The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Ressurexi. THURSDAY, JULY 31, 1884.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4854, 31 July 1884, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Ressurexi. THURSDAY, JULY 31, 1884.

The political plot is thickening, and although it is by jio means a task without difficulty to, with "any degree of certainty, indicate what direction tho climax will take, we think that there is every likelihood of our previous prognostications not being very wide of the mark. In our issues of the sth' and 9th mats.; we pointed out the strong probability of a Coalition Ministry assuming the reins of the State, and endeavored to show the likely direction such an amalgamation would take, naming ccr tain men who were not then in the House as being, more than probably, the coming men in the next administration. Since then

the elections.hare .taken place, and those mentioned by us have been returned, giv* ing—as far as we can see —still stronger evidence of the probability of our conjectures proving in the end correct. In 'considering the elements likely to form a coalilion Ministry important considerations are involved, yet the difficulties attendant on the feat—as it may appear to some—are not, when thoughtfully considered, insurmountable. 'It will be remembered that the present Ministry consists of Messrs Atkinson, Bryce, Dick, Mitchelson, Oliver, and Rolleston. Of these Mr Dick has been left out in the cold by his late constituency, and is thus disposed of. It is necessary that other members of the Ministry should be replaced by more powerful men from the other parties in the House, and it is, perhaps, a disagree - able task, but nevertheless it is a stern duty, to decide who isto stand aside and make way for politically stronger and abler men, who would be likely to have the. confidence of the House generally, and a following in it. Wo first come to Mr Connolly, the representative for Picton. This gentleman has been a careful, honest, and straightforward politician, but this is not enough, his ability is not above mediocrity, and he^was never made to be a leader of men, he has "been a certain source of weakness to his colleagues ever since his accession to office, and a much more powerful man could be secured to replace him'in the newly elected member for Dunedin East—Mr Stout. MrEolleston, who has been frequently and not inaptly termed " the lob lolly boy of the Government," has never astounded the House or country so far; he has been all that could be desired as a private member, but certainly lends no. strength to his fellow Ministers; there can ,be no doubt that more is required in a Minister. Mr Oliver, as Upper House representative, need not be referred to directly, as he bas no vote in the popular chamber; but indirectly be could and should be a source of strength to his party, yet he is not, and in any ro construction he would be very unlikely, to have a p^ce. As Upper House 'representative of the Ministry no wiser, choice could be made than Dr Pollen, if that gentleman would consent to fill the position. This leaves, of the present administration' Messrs Atkinson, Bryce, 'and Mitchelson, who might we think be—with advantage —retained, in any re-formed Ministry. Ihey have shown not only administrative ability' of a high order, but have frequently proved themselves to possess personally a large amount of the confidence of members on both sides of the House. In addition to this trio, were negotiations entered into, and successfully carried out by which, as well as Mr Stout's, the adhesion to the party of Sir Julius Vogel- and Messrs Ormond, Eichardson aud Ballance were secured, such a phalanx would be formed as would command a very strong following in the House, and from tho well known ability of each of those mentioned, possess the confidence of the electors of the colony. There are few reasons why such a combination should not bo made, as there are not any important matters of policy likely to. divide' those members. Some ■ unpleasant things have been, said by Sir Julius Yogel of Major Atkinson, and the Utter has returned tho compliment, butthese things should be of no moment when the prosperity of the colony is in , the balance. We are - inclined to the belief -that the rumors now in circulation on the subject are not foundstionless ;'thal the reports of negotiations being afoot with a view to ■ bring about a

Vogel-Atlcicson Conference—having for its object Coalition—are true, and that they will come to a successful issue.