“The Press” In 1866

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31226, 25 November 1966, Page 12

“The Press” In 1866

November 26 It appears that Mr Slewart, upon being applied to by his Honor, declined to attempt a re-construction of the Cabinet, and that the Superintendent on Saturday evening again applied to Mr Jollie, who at once went to consult with Mr Wynn Williams. The latter gentleman, however, declined entering upon the question, as Mr Moorhouse had not intimated to him that bis advise was to be asked. Nothing therefore, up to the present time, has been done towards the formation of a Ministry. We understand that the formation of a new Ministry is still in the hands of Mr Jollie, who is to see the Superintendent to-day on the subject. Upon the same authority we are informed that Mr Moorhouse had

promised the West Coast members to spend £650,000 in making a railway to Hokitika, and to give up any claim to the balance of £lOO,OOO, supposed to be due to the East side of the province, if the Hokitika members will not oppose his selling land there, and will allow his Estimates to pass, and that this accounts for the whole of the West Coast votes being found on the side of the Government the other night Whilst stating this as it has been stated to us, we may express our own disbelief that the West Coast members can have entered into any compact which would virtually amount to selling their votes to the Government. That some proposal for a railway to the West Coast has been made there is no doubt, as it has already been spoken of in the West Coast journals.