THE MINISTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 1 July 1890, Page 2

THE MINISTRY.

SIR HAKRY ATKINSON TO REMAIN IN OFFICE. Sir Hairy Atkinson's lad health having recently necessiated his virtual retirement from active work of any kind in the House, a ime ing of " members who usually support the Government " was held in the Parlimetttary BiuMings nt 10.30 yesteriJny morning " to consider business of importance and urgency." The f.)l owing gtMitlein-n were present : — Sir M^nrioft O'Roike, Sir Harry At kinson. SirJoh-i Hali, Messrs Arthur Alien, Beetham, l?arron,Bf«CGfßryce Kuchanan, Carro', Cowan, Dodsou, Ferirus, Fish, Dr Hrdgkinson, Fulton (xoldio. Hnnilin, Harkness, Humphries, TCislop, Hohbs, I»ard, Lawry Mantoa'h, Maoaithur. Soubio, Mac kangi©, T, M*ekepm«. Mitohelion, Mflftt, Mntclvant, McGregor. Ormond

Peacock, Pyke, Rhodes, Eichardson, Captain Basse!, Boss, Seymonr, Downey Stewart, Ta.pua, Tanner, T. Thompson, R Thompson, Valentine, Wiijta, Wi!?on, and Withy. Mr Fu ton was voted to the chair. In addition to these 51 members four others — Dr Newman, Mr Monk, Mr "auuders and Mr Anderson — were " accounted for," bringing up the total to 55, from which, of course, tbr Speaker is deducted. The Premier began the proceed' ings by saying thar he had been com* pel)«d to call the party together in consequence of the condition of his health- By persevering he was ab t to pu 1 through last session, but at the end of it he absolutely broke down, and now he was unable to go on with the active work of the Pre* mienhip His illness.so the doctor told him, was nervous exhaustion ; the arteries having becom* hardened and inelastic, his heart had more work required of it, and he might if he persisted in exciting or hard work be any time stricken with paralysis or apoplexy. On Wednesday, for instance, his medical advisers said they would not be responsible for his life if he read the Financial State ment In view of these circum* stances, he desired to place hiuuelf unreservedly in th« hands of the party, and was willing to do any thing he could for it and the country or to assist in maintaining good Go vernment. It was open to him either to send in his resignation or to re* main nominal head of the Ministry, advising his co leagues ; and in either way he was willing to do what the party wished. Asked what his own wish, was, Sir Harry taid itwaa hard* ly fair to ask him that after the ex* planation he had just given. He then retired, leaving tht party to decide the question. Mr Pyke moved that Sir Harry Atkinson should be aßked to retain his position as Premier, only refraining from personal and active eer vie»a in the House in consequence of the state of his heath. Mr Scobi* Mackenzie, while he was quite willing to assist the party thought it was hardly doing a kind, ness to the Premier to ask him to remain in office The Colonial Secretary explained with respect to a remark that had been made about Sir Harry Atkinson i being '• nominally " Premier, that the expression was unfortunate, because the Premier would actually be the party, always at hand with ad« vice and assistance, and as often as possible with his presence. Thfl Native Minister (Mr Mitchellson) m answer to a question as to who was to lead the House, said it was a matter fof the Cabinet to con* sider, and that events would develop themselves in a few daysMr Bryce said he would cordial 1 )' assist to give effect to the proposal, although the party took a great responsibility in asking the Premier to take the position suggested. Mr Barron thought too much was l>eing asked of Sir Harry Atkinson, and that the country should have nn active Premier who conld take his place as lender of 'he House. After further discussion the motion was carried with one dissentient, Mr Barron— N Z Times.