POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2379, 8 October 1887, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(liV TEI,Et:UAI*!I.—«>WX -■'a-KNT.j Vi'u.UXaro.X, I'l ■ At the i-j-n-tiiiir «.f tl.e wp|ui.siti<m ;a,.aa„.-i.-tlii-i afteineon, ftirty-fiiUr were |itesetil :iii; aim! sail to be accounted !-*f. Several ■ til,,-,, i,; 11 ye-teivlay refused to atMa-i to-day. Mr Knit- .11 occupied ilia chair mi b itlj occ.i-Mns. There was a long di-cis-simi, lasting till li p.in., ami licWs weir freely expressed anil canvassed. Informal resolutions were pn•)>•>».■ J, and little more was dime than clearing the ground sumwhat further. Another meeting is t-i hj; held at 2 o'clock to-morrow, when it is generally expected that definite steps will lie taken, and the qne-tion of wlm is t*, form a Ministry, or whether any attempt shall be made to do so at present finally settled. Kverytliing points to Major Atkinson koine Hie ultimate choice as leader. .Some are in favour of leaving it to Sir tteorge Urey to take the lead, bet it is understood that he is disinclined to do so. Another proposition is that Major Atkinson shall be I’retnier, but not-Treasurer. It istaled that he is practically sure of the necessary support if he decides to undeitake the task, and it is gi-n--r;t!!v b-heved that the p irtfolios will be virtually allotted by Monday. Tile Southland members (six in number) held a meeting to day, at which it was unanimously decided to offer no factions opposition to the new Ministry until they have had time to lay their policy b fore the House. A meeting of some of the m-w members adhered to the new Ui.vernment was also held, at which a similar decision was arrived at; in fact, caucuuses have been the order of the day. A curious point has been taised relative to the order of proceedings on Tuesday. The commissioners announced that the (b)vernor would state his reasons for calling Parliament together at 2 p.m. m Toe.-, day. As the House will not be sitting on Tuesday afternoon it is argued that they cannot be called upon to listen to His Kxceileney.

At the Opposition caucus Sir George Grey said he considered Major Atkinson had an undoubted right to the leadership of the party, and he should decline to accept it. Sir John Hall who was present at to-day’s meeting, also strongly recommended Atkinson’s appointment as leader. Major Atkinson again expressed his willingness either to lead or to follow any leader who might be chosen by the party The Government supporters assert that tindelay in choosing a leader augurs badly for tbe success of the new Ministry. The Opposition, on the other hand, take exactly tire opposite view, and account for the delay by this fact, that the grave condition of the colony requires at starting the m-st careful consideration. The Southland members have resolved that if Sir Julius Vogel tables a no-c-.nfi-dence motion before Major Atkinson has been allowed an opportunity of bringing down his policy, they will vote against it. Akki.ANl’, Friday.

The Star’s Parliamentary reporter wires: —‘’There is no fresh development of the crisis, but Major Atkinson is very active. Some Northcners want Sir F. Whitaker, who is in better health than he has enjoyed for some time past, to he made Attorney General. I think you may take it for granted that the first step will be the reduction of Ministerial salaries and allowances, Uie number of portfolios remaining as at present, and hon -rarinms. reduction of tbe education and defence v,.;,--, Sfatforests, and the repeal of tire Crown and Native 1,-mds Hating Act will be in-i-ted mi. The Opposition are also agreed as to tbe necessity of placing tbe railways under the management of a non-political Hoard.