Manamatu Herald. FRIDAY. JUNE 27, 1879. THE COMING SESSION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 86, 27 June 1879, Page 2

Manamatu Herald. FRIDAY. JUNE 27, 1879. THE COMING SESSION.

Now that the session is about to begin, the political air is full of rumours regarding its probable effect upon the administration of tho country. The Ministry have undoubtedly lost a strong pillar by the resignation of Mr Stout, as his splendid debating powers have often cowed their adversaries, and shielded them when in retreat. At the same time, it is doubtful if even his assistance would have sheltered them from the fierce attacks that await them. The Native Policy of the Government has been a lamentable failure, chiefly owing to the foolisa action of the Native Minister, who has over-calculated his own influence with the natives, and under-calcu-lated their strength and opposition. When the House meets, the country will be on the threshold of war, if it is not already declared. The relations with the King natives are dis* affected and sullen, and generally the felling between the two races is most unsatisfactory. Against this, the Up position will fling their forces, as being the weakest part of the Ministerial fortress. But the Opposition is lamentably deficient in representative men and Sir Win. Fox, Major Atkinson, and Mr Woterhouse, are probably the only gentlemen Parliament would think of entrusting the leadership to. On the other hand, the Government is led by a Premier who is a veteran in diplomacy, and a match for any man in the country, at " sci« entific statesmanship." In the toisdoni of itfr George Grey lies the strength of his party, and we shall not be in the least surprised if it pulls the Ministry through their troubles. It is a matter for deep regret that there is such a lack of good men on the Opposition side of the House. Stafford, and Vo*el have left it for other scenes. Sir William Fox's teetotal proclivities are certain to give a bias to his views upon general questions, whilst Major Atkinson never held the Premiership as the gift of the House, but was promoted to it when Sir Julius Yogel resigned. The session will doubtless be a short and stormy one, as a dissolution will in all probability take place directly the Electoral and Eedistribution of Seats Bills are passed. However, as Parliament opens on the 11th of July, we shall soon know what the future holds.