No doubt it is Annoying.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, 28 February 1891, Page 2

No doubt it is Annoying.

: ♦ We can understand that Mr Goldie's resignation, and the determination of Sir George Grey to accept the seat thus left vacant, is particularly annoying to the Government, of which the Hon. Mr Ballance is the Premier. Up to the hour previous to Sir George Grey deciding, the Government appeared to have got everything their own way, and were settling down to make all things comfortable, especially themselves. The papers that support them have been drawing doleful pictures of the inconvenience Ministers suffered with the reduced salaries, and had kindly urged that now was a fitting time to increase them. Everything looked brighter for effecting such " a pleasant surprise," when the " Archskinflint," as Mr Goldie is described, had sent in his resignation. Now, of all men in the world to appear upon the scene, is that aged man, Sir George, a gentleman who failed to appreciate the work of the Hon. Mr Ballance when acting as his Treasurer. Sir George Grey will enter the House with a following, which, if not large, will yet be big enough to turn the voting for or against the Ministry. If hard words are used against this latest candidate for Parliamentary honours, we must bear in mind who uses them, and why they are used. It is not really against Sir George, but to in-

fluence the public in favour of the Government. Every -word uttered against this veteran statesman and true gentleman, goes to show upon what a small minority the present Government holds power. If, as some of our contemporaries think, Sir George Grey's return to the House will lead to "utter confusion," we may expect another election at an earlier date than has been anticipated. Knowing the objection members have to facing their constituents, we should not be surprised to find Sir George Grey's return to mean the defeat of the present Government and a strong new party formed.