THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LI, Issue 5715, 20 June 1879, Page 5

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL.

[BY THLIQBA.PH.J [TIMES? SPECIAL WIRE,]

DUNEDIN, Jtrsi 19. A deputation, representing a largo number of the elector* of Dunedin, waited on the Hon R. Stout this afternoon to aik him to reconsider hie determination to resign the Attornoy-Qeneralship and his seat in Parliament. Mr Stout said that when ho first went into politics it was no breach of agreement with his partner hat with his consent. He intended to retire in 1877, but at the urgent lolioitations of friends he did not do so. Now, however, his business had increased •o much that he felt he could so longer throw the burthen on his partner. This was his sole reason. He went on to saj, “ I may say that 1 do so with reluctance and after a good deal of thought, on various grounds. The first is that it is known through the Press that the Ministry is likely to be attacked, and one does nit like to leave his friends when he knows they are threatened by an attack. At the same time I feel that if the Electoral Bill is passed there ought to be a dissolution after the next session of the Assembly, and if I went up for this session I would be bound in honour to go to the . country at the close of the session, and to enter into the very thick of the fight. Thus, it seams to me, I should he prevented from going out of politics for some time to come. I may say also that my remaining hero the last two Tears was a breach of my promise to my friends at Home to visit them, which breach has annoyed me very much; but, gentlemen, since you hare waited upon me, 1 shall consider the shatter. I may say that I have now ready—in fact, they are in print—monv of the Bills which will be brought forward by the Government this session. Were it only pecuniary matters that were concerned, I would hot; grudge to make considerable sacrifices in that respect; bid; there are my duty to my partner and other engagements not of a ; pecuniary character. I believe I shall be able to give you a definite reply on Monday. I have, been in communication with my colleagues on the subjeot, and am awaiting some JornmuDioatioas from them. Of course I feel the deputation vary much, because I see hero some gentlemen whom I know to have differed with me in public opinion, and I cannot tell you how grateful I feel to: them for calling on me to-day.