WELLINGTON PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 456, 27 June 1871, Page 2

WELLINGTON PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

The Daily Telegraph correspondent, writing from Wellington on the 17th inst.j says : — The question of. i the £10,000 loan has not yet cropped up, except very incidentally in the debato oh the address in rejly. This was very short, but in speaking on it, Mr. Ludlam intimated an intention to oppose further borrowing. Tbe great political event of the last week was a circular, issued by Mr. Fitzherbert.to the member? of the Council aud a number of other gentlemen, asking them to meet him on Tuesday, as he wished-to consult them on a question of great public interest. The mating was jaccordingly held, but there wereftofc very many there in addition to the counoilhws.Y The lion. C. J. Pharazin occupied the chtyr, and Mr. Fitzherbert, in a long speech, previewing the political situation, stated that a seat in the Q-oneral Government had been offered to him, but that, as accepting it would necessitate his resignation as Superintendent, he wished to know whsifc : coursis they would advise him to take, as'likeiy to be most beneficial to the province. Although he gave no absolute expression to his own opinion in the matter; he let it 'be inftrrdd! that it wai'in favour of his retaining h« pmsmfc ofic#.

iftet placing th|» question in their hands, ffis Honor left \fhe room, and those present won to diß.buss the matter. Mr. 2j aDD y and several other gentlemen spoke in favour of His Honor remaining as at present, and the opinion of the majority seemed to lean that way. One or two resolutions were proposed, but in the end it was deemed desirable to withdraw them all and leave the matter in Mr. Fitzherbert's own hands' to adopt whatever couse he might best. It is understood that he has since Reclined the offer made to him by ministers. ■ J should fancy they must be rather annoyed s t what has taken place, but it is absolutely . upcessary that they should strengthen themselves before the Hiu*e meets if they wish to retain office. Mr. Gisborne has now nearly . the whole of the departmental work on his own hands and requires assistance. Had Mr. yitzherbert joined the rlepnrtment of Public Works would have been ban'ed over to him. J__t> for Mr. Fox, he is either incapable ofj . doing office work or too lnzy to do it. It is though* that Mr. Fitzherbert would have \ been less unwilling to join the Government had it not been for a disinclination to serve under Mr. Fox. It is said that negotiations are now pending with one or two other members as to joining the Ministry, but nothing is yet known as to who these members are.