THE LATEST.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 236, 7 October 1887, Page 5

THE LATEST.

MOST RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

CAUCUSES THIS AFTERNOON".

THE RETRENCHMENT PROPOSALS.

RAILWAY BOARDS

There is no fresh development of the crisis this morning, but Major Atkinson is very active. At the adjourned meeting this afternoon a leader will probably bo chosen, and the member for Egmont, or Sir F. Whitaker is certain to be appointed. Some of the Northerners want Sir F. Whitaker (who is in bettor health than he has enjoyed for some time past) to be made Attorney-General, while the Otago section advance the claims of W. Hislop. I hear that Major Atkinson will not make any calls to the Legislative Council.

So far as Mr Montgomery is concerned, the present member for Akaroa assures me that his constitution is so undermined as to necessitate his making a lengthy stay in Europe. Of course it is difficult to say what the proposals for vigorous retrenchment proposed by the new cabinet will be, but I think you may take it tor granted that a first step will be the reduction of the ministeritl salaries and allowances (the number of portfolios remaining as at present) and of tho honorariums substituted education will also bo proposed. It the Defence, State Forest and Education vote, and the repeal of the Crown and Native Lands Hating Act will bo insisted on. The present Opposition are also agreed as to the necessity for placing the railways under the management of a, non-political boar.l, but no action in that direction is likely to be taken before next session. When it is undertaken I shall not be surprised to find the Hon. E. Richardson appointed as Chairman, special provision being made for freeing him of disabilities for the position consequent on his being a member of Parliament.

A meeting o? the yonng Canterbury party is convened for two o'clock this afternoon.