WILL MR M'LEAN JOIN THE NEW GOVERNMENT?

Evening Star, Issue 2980, 6 September 1872, Page 2

WILL MR M'LEAN JOIN THE NEW GOVERNMENT?

Since the division on the “ no confidence” debate, public attention has naturally been directed to the question whether Mr Stafford will succeed in forming a Government which will command the support of the House, It appears to be a favorite idea with some that Mr M'Leau could be got to go over to the other side by a little persuasion, but judging from the following extract from the Defence Minister’s speech, as reported in Hansard , there is very little probability of such an event happening;— “ It has been suggested, and reports have been circulated, that in the event of a change of Ministry, it is possible I should act with the honorable member for Timaru, and continue to hold the position I now occupy. I must distinctly state that it is not my intention, should the present Ministry be obliged to leave office, to join the honorable member for Timaru. I have fully made up my mind, and it is unnecessary to enter into any explanation in connection with the matter. 1 do not wish to go into the past, and I will only repeat that my mind is clearly made up. I was no aspirant to office. Z bad no wish

or Intention to come into office even at the time 1 moved a vote of want of confidence in the honorable member for Timaru, and it was only through the peculiar circumstances and difficulties in wbwii the country w*. placed that, when asked by ■m>ghonoiable colleague the Premier, I agreed to join him in order to assist in extricating the country from its difficulties. We have never had any difference of opinion upon any large question, and whatever may be said outside, I assert that wo have always been united on all matters of importance. Without refering more particularly to the facts, I may saj that, to the suggestion made to me to take office in a new Government should tins one be unseated, 1 at once said I could not accede.”