BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1050, 28 February 1873, Page 2

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

(FKOM Oim OWN CORBESPOXDENTS.) IMPORTANT NEWS FROM THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT. MINISTERIAL CRISIS. WELLINGTON. Feb. 2G Mr Waterhouse has resigned the Premiership. The principal reason he gives is that he was not aware that Mr Hall would resign and go home, whilst such fact was well known to Mr Vogel when forming the Government. The Governor has endeavored to persuade him to reconsider his decision, but without success. The Governor sent for Mr Fox who arrived last night, and has since been in close consultation. Mr Fox refuses to accept the responsible duty. Mr Waterhouse only resigns the Colonial Secretaryship. The Governor objects to receive it on the grounds of Mr Waterhouse being Premier, the acceptance of his resignation would involve the resignation of the whole Ministry. The reply made is that as Mr Vogel formed the present one he is competent to supply the vacancy caused by Mr Waterbouse's resignation. The Governor has proposed to assemble Parliament. Mr Waterhouse has declined this, but offered to accompany the Governor to meet Mr Vogel on his arrival, xo consult as to the best steps to carry on public business. The Governor has insisted that the question should he settled immediately. It is considered probable that Mr Fox will not accept office, and it is therefore impossible to predict the result of the crisis. The complication is increased by the news that Mr Vogel is seriously ill. His medical advisers recommend retirement from public life. Private advices from Sydney state that after the Conference closed arrangements were made by Mr Vogel with Queensland and New South Wales Governments to give united guarantee towards a cable from Singapore to Norman River, and from Australia to New Zealand: Owing to crisis it is believed the Governor's departure will be delayed. Feb. 27. Mr Hartman, the manager of the Steam Navigation Co., says the Grey coal is equal if not superior to Newcastle coal. Four tons coal given him by the managers of the Ngakawhau mine have been placed aboard the s.s. Wellington to give it a fair trial. He says the Buller must eventually be the principal mining district, owing to the great facilities for loading coal. Brogden's tender for Brunner Railway was put in to-day. NELSON. Feb. 27. The Inland Communication Committee last evening adopted a report approving of formation of a company to construct a railway from Foxhill to Brunnerton. taking in payment nine hundred thousand acres from the province, and also the Brunner mine. TIMARU. Feb. 27. Mr Stafford addressed his constituents here last night. The Mayor in the chair. He (Mr Stafford) alluded to the prosperity of Timaru. Reviewing the session of 1872, he said a great diversity of opinion upon the railway question existed until the Estimates were brought down when each party offered him support. The Education Bill had passed the second reading, but met with insufficient attention. Gisborne had proposed to members to bring forward any railway they chose. He denounced the political railways as causing dissatisfaction and expressed opinion that the immigration and postal schemes were unsatisfactory to people. Timaru

would share the same as other provinces re railways. According to Ormond's estimates, two millions more are wanted to carry out authorised works. The estimated revenue was £1,000,000, debt £10,000,000, interest, annually, £600,000. It was ominous that the newspapers were mooting taxation, but he did not, however, despair for the future of the colony. All were going in for railways, hoping to share in the plunder. He did not think it possible only one man could keep peace with the natives. He (Mr Stafford) could have remained in office if he had chosen to use the proper means. He referred to the necessity for defining Provincial and General G-overnment powers. He did not think it necessary to allude to the future policy. He was ready to answer the questions of electors. At conclusion of speech he was loudly cheered. AUCKLAND. Feb. 27. The Herald severely attacks Mr Waterhouse for resigning while his colleagues were absent, and says he knew of the arrangement with Mr Shephard to join the Ministry before he took office. The Cross says the only reputation injured "will be Mr Waterhouse's. The Ministry will not suffer. DUNEDIN". The Otago freight association will be wound up. Cyrus Haley, the notorious Auckland convict, attempted to escape from gaol on Sunday, but was followed by the warders and recaptured. He had concealed a complete disguise, and constructed false whiskers and moustache.