I am reliably informed that m the event of Major Atkinson being chosen to lead tbe Oppositioi party to day, it is probable that the Ministry will be chosen something as follows : -Premier, Major Atkinson ; Treasurer, Mr Fisher ; Education, Land, and Mines from Messrs Fergup, Hislop, Barron, G. F. Richardson and Scobie McKenzie Mr Mitchelson has been urged to take Public Works, but as he feels that ontirely new men should occupy Ministerial positions m the present crisis, he will not take any position m portfolio, but the portfolio will be awarded to an Auckland man, either MOS3 or Peacock. Sir F. Whitaker will undertake the Government work m the Council without portfolio. If this prediction j comes to pass, it is most likely that some at all events of the ministers will be sworn m this afternoon, and on Tuesday next the House will be adjourned probably for j a fortnight m order to give the new Government time to frame their polioy. j If the above does not come about, nothing ! but a chaos will result, and a return j to power of Sir Julin_ Yogel, aa under no consideration will the Opposition agree to a coalition.