PROBABLE RESIGNATION OF THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2254, 19 May 1881, Page 3

PROBABLE RESIGNATION OF THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS.

[By TIILItQBAPU.] [FEOM THB OWN CORRESPONDENT OF THB “PEBB3.”] WELLINGTON, May 18. I have good reason to think that the Minister for Public Works is actually on the eve of resigning. This has been so long the •abject of utterly unfounded canards that my present statement may possibly seem as uoreliable as those to the same effect which I have so often had to contradict ; but I really believe that this time Mr Oliver is really going to resign. As a matter of course, his colleagues will not furnish a word of information until the matter is settled ; but I know it is before the Cabinet to-night, and under serious consideration. I hear that some difficulty even was experienced in persuading Mr Oliver to attend in Cabinet last evening, as ho was actively engaged in “ setting his house in order ” preparatory to resignation, and when at length ho did attend, after being visited successively by all his colleagues, he only remained a few minutes. I fully expect to chronicle his resignation to-morrow. If so, his sole reason will be the urgent necessity forced on him of attending to private affairs, owing to the death of his nephew, Mr J. O. Eva, who was manager of his business, and who was drowned at the wreck of the Tararua. Ho will leave on the best possible terms with his colleagues, who will express the utmost regret to lose him, and he will heartily support them while ho remains in Parliament. This_ is, of course, supposing that he cannot be induced to alter his determination, which at present certainly is to resign forthwith. It is impossible to say what any day may bring forth, but I feel convinced that to-morrow will bring forth his retirement from the Ministry.