The Feilding Star. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1884. A New Ministry

Feilding Star, Volume V, Issue 14, 5 February 1884, Page 2

The Feilding Star. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1884. A New Ministry

♦ In a very able article on " Changes of Ministry," the Post gives an interesting and detailed description of the Ministries that have been attempted, to be formed by the sp-called Opppsitipn, and the defeats they have suffered at the hands pf the present Ministry from want pf inherent strength, or a leader capable of commanding them. Naturally enough perhaps, the Post assumes that in the coming session the Opppsition will be led by Mr Montgomery, and that if by a combination of the divided parties in the House the present Ministry were defeated, Mr Montgomery would form a Ministry with himself as Premier. As a matter pf course, a motion of want of confidence would be tabled by Major Atkinson, and equally as a matter of cpurse, the Montgomery party would be defeated, and the continuous Ministry again triumphant. The article goes on to say : •' That such would have been the result had the Opposition succeeded in carrying their no-confidence motions in the last two sessions is beypnd doubt, and it behoves thpse who may be entrusted with the leadership that ultimately proves successful in the first step, tp look well ahead and make the second step secure before that first step is taken. Otherwise there is a serious risk that any change might simply lead to the restoration, with vastly-augmented strength, of a Ministry already much top strong and much too apt to .presume upon their strength." We can only infer from these concluding lines that the Post would be a vigorous supporter tp any ppposition party in the House that had a policy, and the ability tp carry it out. In the coming session we do not believe that the present Ministry wiU be defeated. There is np good thing to be gained by putting new and unexperienced men on the Treasury Benches at the end of the Parliament, and the evils that would result might be disastrous tp the credit of the Cpleny. It is true that by leaving the present Ministry in office during the coming general elections, they will be able to exercise a wonderful ppwer in directing the fate pf candidates. But, on the other hand, it is probable that many pf the old tacticians who will be seeking election will be able to bring their experiences to bear in the. elections, and thp terms of Uie contest be reduced to a fair level. We have great faith in men like Ormond. Richardson, Reader Wood, Ballance, Donald Reid, Wakefield, Stout, and a few others of a like stamp, There is nota ••jellyfish" among them. We believe they will find seats in the next Parliament, and from their number could be selected a useful and capable Ministry. It is on the cards that some of those now in power may be relegated to their positions as private citizens, when they will have, an opportunity of reflecting over their past errors of omission and commission; and cf making good resolutions for the future; 'We uo not for a moment believe that in the new Parliament either Mr Montgomery, Mr Mac Andrew, oi Sir George Grey will be able to form a party in Opposition. The recbrd of : ,th'eie gentlemen is top weak to attract even the youngest and "' most Verdant poUticiaris. The Coming Man must Be stronger . than any of these, or any attempt tb* overcome, the gallant Major will meet with the most certian and orushing defeat.