SCENE BETWEEN THE PREMIER AND TREASURER.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1096, 3 July 1879, Page 2

SCENE BETWEEN THE PREMIER AND TREASURER.

[From the Own Correspondent of the 'Herald.']

WELLINGTON, Monday.

It has been notorious for some time that tho relations between Mr Ball ance and the' Premier had been far from cordial. Ever since Sir George Grey returned from Auckland the breach has been Avidening, siuco that scarcely any Cabinet meetings have been held. The Premier has been sending for his celleagus individually, telling them what he has decided and thinks should be done, and insists m carrying out his views, but giving them no opportunity of collectively discussing the subjects. Mr Ballance and others have warmly remonstrated, but without effect. Since Mr Stouts resignation, and the question of supplying his place has arisen, things have gone worse.

On Friday afternoon, while engaged with Mr Under-Secretary Gavin of the Treasury, Mr Ballance received a message that the Premier wished to see him. Asking Mr Gavin to wait, Mr Ballance went to the Premier's room. After about a quarter of an hour, Sir George Grey rushed out of his room m a most excited state, crossed the passage, and entered Mr E. Fox',s room opposite, slamming both doors after him. A few seconds after Mr Ballance emerged from the room, trembling with suppressed excitement, and apparently restrained by Mr Sheehan, whose hand was on his shoulder. Mr Sheehan went back, and Mr Ballance went to his*bwn room.

It has since transpired that what took place m the room was this :— Sir Georgs Grey had before him the Treasury departmental draft estimates, prepared by Mr Ballance. Heretofore, since Sir lulius Vogel's time, the salary of Mr E. B. Fox has been charged to the Treasury, as confidential secretary to the Treasurer. As a matter of fact, Mr Fox has long ceased to have any connection with either Treasurer or Treasury, being confidential secretary to the Cabinet and Premier. In preparing his departmental estimates, Mr Ballance struck Mr Pox out of the Treasury, and put him down at the same salary as secretary to the Cabinet. When Mr Ballance came into the Premier's room, Mr Sheehan being present, Sir George pointing to the transfer items, said to Mr Ballance, "If this kind of thing is to be done, I shall take the Treasury iuto my own hands.'' Mr. Ballance attempted to explain his reasons, but Sir George refused to listen, and told Mr Ballance he was not to talk to him, but to do as he was told. Mr Ballance replied, that he understood it to be the duty of every Minister to prepare his own departmental estimates for submission to the Cabinet, and it was for the Cabinet to revise them, adding, that if the Cabinet chose to charge Mr Fox's salary to a department with which Mr Fox had no connection, he of course, could not object. Sir George Grey declared that this was an insult to him, the Premier, that he would not be talked to, and after some further strongly condemnatory language addressed to Mr Ballance, the Premier said, " Leave the room, sir." Mr Ballance, although excited, was cahn, and said he certainly would not leave the room. He had been sent for, and as loug as he was a member of the Ministry, he would certainly claim the right of free discussion with all his solleagues from the Premier downwards. Mr Sheehan interfered, and tried to throw oil on tho troubled waters, but without effect. Sir George Grey deolared.that if Mr Ballance did not leave the room, he would send for a messenger to have him forcibly ej ected. Mr Ballance declined to move if all the messengers m the buildings were summoned, whereupon Sir George Grey rose and said he would not stay iv that or any room with Mr Ballance, and he rushed out as already detailed.

WELLINGTON, Tuesday.

The reduction of wages determined upon by the owners of tho steamors belonging to this port lias created great discontent among the omployccs. After much discussion, and some ineffectual attempts to obtain a revisal of the decision come to by the employers, a strike has been resolved on, and to-day carried into effect — ail the bauds on board the steamers Rangatira, Huda, and Tui, now m harbour, struck work. Those ou board the Jane Douglas will follow their example so soon as they have finished discharging that vessel, and it is understood that those belonging to the Manawatu, now away at Wanganui, will strike directly the steamer returns to port, An amicable settlement is, however, probable. It is stated positively that Sir George Grey has pledged himself not to offer either of the vacant seats m the Ministry to any Auckland members, and overtures aro believed to have been made to Mr Moorhouse to accept o ue 0 f them, but it is not probable that he will accept it. The Premieis it fc sfca t ed) has communicated with Colonel Whitmore m regard to the accounts which have been published of the affair between himself and Mr Ballance, which has led to the resignation of the latter. The Premier states that some of the assertions made are incorrect, and lie asks Colonel Whitmore to suspend his judgment until his arrival m Wellington. Mr Wakefield, member for Geraldine, is spoken of as the possible successor to Mr Ballance. His capacities as a financier are as yet untried, but he would be useful to the Ministry, as they are weak m debating power. Mr Wakefield has committed himself to the Opposition, but office might tempt him to join the present Ministry. •

Since Friday the other Ministers have, been trying to make up the mooter /%jl it is understood that the Premier was willing to make a sort of apology to Mr Ballance, but the latter, feeling it was impossible to remain m the Ministry after what had occurred, put all his papers m order this morning, and then scut iv his resignation.

FURTHER VKOBAULE RESIGNATIONS.

It is thought very probable that other Ministers will follow Mr Ballance's example. Mr Macandivw is believed to have ridden out to the Hutt this evening, to consult with Sir William Fitzhorbcrfc as to tho course ho should take ; and if ho determines to resign, as is most probable, Mr Sheflhan and Mr Fisher will also follow.

It is stated that Sir George Grey has declared that he cares not if they all resign. Ho can find plenty of men to form a Ministry which Avill carry out his principles. There is considerable excite."* ment ju thq city ou the subject,