THE AGENCY-GENERAL.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7949, 25 August 1891, Page 6

THE AGENCY-GENERAL.

[Br Txtatnun.]

(ntoM oub sraciAi. oobssspoztokkt.)

WELLINGTON, August 24.

It mast be conceded that Ministers have contrived to create a meet exciting and impenetrable mystery over the question of the Agency-GeneraL The inquiry which is heard, and cry from dawn to dark in the lobbies is, "Who is to be the new Agent-General ?" and, which immensely enhances the excitement *-pd deepens the mystery, is that positive information has been obtained from two quarters equally well justified to afford it authoritatively and accurately that a certain gentleman is to receive the appointment, only unfortunately a different gentleman is named in each of those 'two quarters. One of these is Sir George Grey and the other is Mr PercevaL I have the most positive statement from one trustworthy informant that the Cabinet were practically agreed to oiler the position to Sir George Grey. The " New Zealand Times" virtually makes an inspired announcement to that effect to-day, and the same report came to mc from several other directions, but several persons with equal claims to the possession of inspired knowledge are no less positive that Mr Perceval will be the man. They declare that the arrangement was practically made when the Ministry was formed, it being settled that of the, two prominent Christchurch members Mr Reeves should have a seat in the Cabinet and Mr Perceval the Agency-GeneraL They allege further that Mr Perceval is actually making definite preparation for his departure from New Zealand. I have the strongest reason to believe, as I telegraphed to you many weeks agb, that the position had then been virtually offered to Mr Perceval, and it would probably have been accepted by him and i the arrangement clinched on the spot but for the premature publicity obtained by the negotiations. His acceptance of the Chairmanship of Committees, which he was known to have taken with great reluctance, is regarded as coloring the report that he is to receive the great prize, and that hence his self-sacrifice in order to relieve Ministers from a very awkward difficulty. The "New Zealand Times" also says that if Sir 6. Grey will not accept she post Mr Buckley will be the man.

;TSOM OU* CORRBSPOKDIirr.]

WELLINGTON, August 24. Though Mr Perceval's appointment to the Agent-Generalship was understood to be virtually decided on by the Cabinet a few days ago, Ministers are being pressed to send the Hon. P. A. Buckley Home, and the Attorney-General is anxious to get th c vacant post. Should he succeed in inducing his colleagues to appoint him, the Hon. J . A. Tole, Minister for Justice in the StoutVogel administration, will probably be called to the Council, and added to the Cabinet.