MINISTERIAL CRISIS.

Evening Star, Issue 3128, 27 February 1873, Page 3

MINISTERIAL CRISIS.

(By Telegraph.)

Wellington, February 26,

Mr Waterhouse tenderer! his resignation soon after Mr Hall’s resignation was announced. His reason for so doing was that Mr Hall’s intended resignation had been known to Mr Vogel, but concealed from him when the v inislry was formed, and that Mr Hall’s retirement left him in a weak positition in the Legislative Council. Before sending in his resignation, Mr Waterhouse connnuni ated his intention to Mr Vogel, express ng his disappointment at the false position in which he had been placed by not knowing Mr Hall’s intentions. The Governor declined to receive Mr Waterhouse’s resignation as a mere member of the Cabinet, or unless Mr Waterhouse would undertake the responsibility of his resignation involving that of the entire Ministry. Mr Waterhouse replied that Mr Vogel, having originally formed the Ministry, was competent to supply the vacancy caused by his retirement. The Governor referred Mr Waterhouse to the definite reply given by Mr Vogel to a question in the House, as to whether the Premier’s resignation or death would involve a break-up of the Ministry. Mr Waterhouse, however, declined to recognise this principle. He was then asked to reconsider his determination, but declined. The Governor then telegraphed for Mr Fox, who arrived in town last night, and has been in close consultation with all parties to May. He however declined to take any action until Mr Vogel returns. Another reason for Mr Waterhouse’s resignation is understood to be a direct pledge of the first vacant seat in the Cabinet given to Mr Shephard, of Nelson, which was only known to Mr Vogel and Mr M'Lean. The Governor, finding it impossible to induce Mr Waterhouse to re-consider bis decision, recommended that Parliamentshonld be called together, but Mr Waterhouse declined to adopt the suggestion. The complication is" increased by the fact that Mr Vogel’s medical advisers have imperatively insisted on his retiring' from political life, and avoiding all excitement. It is not likely tbit anything more definite will be known for a day or two. ■in ■■■