THE POLITICAL CRISIS.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXV, Issue 6008, 11 October 1887, Page 2

THE POLITICAL CRISIS.

(united press association,) Wellington, Octobar 10. Sir John Hall leaves this week for Sydney, where his daughter is extremely ill, Stout left for the south by the s s Rotomahana, accompanied by Lady Stout and family. Previous to his departure a memorial was presented by J. MacKenzie, member for Waihemo, on behalf of 33 supporters of the late Government party, many of whom attended io see the exPremier off. The address expressed regret at his departure and the loss the Parliament r-nd the country suffered from his temporary retirement, and at the same time the conviction that he would again be seen occupying a high position in the councils of the colony. Sir Robert replied very briefly, alluding in feeling terms to the regret with which he parted from those with whom he has been associated in Parliament. The now Ministers took up their position to-day in the Government, occupying the same rooms with {he exception of Sir J. Vogel's, as those used by their predecessors. To-morrow Atkinson will report to the House wha l . has taken place since Tuesday, and on Wednesday at 2 p m the Governor's speech will be delivered. After that an adjournment will be asked for to enable the Treasurer to bring down his financial statement, but precisely what delay will be required is not yet known. It is generally supposed that a fortnight will be taken. The vacant portfolio was the chief source of curiosity to-day. The Hon. E. C. J. Sf evens had an interview with the Premier in the morning, and it was at first announced that he had consented to accept the position offered, subject to his private affairs not interfering with his so doing. Later on it was stated that he had declined the Colonial Secretaryship, but was willing to join Government without a portfolio, and this is in fact the case. Sir Fredk. Whitaker also consented to join with a portfolio. Mitchelson has not yet been sworn in, and the three gentlemen last named will all be inducted in'o office together. The Address-in-'Repty will be proceeded with on Wednesday.