Resignation of Mr. Bryce.

Patea Mail, 13 January 1881, Page 3

Resignation of Mr. Bryce.

DIFFERENCES IN THE CABINET The Minister for Native Affairs, the Hon. Jolin Bryce, resigned office on Monday evening. He sent his resignation to the Premier at the close of a Cabinet meeting, and the resignation is accepted. The Government have put forth the following explanation : —“ The Hon Mr Bryce forwarded to the Premier his resignation as a member of the Ministry, in consequence of his colleagues refusing in Cabinet to accept his advice for the immediate adoption of active measures against Te Whiti. They contended they were under a pledge to Parliament to first endeavour to give full effect to the West Coast Commissioners’ recommendations. Mr Bryce quits the Ministry on perfectly friendly terms. Mr Rolleston will take charge of the Native Department.” Mr Bryce was requisitioned some days ago to address his constituents. It is more in accordance with bis habit to remain silent at present, so as not to embarrass his late colleagues. SUCCESSOR TO MR BRYCE. No successor had been appointed up to last evening. Dr Pollen’s name is canvassed as likely, in the event of Auckland influence prevailing. Mr Ormond may be expected to hold aloof at present. Si r William Fox is already Commissioner for Native Affairs, and it would be only a small step to make him Native MinisterProbably the clashing of these two offices has led to the resignation, though not the immediate cause of rupture. MAORIS AND MR. BRYCE. (Telegram from our Correspondent .) New Plymouth, Wednesday. Maoris at Parihaka are not surprised at Mr Bryce’s resignation. They say Te Whiti prophesied early in December that Mr Bryce would not be long in the Government, and therefore it would be no use talking to him. ASSAULT ON PARIHAKA. Wellington, Wednesday Night. The reason for the Native Minister’s resignation is summed up by the Evening Post thus : “ He proposed to the Cabinet that the advance on Parihaka, the military occupation of the place, and the arrest of Te Whiti, all of which he had for some time urged, should take place on the occasion of the monthly meeting at that place on the 17th instant. The members of the Ministry disapproving of this com® caused Mr. Bryce to throw up the sponge.”