THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Press, Volume XLVIL, Issue 7738, 18 December 1890, Page 5

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

EXPECfiED BETIRBMENT Off SIR 3. ATBINSOH. [By TaxaasAKi.l ■•■•*- JSTBOat OXJB COaB^POSCHKT,] WELLINGTON, December 17. TSie political situation is Tirtually un« cb&aged, but some definite settlement Is expected to be arrived at to-morrow, Qaaatderatloa of the proposed appointments 60 %be Legislative Council Is postponed for a day or two. Btr H, Atkioeon has not been so well daring the last few days. Hβ is understood to be desirous to be relieved of offioe as soon as possible. It Iβ regarded as oerfcaia that lie will succeed Sir F. Dillon Bell as Agent-General as soon as the litter's teem of office ©spires. C?EOU ANOTHER CORHE3PONDEXT.I WELLINGTON, December 17. Bumoraare about a reeonstrOotlou of tbe Government, in which tner© is sot the slightest atom of truth. There is no intention whatever of the Ministers wtoa have been mentioned retiring. The report ia got up by enemies, in order to weaken the Government with the country. (j?£SSB ASSOCIATION TBLKQBAM.) WELLINGTON, December 17. The Premier had a further interview with the Governor this morning, and It Is understood that- the date of cal.ing Parliament together will be decided this afternoon. The result of the deliberations to-day ie that Parliament will be called together in January, but not earlier than the 17th. The Legislative Council appointments have been deferred for a day or two. The Premier not being well to-day, Ministers Will In consequence defer their departure from Wellington till next week, t Later. A Gazette extraordinary formally prorogues Parliamenc from December 18th to December 24th. Tfre Press to-night Bays, that a Wellington gentleman, whose name has not yet been mentioned, is to be celled to the Legislative Council. Mr Levin Is supposed to be. indicated. No further development of the political situation has taken place. On hie return from Government Bouse a few minuten before one o'clock, the Premier summoned a meeting of the Cabinet, when the matter was talked over, but no actual decision was arrived at. It is, understood, however, that it has been decided to call Parliament together next month, and although the date is not fixed, it will not be earlier than the 17th.

Our Dunedin correspondent telegraphs as follows :—** The Star, in advocating the claims of Mr Pyke to a seat In the Legislative Council, points out that the Hon. J. A, itonar is the soil tai y representative of the mining; industry in that Chamber, and lie seldom takes part in the proceedings.