POLITICAL NOTES

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2490, 26 June 1888, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES

(BY TKLKUHAPH—OWN COKRKSI'ONJJENT.) Weimnuton, Monday. AN UNSATISFACTORY POSITION. There is literally nothing new in the political world to-day, and no rumours of any kind in tho air, beyond vague hints that Ministers are becoming more and more dissatisfied with tho present condition of things, and they would nlmost welcome a hostile vote from one side or the other, so as to ascertain their real position in the House. It has frequently been assorted that the Government intended to stand or fall together, and would not countenance any attempts at re-construction. This is uot to be wondered at when one remarks that loyality to his colleagues is one of the chief characteristics of the present Premier. At the same time it is perfectly evident that a desire for a reconstruction of the Cabinet is growing stronger every day, and a large number of members are confident that this is the only way out of tlie difficulty. It appears to be quite taken for granted now that the Opposition will move in this direction. THE PREMIER'S HEALTH. The latest accounts of .Sir H. Atkinson's health is that he is much better but is still unable to attend his office. Sir Harry is however, expected to be able to resume Parliamentary duties tomorrow if the weather continues fine, in which case he will again tako charge of the Customs Duties Bill. THE MOKAU CASE.

Ministers have taken no notice of the Jones' protest against the personnel of the commission appointed to enquire into his case. The commission will leave in a few days for Mnkau and the King Country, and will be accompanied by Mr l'\ Butler, of the Native Department, as interprets, and Mr H. W. Gore, shorthand writer. THE GORGE RAILWAY LINK. The Premier is to receive this week a deputation of Wellington and Hawkos' Hay members interested in tho speedy completion of the Manawatu Gorge Railway. The Times this morning says that the recent answer given by the Government in reply to a question by Dr. Newman that the line would not be completed till 1801 is considered to disclose a policy so disastrous to the interest of the districts that many members are much dissatisfied, The plans and specifications are ready, the money is raised and voted, and there soeins no sensible reason whatever why the lino should not be finished, as Dr. Newman suggested, in time for tliu Christinas holidays of 188!), instead of not being ready until two years after that time, A POPULAR JUDGE.

Tlio whole of the Wellington Press, as well as two leading Christchurcli ii:ipors liiivc strong articles ii\ favour of the vacant judgoshii> beins? conferred (in Mr Dudley 'Ward. I understand the question has not yet been formally considered by the Cabinet. Tliu Pie,s to-nighl,, sity.s it should need no consideration, but Mr Justice Ward's appointment should be signed ii»mediatrly. and for the sake of precedent should be dated on tho day of Mr Justice Johnstone's death.