A Political Forecast.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3166, 12 April 1879, Page 3

A Political Forecast.

.A.correspondent of the New Zealand I Times; writes:—"As it is now being generally accepted by persons of erery shade of political opinion that the present Ministers' existence cannot extend beyond the first few days of next session, curiosity and tpeculation are being excited as to what will then take place. It is being very commonly supposed that there will be a dissolution of the House. As against {his it is well known that the new Governor is averse to dissolution except some good and substantial reasons can be given for such a course. And no reason can be given by the present Ministry beyond the fact that their attempt at legislation has been a failure, and their administration the most impotent and corrupt ever known in this country. Should they be attacked on the address, as no doubt they will be, with a direct no-confidence motion, the bill of indictment will be such that nothing can save them, while they will have nothing to go to the country on but broken pledges and unfulfilled promises, which I fear would be a bad passport to public confidence, and such a plea as the Governor ifflteiri well refuse to grant a dissolution oij After death—what then ? Who is to take their place ? That's the question ; there being, as is generally supposed, no organised Opposition. That supposition is only partly true, as will be seen on the meeting of the House. As to the coming men, if you are anxious to know, I will give you some idea. Leader and Premier, Hon. F. Whitaker. Notwithstanding bis having intimated that he does not intend, taking office; Colonial Secretary, Hon. J. Hall, and leader of the Legislative Council; Mr Stephens, of Cbristcburcb, Minister for Public Works; F. D. Ftnton, Chief Judge Native Lands Court, ffative Minister, to be called to the Comcil, or what is more probable, \i ill find i seat in the House of Representatives ; Major Atkinson, Treasurer; George HcLean, Commissioner of Customs. Tais leaves open the offices of PostmastavGeneral and Minister of Lands, oht of which would probably have been awaked to Mr Curtis, of Nelson, had he no.sold his own party in 1877, and sold himself to the present Governmeri in 1878. His repentance, though it be with tears, cannot be accepted. ?he rank and file of the House who will sojport the Government named

will set their faces dead against serving under any renegade. If one* 1, tlie portfolio of Postmaster-General.will (all to one or other of such men as Walter'Johnston, Captain Kenny, Woolcoek, Seymour, Fitzroy, or Wason. Eolleston, who would be a weakness to any Ministry, will make a good Speaker; and as Fifzherberfc has made up his mind, if possible, to obtain the Speaker's chair in the Upper House, there will be an opening for Eolleston.