The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1888. SOMETHING IN THE WIND.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1819, 19 April 1888, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1888. SOMETHING IN THE WIND.

What is not improbably a more than ordinarily significant item of political intelligence appeared m our Dunedin telegrams the other day — we refer to the announcement that a long private interview had taken place between a Knight 'm office and a Knight out of office, that is to say, between Sir Harry Atkinson and Sir Robert Stout. Of course, it may be that the Premier merely desired , to have a chat with his predecessor about > things m general and about nothing iv ; particular, but we hardly think that i such a supposition is a very likely one, and are under the impression that some day or other it will be discovered that either an understanding was arrived at or sought to be arrived at which may greatly influence the course of future ; political events. The Wellington "Post" holds much the same view, and thinks ' that the interview had reference to the intended resignationof the Agency-General by Sir Dillon Bell and what is to happen i thereafter. It says : — " Prior to the Premier's recent departure for the South, there were rumours current here that the chief object of his visit was to compass the interview which it is now stated has taken place, and many surmises were indulged m regarding the subjects to be discussed. It was even stated that the Premier's purpose was to ascertain whether Sir Robert Stout could be induced to re-enter politics and assume the Premiership m the event of Sir Harry Atkinson himself accepting the Agent-Generalship. Almost wildly improbable as such a scheme at first sight may appear, it is not-beyond the bounds of possibility. The polit ; cal circumstances of the colony have changed very much since Parliament was prorogued, and the relations of parties have changed also. Sir Julius Vogel's practical retirement has undoubtedly weakened the power of the present Ministry, and left tho way open to now combinations. It has also left the way free to Sir Robert ; Stout to re-enter the arena 'to fight for his own hand,' unhampered by an unpopular colleague who possessed a stronger will than his own and was really the guilding spirit of a Ministry of which Sir Robert Stout was but the nominal head. The retirement of Sir Dillon Bell from the Agent-Generalship leaves open to Sir Harry Atkinson an office which is believed to have long been an object of legitimate ambition to him. He knows well that, politically, he is regarded by a larga section of the House with only a slight degree less distrust than Sir Julius Yogel himself, although for very different reasons. The latter being no longer to be feared, his own tenure of office is rendered correspondingly insecure ; and there is some ground to believe that even m the Cabinet thingG do not run altogether smoothly, and that Ministers are not quite a happy family. No doubt, if Sir Harry Atkinson desires to retire, he would dearly like the succession to devolve upon his old chief, Sir John Hall ; but he is astute enough to recognise tho fact that if he , himself is not over-popular m the house ; or country, Sir John Hall is still less so. ' Apart from Sir John Hall, where pould a successor be found m the present House ? £ir George Grey may be regarded as out of the running on either side, and it is really difficult to see where either party could find a competent or trustworthy leader if the political cards were to be re-shuffled amongst the present meaJbers. Sir Robert Stout is personally popular, and although he has many grave faults, he would undoubtedly be able to rally a tremendously strong following if he re-entered Parliament under an arrangement with Sir Harry Atkinson, and with aviow of succeeding him as Premier. There ip not really so much difference between their political f views as might at first be supposed, and it is notorious that Sir Harry. Atkinson has, during" the last four years, at divers times shown a strong disposition to effect an alliance with Sir Robert Stout, to which, however, the latter's relations with Sir Julius Yogel raisod an insuperabjo barrier. This no longer exiats, and if Sir Robert Stout wishe3 to re-enter political life with a reversionary interest m the Premiership almost immediately realisable, we should not be surprised to find that Barkis is willing, m the person of Sir Harry Atkinson." If this be really the paso and Sir Robert Stout reciprocates the willingness of Barkis then we maj expect to see .some highly interesting developments.

(Since the above was put m typo a Press Association telegram, has been received stating that the " Star " has the authority of Sir Robert Stout for saying that his interview with tho Premier had no political importance,

nor were political questions discussed. There is no ground whatever for any statement regarding either his return to political life or of his accepting any office. Sir Robert Stout would not have troubled to contradict the rumor only he thinks it might prejudice the Premier m the minds of hissupporters.)