THE PREMIER'S ASPIRATIONS. (BY TELEGRAPH—" STAR" CORRESPONDENT.) Wellington, Feb. 15.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 242, 18 February 1888, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE PREMIER'S ASPIRATIONS. (BY TELEGRAPH — " STAR" CORRESPONDENT.) Wellington, Feb. 15.

The " Post" firmly believes that an effort) will bo made to install Sir John Hall in the Premiership if Major Atkinson goes Home, as it feels convinced he will, to succeed Sir Dillon Bell as Agent-General. The "Post" considers Captain Russoll, who will return from England in time for next session, would be the safest man to hold the Premiership. The article concludes : " Members will have to be on the alert next session, and demand early and definite information regarding the AgentGeneralship. It will nob do to let the prorogation take place without absolute knowledge of whether Atkinson intends to take oilice or not. No doubt he would like to get the session over, and then resign, and recommend the Go\ ernment to send for Hall to reconstruct the Cabinet, on the understanding that the first act would be to appoint him Agent-General. The House, however, is not likely to allow a nice little family arrangement of this kind being carried out. We do not think there will bo much objection to his being made Agent-General, although he posseses many disqualifications as well as many high qualifications for this important office. On the whole, however, it might, be difficult to find a better man for the position, and there are a great many who would be glad to see him,' out of political power in the colony on almost any terms. Possibly his political foes would be even more ready to expedite his attainment to the AgencyGeneral than his friends, but if ho gets it the House will claim the right to determine for itself who shall succeed to the Premiership. The present occupant of the positionwill not be permitted to nominate his successor or to will tho office to anyone helikes. Any intrigue to secure the reversionto Hall will most certainly fail."