POLITICAL NOTES.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 51, 8 October 1887, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

THE SWEARING IN.

THE POST ON SIR FRED. WHITAKEB. (From Our Wellington Correspondent.)

Wxluncton, yssterday.

Nearly all the members were present tor the opening of Parliament yesterday afternoon, though I notice the East Coast member is not down herb yet. His presence is really not necessary, but being a new member it would be better that he should try and get Into the run of things as soon as possible. Moreover, just now is one of those critical periods in the formation of parties that a shrewd member will always keenly watch, Your member being a Conservative, you may perhaps consider this an advantage to the other side, but party lines are nbt likely to have this session the importance generally attached to them—indeed things are so broken up that no party can claim much predominance. Some of those who can command respect as consistent Liberals say that the affairs of the country have been brought to such a state that they are willing to undergo much that would otherwise be distasteful to them in order to get things restored to a more hopeful basis. They believe that by combination they oould upset any Tory party, but then the views of the different Liberal sections are so diversified on minor points, and the leader that would suit all is so hard to find, that it would simply mean " a house divided against itself." One weak Government would replace another until the country had to be again appealed to, aixd the electors would become so disgusted that feeling would, aided by the Tory crowd, be turned against those who were really working for the best interests of the people. The Liberals have to be very careful how they act just now—they must not, on the one hand, sacrifice the country to gratify their own wishes, and they must use every means to keep a firm hold of tb e curb they still retain on the Atkinson, Whi‘ taker, and Ormond element.

Coming back to the plain facts oi the present, Parliament Was opened yesterday, in accordance with my previous despatch. There was nothing like the usual attendance of the public, the arrangements not being so elaborate as is generally the case.

Members were sworn in in batches of three at a time, and Sir Maurice O’Rorke was elected speaker. He was proposed by Mr Lance, and seconded by Mr Pearson.

There was an earthquake here yesterday morning, which has given occasion for much merriment. Some foreseeing pretenders say that it is a shadow of coming events. The Post is leaning in the direction of Sir Frederick Whitaker, and thinks that if he will accept a portfolio in the new Ministry it would be decisive of the success of the new Government. The Post says“ If with his aid Major Atkinson does not see his way to form a Cabinet with a fair chance of maintaining its existence, the position of the Opposition must indeed be a hopeless one, and the chance of the formation of any Ministry on strict party lines practically impossible. If Sir Frederick Whitaker accepts office it will be found difficult to get rid of any combination to which he has lent the sanction of his name, and the aid of his skill, experience, and ability. The question is, will Sir F. Whitaker’s health enable hiffi to tkltfl office ? We doubt it.”

It is rumored that Mr Lance, who proposed the Speaker, is likely to be found on the Atkinson side of the House.

It is definitely stated that Sir George Grey has promised to assist Major Atkinson in his endeavor te bring together the men who would be likely to form a strong Government’ Sir George’s assistance will be valuable to the Atkinson party.

LATER. MAJOR ATKINSON GAINING GROUND. RETRENCHMENT PROFESSION I ’. The political position here is still unoer, tain, but it appears now as if the outcome will be a Government headed by Major Atkinson. It has not yet been decided whether the Opposition are determined on great retrenchment. It is understood that Major Atkinson has professed his ability to save three hundred thousand pounds; also, to get another two hundred thousand pounds by Hie sale of Crown lands.