The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1881.

Kumara Times, Issue 1474, 18 June 1881, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1881.

In a recent issue we made a few remarks upon the demise of the Young New Zealand Party, and the gentleman who was supposed to be its head during its brief term of existence. We now propose to consider the position of certain persons who are said to aspire to the leadership of the Opposition. First

on the list comes Sir George Grey, who cannot be made to understand that his following in the House has dwindled down to about three or four of the rank and file at the outside. He appears to be just as active as ever in worrying the Government, or attempting to do so ; but his extreme bitterness against those whom be chooses to consider his opponents, and his violent attacks upon all who differ with him, have gradually, but surely, alienated a vast majority of his old supporters. Hia present attempt to lead the Opposition is about as hopeless a task as can be well imagined, and one which can only end in bitter disappointment to himself. It may safely be prophesied that Sir George will never again lead a large section of the House. Mr Ormond, formerly Superintendent of Hawkes Bay, and at one time a Ministerial colleague of the present Colonial Treasurer, is said to be about to put himself forward, or to be put forward by others, as leader. His chance is even worse than Sir George Grey’s. Mr Ormond is a most peculiar man in many respects, and it was most undoubtedly his remarkable conduct which caused the downfall of the Atkinson Government in 1877. He had a little personal ven*geance to gratify, and it is now distinctly shown, beyond all question, that be deliberately exceeded the bounds of accuracy in the wanton and unmanly attack in the House, upon the victim of his malice. If there is one member more deservedly unpopular than another among those who have long held seats in the House, it is Mr Ormond. Judging from the unfavorable results produced by him during his Ministerial career, it is certain that he has not even an outside chance of becoming a successful leader, or in fact, a leader at all under any circumstances. Rumors have been floating about to the effect that Mr Stont, who foamerly held the portfolio of Attorney-General, was willing to contest a seat, with the intention, in the event of being returned, of leading the forlorn hope of the Opposition. Mr Stout is most unquestionably an able man, and is probably the best authority upon Supreme Court practice in the colony; but at the same time, possibly the most crotchety man in New Zealand. When in the House he was a most useful man to his party in Opposition. No statement could be put forward on the Government side, without receiving immediate contradiction from Mr Stout, who, with all the wiles which are said to pertain to members of the legal profession, did his best to make it appear that black was white. As soon however, as he became a Minister, he was, in debate, entirely out of place on very many occasions. He was frequently known, in cases where his colleagnes had introduced bills and there was no opposition from the other side of the House, to rise in his place and make the most furious attacks upon the measures. Such a man can hardly be said to be a fit leader of a party. The oft-repeated, statements that Sir Julius Vogel might, for a consideration, be induced again to visit these shores and to expel the present occupants of the Government benches from their position, is hardly worth a moment’s consideration, and with him our list of probable leaders ends. There are a few outsiders ambitions enough to aspire to leadership, but the coming man it not yet announced.