POLITICAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1234, 2 September 1884, Page 2

POLITICAL.

Wellington, August 31. There is very little additional to report on the situation. The Hon. Major Atkinson tendered the resignation of his Ministry yesterday morning, and rumors were current that Sir Wui, Fitzherbert and the Hon. Mr Waterhouse had been summoned to Government House to advise bis Excellency in the matter. There is, however, no truth in these reports, as both 'those gentlemen named were out of town yesterday. Mr Stout had an interview with His Excellency this morning, which extended over three hours, and subsequently Major Atkinson visited Government House. Nothing, however, has transpired, and it is believed that both the interviews wers unofficial. Mr Ormond returned from Napier this morning. Sept 1. Mr Stout, who moved the no-confidenc® motion in the late Govo-i'ment, was summoned to Government House, and has undertaken the task of forming a new Administration. He is now in communication with the principal men of his own party. •' ‘ ■ The following telegram signed by six of Mr E. Wakefield’s supporters, was sent to that gentlemen on Eriday : —“ln joining Major Atkinson we think you bav® made a most unholy alliance, and hope vour Ministerial death will be sudden and complete.” The Lyttelton Times says a rat has been sent to him also. In Ashburton, Christchurch and Oaraam there was much enthusiasm displayed on the defeat of the Atkinson Government becoming known. On Saturday night the effigy of Mr John Grigg, Member for Wakanui, was mounted on a handcart, drasvn by two men who were so made up as to take the form of horses, and conveyed through the streets of Ashburton in front of a torchlight procession. .In the course of the march the processionists halted at the residence of Mr Ivess, the late member, calling foi three cheers for him and three groans for Grigg, whom they called a traitor. The effigy, after being carried round the various streets, was taken to Quill’s Hotel, where it was torn limb from limb by a few excited members of the community. The mutilated parts were collected, re-stuffed, and cairied to the front of the Somerset Hotel, where they wer® burned amid the execrations of tho«a present.