THE POLITICAL CRISIS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1643, 6 October 1887, Page 2

THE POLITICAL CRISIS.

Wellington, Oct. 4, 11.45. The correspondent of the Press says : —To-day has represented the “ calm before the storm,” if any tempest at all be looming in the future. Hardly any memb-rs have yet arrived, and literally nothing has been done, or is doing, in Wellington, It is stated that Sir George Grey and his little party will support Major Atkinson in forming his administration. Everything, however, is virtually “hung up,” pending the mee ing called for to-morrow. Among the members at present in town the impression seems strong that Major Atkinson will succeed in constructing an administration likely to command fair support during this session, but all is mere conjeotare as yet. I understand that Sir F, Whitaker will be present at to-morrow’s meeting of the Opposition, to give the benefit of his advice and experience, and his skill in smoothing over minor differences. Sir Maurice O’Rorke will be re-elected bpeaker without opposition. It is understood some South Island member will be nominated in opposition to Mr Hamlin as Chairman of Committees. Sir George Grey has promised to support Major Atkinson. The Wanaka arrived from the South this afternoon with the Hon. Mr Taiaroa, and Messrs Ross, Taylor, McGregor, and Pearson. The members of the Stout Government remain hero till after the House meets. Major Atkinson returns from Nelson to-morrow forenoon. Should the Major undertake the task, it is expected that I)r Newman or Mr Beelham will represent Wellington as Postmaster-General. Mr Dovmie Stewart’s name is mentioned here as probable Attorney-General. Parliament will be opened by Commission, and as there is no Government, there will be no Address in Reply. Oct. 5. The meeting of the Opposition cannot be held to-day, and has been postponed till to-morrow or Friday. Major Atkinson to-day is closeted with such members of the Opposition, as are here, hut the proceedings are private. He will make a statement to the House to-morrow, and ask for an adjournment till 7.80 on Tuesday. He states that the replies he has received from various members of the party with whom he has communicated are extremely satisfactory, and the Opposition fully approve of the course adopted of calling a meeting for consultation before anything is done. Members of the House are now arriving in numbers, and there will probably be a majority of the House present for to-morrow’s ceremony.