Backing Down.

Manawatu Herald, 23 June 1892, Page 2

Backing Down.

It is an old story, the attempt made by the Ministry to get Lord Onslow to appoint a large number of the followers of the Government to the Legislative Council. On the authority of the Ministerial newspaper it is stated "It is understood that the Gavernment has requested the Governor .to make a certain number of appointments to the Legislative Council, with the result that there is an irreconcileable difference of opinion between His Excellency and his responsible advisers as to the number to be appointed." No resignation of the Ministry need be feared, for though, when ruffled at Lord Onslow's refusal to act upon their advice, Ministers let it be understood that they then took no decided action to assert their authority, as it might occasion Lord Onslow great inconvenience to remain in the Colony whilst a general election was held, yet now his successor is here, and in no hurry to leave, they have other excuses to make to retain place and pay. The N.Z. limes in a leader yesterday becomes their apologist. The difference between Ministers and the Governor is, according to the above authority " the

same kind of difference which occurred between the Government and Lord Onslow before nis departure," yet it declares that the Governor "is apt yet sufficiently acquainted with the state of politics to be able to tread firmly on the ground, which his predecessor, in spite of his superior experience, found difficult." What a ( pretty reason, because, being plainly interpreted, it means, the Government rushed the new Governor, before he was " sufficiently acquainted with politics," to make appointments td the Council which the last Governor* " haying superior experience '' refused ! Now that Sis Excellency has declined to accept the advice of his Advisers, they will take no notice of the matter, will charitably pass the affront on the ground that "he knows not what he does," he is so inexperienced, it would really not be fair to worry him by resigning. The apologist says " there are reasons why he (the Governor) should be given time to make himself better acquainted with the aspect of our public affairs." . Is'nt it rather a pity this was not thought of before ? And again, the best for the last " No one will, we feel sure, blame his Advisers for taking the considerate view " for themselves ? Happy Government, for not only getting so well out of awkward places, but for having such an able exponent of the bright side only (?) of their blunders .