THE STATE OF PARTIES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1669, 6 December 1887, Page 3

THE STATE OF PARTIES.

The correspondent of the Otago Daily Times says:—“ On every division the Government commanded an overwhelming majority, proving convulsively that they can carry all their measures with the greatest possible ease. At the beginning of the session Sir J. Yogel had a personal following of 28, but it has dwindled down to very small proportions. Tho secret of this defection is not to be attributed to Major Atkinson’s popularity, but to the fact that Sir Julius Yogel is out of touch with a considerable number of those gentleman who Utterly belonged to the Stout-Yogel party. He is prevented by his infirmity from moving among members and exercising that influence which under other circumstances he would possess. He is not thoroughly acquainted with the sentiments which actuate the most thoughtful members of the Opposition, and he is prone to exaggerate the position he occupies in the House. That he is a power yet in Parliament cannot be doubted, and though he is unable to assail with success the Ministerial stronghold, his indomitable'pluck never forsakes him. Although he has lost his control over the Opposition for the present, his mental elasticity and originality of resource must bring him again to the front, unless a stronger man than either Major Atkinson or himself starts up to mould legislative thought and to inspire public opinion. For the present, however, Major Atkinson is king of the castle, as they say in the story books, and he has the power in his hands of effecting very great reforms if he so wills it, For many years past there has not been a Premier m this colony with such a large following. As regards the first steps taken in the policy of retrenchment, the new men have supported him faithfully, and if he and his Ministry pursue the lines they hare chalked out for themselves there can he little doubt they will have ample assistance in the present House to carry their reforms to a successful issue. Major Atkinson’s great strength lies firstly in Sir Julius Yogel’s weakness, * wifl secondly in the personal popularity of some of his colleagues. Kr Mitchelson commands the bulk of the Auckland members on account of the high esteem in which he is held by them. In this respect he is the strongest man in the Ministry. Then, again, be has never made an enemy in the House, and this circumstance adds to hii influence. At the present juncture the Auckland Protectionists and Southern Independents hold the balance of power, and the first named are influenced in their support of the Government out of friendship for Mr Mitchelson, while the latter vote with the Ministry from dislike to Sir J. Vogel and his policy. If Major Atkinson imagines for an instant that he holds the reign of power through his own personal influence, he is greatly mistaken. Those members who are the readiest to acknowledge the Piemier’s wonderful industry and great ability are often the foremost to condemn his domineering tactics in the House. If Major Atkinson could only borrow a little of Sir John Hall’s suavity and a- trifle of Sir Julius

Vogel’s courtesy, when the latter gentleman is not out of sorts, he would be able to wield an enormous influence over others. An observer perched up in the press gallery has better opportunities of forming an accurate opinion of the actions and demeanor of hon. members occupying leading positions on both sides of the House than is afforded to the rank and file of the Legislature. The reporter is always at his post, while the representatives of the people are not always at theirs. Then, again, the legislator is generally engaged in considering his notices, bills, or fads, as the case may be, while the special correspondent devotes his entire attention to picking up points and taking stock of the House. He occupies a vantage ground from which he can take a pretty correct bird’s-eye view ef parties.