The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 1885.

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5158, 29 July 1885, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 1885.

The more recent defections from the ranks of Ministerial supporters sugar unfavorably for the immediate future of the fortunes of the Government, more especially as some of those who have severed their allegiance have not only been staunch followers of the present Administration ever since its occupation of ofice, bat in one or two instances members of some weight and influence in the House. Tbe first very serious step taken by the Ministry in a wrong direction was in the matter of its tariff proposals, which on all sides were condemned as belonging to the school of ultra protection. We have in the past contended that this and other young countries cannot thrive without industries, and the most practicable way to encourage the establishment of such things is by a judiciously moulded Customs Tariff, even putting aside the necessity of its existence for revenue purposes, but there is such a thing as going too far in euch a direction. After finding that their tariff would not " go down " the Governme&t sensibly withdrew it and' allowed things to remain almost as they were.' The next trouble of any great magnitude that assails them is owing to the attitude they teem to have taken up in connection with the East and West Coast (South Island) Railways, and if they stake their political existence on their present proposals in connection with this work, there is more than a strong probability that they will go out of office. But, revenons. The loss of such substantial support as that given them by Mr Ormond will be felt somewhat severely, as it means not only the vote and moral strength of an individual member, but of a small consistent following which that gentleman possesses in Parliament —the withdrawal of the friendship of Messrs Dargaville and G. P. Kichardson will also be felt. The desertion by the member for Oamaru (Mr Hislop), who owes his introduction to political life to Mr Stout, and who has ever been a strong adherent of the Premier and his principles is worthy of comment, while the defection of Capt. Sutter is ominous at the present time* owing to the general and cohesive character of the Canterbury support accorded to the Government. .Regarding Mr Hislop, it is more than probable that if there be truth in the recently circulated rumor to the effect that a strong " Young New Zealand " party is forming in House, it is with a view of entering its lists that the Oamaru member has notified tbe Premier of tbe withdrawal of his BUpport from the Ministry. There is plenty of material in the House to form a very strong combination of this character, and we are rather inclined to the belief that were such a party granted power, much practical business would result, and legislative old fogeyism and the whims of ancient politicians, have the opportunity of eDJoying a well deserved rest —at least for a session or two; the name of Mr Mitchelson having been mentioned as being likely to be entrusted to move a vote of no-confidence does anything but tend to dispel the belief that such a party is likely to be formed, and if a new Cabinet were to assume office, the members of the party would be largely represented in it. It is within the range of probability that important changes in the constitution of tho Government will be made before the session concludes, even if the Ministry be not defeated, and this " Young New Zealand " party will, we feel convinced, have some influence in making them. The present aspect of the political atmosphere is very murky indeed, and if Parliament will not, as it should, regulate affairs, it is very likely they will regulate themselves. Unless some very striking and popular coup be made by the Government to regain the support of those who have left their standard, there is every chance of others following suit, and as members meet and know each other more day by day, it may dawn upon a sufficiently large number to suddenly discover that there are in the House men capable of carrying on the affairs of the State other than those now entrusted with them.