Sir Robert' Stout

Feilding Star, Volume IX, Issue 44, 1 October 1887, Page 2

Sir Robert ' Stout

The absence of Sir Eobeet Stout from the new .Parliament will somewhat upset the calculations evidently made Borne time last session by Major Atkinson of joining the former member for Danedin East in the formation ef a Coalition Ministry, or of such a combination as would secure a major-ity-in the new Parliament. The Major would seem, by his act in telegraphing to Sir Robert the deep sympathy he felt with the latter in his defeat, to feel the loss of his probable coadjutor very keenly, much, more so indeed than that of Mr Bryce, who in the past has been one of his most loyal and determined henchmen. We thinje^he.absence of Sir Robert Stout from the .House a less misfortune than the absence of 'Mr' J^yoe, ' who .' is deservedly held to be one of the purest statesman who has, : ever assisted to guide the. destinies' of the colony. Although there has been a great ouf;cry* about the defeat of Sir Robert, and five patriotic gentlemen have placed their seats at his disposal, each probably knowing— with the exception of Mr Kerb — their offers would not be accepted, thereby hoping: to earn a little cheap fame, yet it cannot be denied he had in a great measure lost the confidence of the country, and was a source of weakness to his party. Although he has declared his determination to retire into private life, we do not place much reliance upon that. During his political career he has not hesitated to change his opinions when he deemed such a course necessary or expedient. We may therefore predicate that the persuasions of his friends aided by his own desires, will bo found powerful enough to induce him to again enter .political. life before. mtany months pr even weeks are over. If our ppinjpn, jp correct (and itjias reason to.gupport it) it will be found in the

PoT.raaitioir, or attempted formation of J parties when -Parliament meet?,. he will be a ; 4ißturbin& influence. His return tQ'-itlie sd^s&V^i^^~4readed by- v Sir Xtii^^^K^ii^v tod' <3isinced\ by- the fetiltvrhile^f bllowejs^ of Major Athinbc% a jt&e^ ofij^ny! will^ jifier: the excitement has passed away, perhaps arrive at the conclusion that a little "_political rest" will do mil umiiwiiiwiiini iii wii'imu'W— mi i n— 'iiumi 11 i i nim~(»nnn- ..... _