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Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3833, 29 October 1883, Page 2

Concerning probable Ministerial changes the Wellington correspondent of the Auckland Star telegraphed to that journal as follows:—"Ministers feel that a great mistake lias been made by leaving Auckland out in the cold, and efforts will be made before the departure of the Premier, for Sydney to have Auckland represented in the Ministry. It is stated on good authority that Mr Johnston, Minister for Public Works, is ready to retire immediately if a good Auckland man can be found, and that Mr Swanson could have tho position at onco if ho would consent to hold office. Messrs Peacock and Hurst are tho other two names mentioned, and I believe negotiations will be opened up shortly with a view to induce one of them to accept tho portfolio. But for his unpopularity in tho House, Mr Hurst would certainly have preference, as I believe tho Government considers his longer experience entitles him to it, but when the matter is discussed by tho Cabinet I believe Mr Peacock will bo the man selected." The N.Z. Herald's message is as follows:—" I hear on good authority that the Premier will pay a short visit to Auckland at an early date on private business ; but at tho same time ho will probably fix irp arrangements for tho representation of Auckland in the Cabinet. In the end I believe you will find Mr Peacock will be selected, although I know Ministers would have preferred Mr Reader Wood had he been a member of tho Lower House. I know some of them greatly regret this, as they fear Mr Peacock's recent entry into public life may not give the weight they are looking for. On tho other hand it is felt that he is a safe man, and thoroughly to be trusted. Mr Johnston is anxious to resign to j)ut his own affairs in order before leaving, and tlio question arises, who is to succeed him ? Here it is believed that Mr Rolloston will bo transferred, and will tho office of Minister for Public Works, although personally I believe he does not care about tho change, as he wishes to work out some fads in regard to perpetual leases and the nationalisation of the land, Mr Dick lias offered to resign if a better man can be found to represent Otago, but it is doubtful whether any change in this direction will be made, for, although Mr Dick is not of much service in tho House, he is really a good departmental man."