GOVERNMENT CHANGES.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 498, 1 May 1869, Page 2

GOVERNMENT CHANGES.

The Wellington correspondent of the Otago Daily Times gives the folfowing gossip with regard to probable changes in the Government: —The House is to meet on the 7th June, and all kinds of probabilities are being anxiously discussed. Some, of course, doom the present Government without hope of redemption; but I doubt whether they will prove true prophets. That the Ministry, as it at present stands, might not be able to keep its position, is very likely looking at recent elections; but still, even that is by no means certain, for it will be reinforced by Mr Fitzherbert, who is of himself a tower of strength to any Ministry, being as clear-sighted in the Cabinet as he is effective in debate. Four of the newly elected members are " dark horses," not to be counted on with certainty by either side, and some of the most moderate opposition members would probably be indisposed to effect any radical change, looking at the present crisis of affairs. Eumour speaks of a coalition ministry, and I should not be at all surprised if this rumour turns out to have some foundation in fact, and that either on the House meeting or very soon afterwards, it will be announced that some of the moderate men of Mr Fox's party —Travers, Stevens, Eolleston, or men like them have taken office. It is even hinted at that Mr Fox himself might be prevailed upon to take a seat in the Cabinet without office, but with succession to the Premiership at the end of the session, when Mr Staffard vacates that office, for the purpose of paying a long contemplated visit to England. I give these merely as rumors which are flying about, but many men who ought to know seem to regard the events indicated as being at least within the range of possibility, if not probability.