WELLINGTON SPECIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 149, 5 July 1901, Page 3

WELLINGTON SPECIAL.

A BOGEY. THE lIALL-JONES AFFAIR. (Special to Times.) • : Wellington, last night. The rumors I mentioned with regard to tho Minister of Public Works have culminated in the suggestion that the Hon. Ilall-Jones had actually sent in his resignation to the Cabinet. Thero is nothing in this, the correct version being as I sent you the other day. However, it was sarcastically suggested by a Southern journal that the Minister had resigned because lie would not consent to give up his room to one of tho Duke’s suite, and further suggested that instead of resigning he should he appointed Minister of Defence, because, like Iloratius, he kept his room against allcomers. A certain high personage whispered this by way of a joke, but was taken seriously by some of the lion, gentleman’s supporters, who wired to prevail upon him not to take this extreme step, to the great mystification of no one more than the Minister of Public Works himself. It is, however, hurrying him back from Rotorua to find out the meaning of the communications. ANOTHER RUMOR.

Before the session is out I am informed that there will be a resignation from an unexpected source, but I am not at liberty at present to disclose it. NEWTOWN CAMP SCANDAL.

The Premier made a long statement with regard to tho Newtown camp scandal, intimating what the Government intended doing in tho matter. This is not considered satisfactory, as most people would prefer an independent tribunal, as suggested by Mr Wilford. Tt is quite apparent that the men are to be sacrificed to save Colonel Pole-I’enton, or someone else in authority. It is remarked that although the Premier said orders had been given to strike camp at Newton Park, Colonel Renton must have known tho men were still there, as tho parade at which ho referred to the “ four infernal curs ” was held at the Park. A humorous incident in this respect is recorded. It is said that some of the corps vied with each other us to who would show tho worst effects from tho surroundings at that parade. This shows that tho men wore good humored in spite of their difficulties.