POLITICAL NEWS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume IV, Issue 196, 12 August 1873, Page 6

POLITICAL NEWS.

According to the Wellington correspondent -of the Daily Times, it is almost impossible that the present Colonial. Ministry can stand much longer. Mr Vogel’s health is very bad, and ho is often compelled to be absent from the House. When such is the case, the Government is absolutely helpless, and is a laughing-stock to the House. Mr M‘Lean ■•sind Mr Richardson are alb there in replying 'to questions in their font'the others are. useless... Mr O’Rorke has to evade questions because of his ignorance ; he has to use words conveying as little information as words possibly can, and he makes it quite evident that he really knows no more than he tells. Mr Reynolds exercises a wise discretion in saying as little as possible. "“Mr Bathgate now does most of the talking, and he is a Jonah, who would wreck any ship -of state. He flounders about in the most ludicrous manner, but with the utmost good temper, while the House regards the exhibition with a wondering kind of,.pity often approaching disgust.” Since the retirement of Mr Stafford as leader of the Opposition, Mr Fitzherbert is looked upon as most likely to fill his shoes. There will be a strong fight over the Financial Statement, when it comes to be considered in detail. Mr Vogel has 'enunciated some rather unpalatable proposals, which are hardly likely to meet with staunch support from even his colleagues. It is quite possible that Mr Fitzherbert will form a strong Opposition, with the view of •getting greater Provincial powers, and that the Opposition will overrun the Government; in which case Mr V ogel will probably claim a dissolution, having been promised one by Sir George Arney, a promise which Sir James Fergusson will in all likelihood make good.