THE SECRET DESIGNS OF THE MINISTRY.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1266, 9 April 1878, Page 3

THE SECRET DESIGNS OF THE MINISTRY.

The subjoined remarks, from the "Grey River Argus" of April 4th, harmonize singularly with certain rumours or conjectures which, as wo mentioned on Saturday, are afloat at the present time in Wellington regarding the supposed designs of the Ministry, Having referred to the late division of the railway department, our contemporary sajg : - "' We learn also that steps are being prepirod for the division or duplication of potne other branches of the public service, and we don't like the look of it. If the proposed and contemplated arrangements were simply to promote; the efficiency of the departments it would perhaps be right enough, but we have an uncomfortable feeling that the alterations are indicative of another constitutional change in the direction of the policy darkly hinted at by Mr Macandrew at Dunedin a short time ago —the restoration in a 'modified ' —or rather we should say dtenled form —of the system of Provincial (Governments, with the difference that instead of nine the colony is to be divided into two provinces only—one for the North Island and the other for the South, with a federal union. Until the shadow upon the wall becomes a little darker and more distinct it would be premature to discuss <lie authenticity of the original, but that something of the kind we have mentioned would exactly suit the views of Sir Geo. Grey and Mr Macandrow there is no doubt whatever, and it is quite ou the cards that they are quietly and unostentatiously preparing the way. And they are both such wary ingenious characters that it i* just as well for the public to watch their moves very critically."