LATEST POLITICAL NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1887, 9 August 1884, Page 2

LATEST POLITICAL NEWS.

The Ministerial Statement. [by telegraph.— special correspondent.] Wellington, Friday Night. There was a very full House this afternoon in anticipation of the Ministerial statement promised by the Premier, ami expectation was on tiptoe, not as to the statement, which has been pretty well known for the last day or two, but as to whether or not the Premier had recommended the name of any other gentleman to his Excellency. A feeling almost of relief was experienced when Major Atkinson stated that, as he had not been asked to advise the Governor, he had adopted the nsiiiil constitutional practice of a Minister in his position, and had not tendered any advice, but had simp'y placed his resignation in his Excellency's hands. He added that the Government only held office until their successors were appointed.

Sir Julius Vogel. Sir Julius Vogel was present, and took the oath with his hat on, according to Hebrew custom. Sir Julius is still unable to stand on his feet, and wheeled himself into the House in the chair he has brought with him from England. He looked ill and worn, but his mind is said to be as vigorous as of old On making his appearance in the House he was greeted with cheeis, but not very hearty ones.

Mr Ormond. MrOrimoncl was sworn in at the same time as Sir Julius, which is in itself lather a remarkable coincidence, botli nentleman having held such prominent positions in the past, and both returning to Parliament together after an absence of a- considbtable length of time, especially in the case of Sir Julius Vogel.

The Situation. Nothing as yet lias publicly transpired as to the political situation The leport that has been bo in'hibtiiously ciicul.ited during the day that Mr Ormond has been sent for by hi-, Excellency is alto gether without foundation It is almost, however, a matter of oertnnty that by to-moitow looming it will b- .uinouncud that Sir Julius Voyel ins been sent for, .md lus undertaken to form a Ministry. Nothing ii known as to who will be his colleagues, but it is understood that Mr Stout will certainly tike offica under him. The selection of the remainder of his colleagues will no doubt depend on the development of >n Julius' policy, but they are likely to be chosen mainly from the old section of the Opposition. With respect to Mr Ormond's position, I may state that communications have passed between him and Sir Julius Vogel, and although he is not likely to take office m his (Sir Julius') Government, fiicndly relations will probably exist between them if the policy is at all such as Mr Ormond can support.

Sir G. Grey. Amongst other improbable rumours going about the lobbies is one th.it Sir Geo. Grey is auxious to go Home as Agent-Geneial, in order to pay off an old grudge lie owes Lotd Derby and the Colonial Office. Sir Dillon Bell hayS consented to act for two years longer, but the appointment will, of course, have to be confirmed by the House.

Mr Dargaville. I hear Mr Dargaville has been offered a seat in the Vogel-Stout Ministry, but declined the honour, as he is of opinion that Sir Geo. Grey was the proper person to bi» entrusted with the task of forming the Government.

The Chairmanship of Comraittess. There is likely to he a third candidate for the chairmanship of committees in Mr Hursthou&e, thf member for Motutka Active lobbying is goinn on in favour of Mr Steward and Mr Hamlin. It is stated if the appointment is uonfeired on Mr Steward that Mr H.imlni will be consoled to some extent by receiving the chairmanship of the Natne Affairs Committee, a position which he formeily held before Colonel Tumble was appointed. The latter, however, is only worth £100 . i-year, wheieas the ohaiiman of committees leeeives £400. I leain that one of the looms in the Parliamentary buildings is to be fitted up for Sir Julius Vogel to enable him to get about the House with greater eass.

[from another, correspondhnt.] [by telegraph.] Wellington, Fiiday Night. There was the largest number of members ever known at the opening of Parhament yesterday. To day Mr Ormond, Sir Julius Vogel and C.ipt. Russell were swum in. Sir Julius was loudly cheered on making his appearance. It was rumoured to-day that the Governor had sent for Mr Ormond, and later that Mr Ormond lias advised his Excellency to send for feir Julius Vogel. There is great excitement.