The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays.) SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1879.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 466, 11 October 1879, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays.) SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1879.

After the No-Confidence motion was carried, Sir George was in no haste to resign. There was an evident clinging to the Treasury Benches with the tenacity of despair, or else an attempt to gain time for some deep design. We learn that His Excellency was pleased to intimate that, in his opinion, tho defeated Ministry should have resigned on Saturday—the day after their defeat —and not have waited till Monday ; thus wasting two days. The promises, •or threats, made during tho election by Sir George Grey, to the effect that he would resign immediately, if he found himself in tho minority, would certainly have led a visitant from some nnfallen world to expect more prompt action on the part of the dethroned autocrat; but, to us, who did not originate in such a world, it was a matter of surprise that he resigned as readily as he did. He is stated to have made one attempt to win over the Governor to some scheme, — which, however, failed; whereupon he tendered the resignation of his Cabinet. It had been determined that no advice should bo volunteered, but that, if His Excellency asked advice, ho should bo recommended to call Mr Macandrew. No advice being asked for, Sir George withdrew, and‘Mr Hall was soon in the Vice-Regal presence. But the Liberal party were not to be sat upon. It was resolved to make another bold stroke for office at once. Whether Sir George resigned the leadership of his party voluntarily, or whether the party deposed him by a No-Confidoncc vote, we do not at present know; but certain it is that Mr Macandrew is the present leader, or, at least, is to do what is never done except by the leader—move a vote of No-Confidence in the Hall Government. It is supposed that such men as Pyke and McCaughan will follow the lead of the Otago man, and thus make a Liberal majority; but it is possible the new leader may lose as many votes as he gains. Still, there can be no doubt of Mr Macaudrew’s popularity. If the Otago men had to choose between him and Mr Oliver, who is the representative of Dunedin in the Hall Government, they would, almost to a man, choose their old Superintendent; but, of course, it is not simply a question of men. There are principles at stake, and Otago is almost as unanimous against Greyism as Auckland is for it. Those who are not behind the scenes will be very anxious to know what will be the position of the ex-Premier in his own party. Will ho retire from the House, or become an ordinary member; or, in case of a victory for Macandrew, will be be a member of the Macandrew Government ; or, will he, in that case, contrive to seize the Premiership again ? This last may seem very improbable at first sight, but there are a few things to be borne in mind in considering it. In the first place, Sir George Grey believes in himself and in his mission to mankind ns thoroughly as Te Whiti believes in himself and in his mission to the Maoris, It will therefore be no modesty on his part that will prevent his aspiring to lead the House once more. In the second place, it would not be the first time that Sir George has used a cat’s-paw. When the Atkinson Government was overthrown, it was Mr Laruach who moved the Want-of-Con-fideuce motion. Nevertheless, Sir George contrived to become Premier—and this against the wish of many of the party he was to lead. To us, therefore—why, as we have stated, did not originate in an unfallen world —it would be no great wonder if the old knight, who at present

beads under the stroke of for time, should try again to — .. . clutch the golden key*, And mould a mighty Btate’s decrees, And shape the whispers of the throne-. The new Government will be greatly quizzed and very much described during the next few weeks. We also must be in fashion ; so, We will begin with the new Premier. Mr Hall is a Canterbury squatter, and is supposed to be a firstclass specimen of that species. He is reputed to be a courtly gentleman, who can be good fi lends with his enemies. Most observers, who watched his behaviour in the House, agree that it presented a very pleasing contrast to the behaviour of the leader of the Opposition in the late House. In his own country, he is supposed tcr'be a walking encyclopedia of political and Parliamentary knowledge. If he is not all this, it is not for lack of opportunity ; for it is twenty-three years since he first became a Minister of the Crown in New Zealand. He lias been five times in office. We believe that his health is not robust. Together with the Premiership, he will hold the Colonial Secretaryship, Major Atkinson, who is to bo Treasurer and Minister for Customs, will again be in his element. He is eminently Well qualified for the posts. When he was defeated two years ago, it was rumored that all manner of swindles had been unearthed by the Grey party, but the rumors and the swindles died away quickly when the new men began to un*derstand their business. Now it is the Major’s turn, and wo fully expect to hear something startling, which, however, will also prove to be lasting and true. No doubt the department is in a sad muddle; certainly it must have been neglected since the ejectment of Mr Ballance. It is a hard time for any one to become Treasurer; for the blame of what is owing to the world-wide depression of trade will be laid at his door. He will doubtless have to cope with an enormous deficit, and will also have some little difficulty with the Banks, as the Bank of New Zealand wishes to throw the Government patronage overboard. Mr Rolleston, Minister for Lands, for Immigration, and for Education, is the Macandrcw of Canterbury. He was for many years the Superintendent of that Province, and was deservedly popular for his sterling and manly qualities-. He is no great orator, but a plain, blunt man, that only speaks right ©n ; but ho has the faculty of saying something when ho speaks. He is a good hater, and if he hates one thing more than another that thing is Grey ism. Ho has pronounced squatocratic tendencies, and is not likely to introduce any “ bursting up” measures. Mr Hall has done wisely in choosing him instead of Wakefield. Mr Wakefield is infinitely superior to him in debate, but has not a tithe of the influence of Mr Rolleston. Mr Whitaker, who is called to the Upper House, and will be AttorneyGeneral, is a well-known man. In the Atkinson Administration, he was a prominent member, having precedence of the Premier at Government House. He is a man of undoubted ability, but has decided land ring propensities. Mr Bryce, the political chameleon, is to be Native Minister. This gentleman, as Darwinians say, has an “ invariable tendency to vary,” and should he prove as constant in his Native policy as ho has been in his party sympathies, no doubt there are happy days in store for this Coast. We hope for the best, and trust that with Tomoana, the native colleague, Mr Bryce will prove that he had a right to pass the severe strictures he has passed upon his predecessor. Wanganui must congratulate itself upon having a prominent member on both sides of the house—the one straining every nerve to hurl the other from office. It is the general opinion that tho Native Colleagueship was extemporised for the purpose of securing Tomoana’s vote ; it may be, however, that the new Native Minister is not sufficiently familiar with the Maori language and customs to bo able to undertake the office without a competent, and at the same time responsible colleague. Of Mr Oliver we know nothing, so that at least we know nothing to his discredit. It may be that not to know him argues ourselves unknown. We believe that he is new, or almost new, to political life, and we wonder not a little that Otago cannot provide either a Stout or a Macandrew for the Government which Ihe great majority of her people support, while she could provide both for the Government to which her people were opposed. The prospects of the Hall Ministry are not 'at the present moment of the brightest, but the most successful Government New Zealand has seen began with no better prospects. When Mr Vogel defeated Mr Stafford, he did so with a very narrow majority, and was speedily ejected from power by his rival; but he soon returned, and gathered strength every day, until only a shadow of Opposition remained.