POLITICAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2154, 24 January 1891, Page 2

POLITICAL.

We clinch ok, Jan. 21. The process Jby which the difficulty of calling Sir Harry Atkinson to the Upper House without reconstructing the* Ministry is as follows The Premier sent in his resignation to-day. He is still, however, Premier, and the Ministry is not obliged to resign. On Friday the Premier resigns his position as head of the Government, which entails the resignation of the rest of Cabinet, and the Governor will immediately appoint Sir Harry Atkinson Speaker of the Legislative Council. The following are the gentlemen whom the Government have determined to call to the Legislative Council: —Messrs Ormond, Fulton, Bowen, Whyte, Downie Stewart, and J. C. Johnston, of Wellington. It is pretty certain that Mr Rolleston will be nominated for the Speakership of the House. A meeting of the Government party was held this afternoon. It is understood that the Premier made a statement explaining the course which the Government had adopted, and the course which he thought the party should adopt in the future. He informed the meeting that his health prevented his retaining the position of leader of the party any longer, and mentioned his appointment as a member of the Legislative Council and to the Speakership of that Chamber. He referred to the appointments to the Council, and justified them on the ground that it was necessary for the reform of that body, explaining that those who had been appointed were pledged to suppert such reform. Two or three of those present spoke strongly against the action of the Government in making these appointments, but Sir Harry Atkinson’s appointment to the Speakership of the Council met with the hearty approval of the meeting. Mr O’Connor said he could not support Mr Eolleston for the Speakership as he was pledged to Major Steward. The Commissioners who will open Parliament are Sir H. Atkinson, Sir Frederick Whitaker, the Hon, E. Stevens, and the Hon. W. H. Baillie, members of the Legislative Council. Jan. 22. A memorial is being signed by members of the House protesting against the appointments to the Legislative Council. It will be presented to the Governor on his arrival to-morrow, At a meeting of the members of the Opposition party this morning 32 were present, and six more claimed to be accounted for. Mr Ballance was elected leader of the Opposition, and it was decided that Major Steward should be their nominee for the Speakership, The Opposition count on 37 votes for Major Steward, Mr George Fisher is named as likely to be the Opposition nominee for the Chairmanship of Committees.