POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7780, 6 February 1891, Page 5

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[Br Te-egbaph.}

[FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPOND—NT.) WELLLNGTON, February 5. I informed you that Sir Harry Atkinson would be invited to be one of the New Zealand representatives at the Melbourne Federation Conference. This has been done and although no reply has yet been received, I understand his acceptance is practically certain. I hear too that Sir G. Grey will probably go, although he has not yet replied to Mr Ballance's letter asking whether or not he would be able. The resignations of Mr Ballance as Native Minister, of Mr Buckley as Post-master-General and Mr Cadman as Commissioner of Stamps, and the appointments to those offices of Messrs Cadman, Ward and Ballance respectively are officially announced. Both resignations and appointments bear yesterday's date.

OTJB correspondent.! WELLINGTON, February 5. The records of the legislative Council show that the Hon. Mr Wigley has not obtained leave of absence on either of tbe last, two sessions, and bis seat therefore becomes vacant.

[press association telegram.]

WELLINGTON, February 5. Government have asked Sir Harry Atkinson to act as oue of the New Zealand representatives to the Federal Convention, but he has not yet made up his mind to accede to the request. Sir George Grey, who was also one of those first chosen, has been written to by the Government asking if he will be su_lciently recovered from his recent illness to take part In the Convention, but as yet no reply has been received. The Minister of Mines will pay a visit on Tuesday next to the Mahikapawa goldfield, returning here at the end of the week. Iv accordance with the assurance given to Parliament the session before last, the' Government intend to set up a Royal Commission to enquire into the working of the Public Trust. The principal grievance Is the delay and expense attached to the administration of estates. The question is now under the consideration of the Cabinet, but as yet no names are mentioned as Commissioners. It is unlikely that the Government will establish a Commission to enquire and report on the Civil. Service.