POLITICAL NOTES.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 50, 6 October 1887, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

THE PRESENT ASPECT OF AFFAIRS.

A GOT-UP toby yarn.

(From Our Wellington Correspondent.) Wellington, last night.

Matters political are beginning to settle down to a more definite shape here, and everyone ie looking forward with expectancy as to what will be the outcome ot the next few days. Members are gradually getting here in increased numbers.

Major Atkinson arrived from Nelson this morning, and has been engaged in consulting with the members of the Opposition during the day. Many different reports are afloat as to the intentions of the Opposition leader, but nothing tangible can be gleaned as to the Major's course. It is feared that there may be & re-accession to power of the old Hall-Atkinson element, but fortunately many members are opposed to this, and there may be an equitable diffusion of old and young blood.

There is a rumor that Ormond has been asked to join with Atkinson in the new Ministry. The report, however, is believed to have been circulated by certain busy-bodies here, and then wired to Ndpier and back here again. Parliament formally meets to-morrow. The Commissioners to open Parliament will be Sir W. Fitzherbert, and Messrs Waterhouse, Reynolds and Buckley.

A late wire from Wellington stated that it is rumoured that Sir John Hall, Mr Mitchel-, son, Mr Oliver, Mr Ormond, Mr Beetham, find Mr Scobie McKenzie will be asked to join Major Atkinson in the new Ministry.

POLITICAL STRIFE DOWN SOUTH. Invercargill, last night.

The Returning Officer for Invercargill intends taking action against Hatch, one of the defeated candidates, unless he apologises for statements made at the declarations of the poll; The assertions were that during the absence of the Returning Officer his clerks distributed to the electors papers which had been duly marked, folded, and put into the ballot box, and that voters had been told which ot the names to scratch out, with the object of putting him out of the contest. He distinctly stated that the Returning Officer was no more fit for his position than the dogs in the street.

LATER.

ATKINSON-VOGEL COMBINATION IMPOSSIBLE. PROBABLE WHITAKER GOVERNMENT. RUSSELL CERTAIN OF PORTFOLIO. Desperate attempts have been made by the Vogelites for an alliance with Atkinson, but failed entirely. There is much opposition to either Atkinson or Hall being leader, therefore very likely Whitaker will be Premier and Attorney. General.

All opponents to the present Government would readily unite under him, and there would be a strong Government.

Whitaker’s health, hbwever, is very poor f and he could not do much hard work, but his very name would be a tower of strength, This is the most probable outcome ot the situation, and it will be u very fortunate thing if it comes about.

In any case Russell is almost certain to be Native Minister and Minister of Lands. The other probable Ministers are Mitchelson, Atkinson, Beetham, Mackenzie, and Hail,