Untitled

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1094, 21 October 1879, Page 2

Ct'Kiocs rumours appear to be afloat in Wellington. For instance, we have already heard that overtures were made by the Government side, the Hon. Robert Campbell being the mouthpiece, to have a coalition Ministry formed. That proposal was scontod by the committee of management of the Opposition party. Now we are told that the Opposition have offered to take Messrs. Bryce and Rolleston into a Ministry tinder Mr. Maoandrew ; but we can scarcely believe that there is any truth in the report, for, though Mr. Macamlrew might be willing to accept Mr. Bryce as a colleague, lie would scarcely be likely to ally himself with that opponent of all men, Mr. Rolleston. But the strangest of all the rumors is one to the effect that "an entirely new construction of the Ministry should take place under Mr. Whitaker, sen., as Premier ; the new Ministry to con-

sist of eight members, four to be chosen by each side."' Hero is an astounding item. Mr. Frederick Whitakcr, the outcast of Eden, form a coalition Ministry and become Premier ! The force of folly can no further go. Yet we are told that the proposal has been seriously.discussed by the private members of Parliament. Fortunately, however, the leaders of the House have made no sign of taking so extraordinary a step. The thinir is too ridiculous for serious contemplation. The (. oiouy would not be satisfied with so absurd an arrangement, for it has had more than enough of such men as Mr. Whitaker, and would gladly relegate such venerable fossils to the cool shades of private life. It seems to us that the major portion of the hundred and odd members of Parliament have suddenly become Cabinet-makers, and that they are driving the country to despair with the absurd specimens of their handiwork. What a master hand must have designed this precious Cabinet with Mr. Whitaker as the chief adornment!