THE NEW GOVERNMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 7337, 8 October 1887, Page 2

THE NEW GOVERNMENT.

[From Oub Parliamentary Reporter.]

WELLINGTON, October 8,

I am now in possession of reliable information respecting the position of affairs with regard to the formation of the new Cabinet. The portfolios of the North Island members have virtually been allotted; but so far as the South Island is concerned the final selection of men has not yet been made. It is definitely settled that, if Major Atkinson is asked by his party t > form a Goverment, he will submit the draft a a aew Cabinet, comprising four North Island and three South Island members, with really three portfolios for each Island. It is not intended to have either an Attorney-General or a Minister of Native Affairs. Canterbury will not be represented, owing to the strong block vote in favor of the late Administration. Neither will Hawke's Bay have a representative, for the reison that Mr Ormond declines office, and Captain Ru3sell is considered too Conseivative according to present arrangements. Sir Frederick Whitaker will be Leader in the Upper House without a portfolio. Subject to his acceptance by the party as Premier, Major Atkinson will take that portfolio, and will also be Commissioner of Customs. Mr George Fisher (Wellington) will have the portfolio .of Treasurer if Major Atkinson is Premier. Some difficulty has arispn with respect to the representation of Auckland in the Cabinet. Mr Mitchelson was chosen for the portfolio of Public Works, but has refused to accept office. Strong pressure is now being brought to bear on him to induce him to take the position, and the Southern members will not agree to any other Aucklander holding this portfolio. It is almost certain, at the time of wiring (10 a.m.), that Mr Richardson will give way. He gives as his reason for refusal that he cannot spare the time, and objects to the odium which is persistently thrown on Ministe s. This is the position so far as the North Island is concerned.

Three portfolios for the South Island are to be allotted between Otago and Southland men. It has not yet been decided which of the following fivo shall be chosen Ministers: Messrs Richardson, Fergus, Hislop, Scobie Mackenzie, or Barron. The portfolios to be assigned to three of these gentlemen ?xe those of Education, Mines, and Lands. My belief is that Mr Hislop will be Minister for Education, Mr Richardson Minister of Land?, and Mr Fergus Minister of Mines. Toe other two, hovever, may upset this calculation. 11.15 a.m. The plans of the leaders concerning the new Cabinet are maturing gradually. The position is practically the same as it was at ten o'clock when I last wired, but it is considered that Mr Mitchelson's scrupled have been overcome, and that he now intends to accept the portfolio of Public Works. The final choice of the Southerners is not yet made, but if Major Atkinson is selected as Premier by the caucus, the Ministry will be sworn in late this afternoon. Ah extraordinary ' Gazette' announcing the new Government is to be published to-night. Noon. Some Otago members are still anxious that Sir George Grey should be chosen leader, but he absolutely declines to undertake the position, though giving Major Atkinson his earnest support, 2 p.m. An endeavor is to be made at the caucus this afternoon to put Sir G. Grey in the Cabinet. He is not now so averse at the idea as he was. The Latest. Major Atkinson has been chosen Premier, and the caucus allowed him a fortnight in which to bring down his Statement. At the caucus, on the motion of Mr M'Gregor, seconded by Mr J. C. Anderson, it was unanimously resolved—"That this meeting having carefully considered the position of choice of Leader, unanimously agree to request Major Atkinson to proceed with the formation of a Ministry; and this meeting further will give him support till he brings down his Financial proposals at the earliest possible moment."