A SARCASTIC CORRESPONDENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1114, 28 June 1883, Page 1

A SARCASTIC CORRESPONDENT.

A correspondent who sign 3 himself 'A thoroughgoing opponent o£ the WhitakerAtkinson Government,' writes to the Dunedin Star as follows :—' We were told a day or two ago that this next session will see the present Government with a majority of ten, but 1 know to the contrary, for we have counted noses, and out the Government will shortly go. Perhaps you would like me to tell you when and upon what motion. vVeli that's our business, and I am uot going to reveal secrets ; but us it may prevent disappointment to some of ihe aspirants for office, it lias been decided, at a email caucus, that it mny be as well to indicate the new Ministry. Let it be understood at once that Sir George Grey and Mr Macandrew are going to remain in the back-ground—-the former being permitted to nominate two, and the latter one member of the Cabinet. Colonial Treasurer, F. J. Moss ; Native Affairs, C. A. DeLautour (Grey's nominees) ; Customs aud Post, W. Barron (Mac's nominee) ; Works, H. S. Fish (his own nominee) ; Attorney-General, Johu Holmes ; Lands and Education (also leader of the House .of Representatives), W. Montgomeiy ; Minns, R. J. Seddon; Colonial Secretary and Premier, Hon. Sir George Wliitmore. That is the ticket as arranged. Now, sir, we are sorry that some Very worthy men are left out, but we could scarcely expect to place mora than eight paid Ministers on the benches ; and as it is we may be obliged to screw the salary of one of them out of the wages of the railway men, or placa it somewhere as a charge on the Native Department. We, however hope to make some amends for these by carrying a Payment of Members Bill, allowing £3OO « year and placing prominent men as Chairmen of various Committees, instead of such incompetents as at present occupy these positions. To each of these an extra £IOO a year will be voted on the Estimates. It is not quite decided, but probable, that Sir Maurice O'Rorke will be called to the Upper House to fill the Speaker's chair there, Sir W. Fitzherbert retiring on a well-earned pension. Mr J. W. Thomson will be the Dew Speaker, and will likely be knighted."