GRAVE MINISTERIAL DISSENSIONS.

Evening Star, Issue 7875, 6 April 1889, Page 2

GRAVE MINISTERIAL DISSENSIONS.

MR FISHER RESIGNS,

[Special to the Star.]

WELLINGTON, April 6.

The ' Post' says : "We have authority for stating that the Hon. George Fisher's resignation of the portfolio of Education and Customs, and of a seat in the Executive Council of the colony, will be placed in the Premier's hands this evening for submission to His Excellency the ActingGovernor. The circumstances which have led to Mr Fisher's retirement are not in full as yet public property, but it is understood that they embrace a much wider range of differences than any personal disagreement or paltry dispute about excise prosecutions. Mr Fisher is understood to have consulted political friends in various parts of the colony as to hiß position in the matter, and he has acted in accordance with this advice in sending in his resignation, which will, however, in all probability be accompanied by a full review of all the circumstances which have led up to the present crisis, and a vigorous protest against the methods to drive him from the Cabinet. It is said that Ministers will not appoint a successor to Mr Fisher, but that the Premier will take the portfolio of Customs and the Colonial Secretary that of Education in addition to those they already hold. This, we presume, simply means that the vacant seat will be kept open for a time so that the chance of becoming a Minister may be dangled before the eyes of aspiring members."