The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1888. THE AGENCY GENERAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1776, 25 February 1888, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1888. THE AGENCY GENERAL.

It would appear that the quid-nuncs Vrlio have been speculating as to tho probable successorship to tho AgoncyGeneral on tho retirement of Sir Francis Dillon Bell — many of whom had already designated Sir H. A. Atkinson as the coming man — liavo been reckoning without their host. For, m the first place, it has been ascertained that Sir Francis' tenure of office — renewed as from February, 1887 — does not expire until February 1889, and m tho noxt that tho Government has no idea of entering upon tho consideration of filling up the vacancy until after next session of Parliament. More, it is said to bo highly improbable that there will bo any vacancy to fill, as it is believed that Sir Francis will bo asked to continue holding his present office for a further term of years. It is, howovor, added Call this on the authority of tho " New Zealand Times" that " tho salary of tho office will have to share tho fato of tho Gubernatorial and Ministerial salaries, and undergo a proportionate reduction. When Sir Francis Bell was appointed tho pay was reduced from £1750 to £1250, and it is thought probable that when tho next appointment is made the Balary offered will not bo higher than £1000 a year, possibly £800, as the duties are deemed much less onerous now than when tho Public Works policy was m full swing . " It is apparently assumed that Sir F. D. Bell will at once consent to rc-appoinfc-mont under tho altered conditions montioned and it may bo that his riews on the subject have been ascertained, but unless this be no wo doubt very much whether tho assumption will bo justified by the fact. Wo shall bo vory glad if it bo so, as there can bo no question as to the ability with which our present Agent-General has discharged the duties of his office and the entirely satisfactory manner m which he has represented tho colony.