POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2546, 19 August 1884, Page 2

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

[united press association.]

Wellington, August 16. Mr Stout returned from the South this afternoon, and between three and four o’clock the Ministry were sworn in.

August 17. A Gazette extraordinary published lane last evening contains the resignation of the Atkinson Ministry, and also the notification that his Excellency has been pleased to administer the oath of office to Sir Julius Vogel, K.C.M.G.; Robert Stout, Edward Richardson, C.M.G.; James Macandrew, William Montgomery, and John Ballance ; and swear them in members of the Executive Council of New Zealand ; and has fixed their order of precedence under Section 6 of “ The Civil List Act (1863), Amendment Act (1873),” as above.

ABOLITION OF THE GOLD DUTY,

A correspondent of the Grey River Argus telegraphed yesterday from Wellington : A meeting of the Goldfields’ members was held this morning. Mr Seddon was voted to the chair. The principal question was the abolition of the gold duty. All the members took part in the discussion, which lasted abbout an hour, when it was unanimously resolved that the Goldfields’ members form a deputation to wait upon the Minister of Mines to request Government to bring in a bill for the abolition of the Gold Duty in the South Island, and to provide for its permissive abolition in the North Island, This course was adopted in deference to the wishes of the North Island goldfields members. The Minister has since appointed tomorrow at noon to receive the deputation.

The political situation is unchanged. A great deal of lobbying is being actively carried on, and considerable speculation exists as to the strength of parties. Nothing will be done tomorrow except the delivery of the Governor's address.

The members of the West Coast did not meet to-day to discuss the political situation in consequence of Mr O’Conor not having yet returned to Wellington.