A MINISTER AND THE DUCAL SUITE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12533, 21 June 1901, Page 5

A MINISTER AND THE DUCAL SUITE.

AN ENGLISHMAN'S HOUSE IS HIS CASTLE. STRAINED RELATIONS IN THE MINISTRY. fFItOM A COHBESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, Juno 20. It is understood that strained relations have arisen between the Hon W. HallJcm'es and' his colleagues in consequence of the refusal of the former to vacate bis apartments at Searle's Hotel in order to make room for the ducal suite, for whom the exclusive use of the hotel had been secured. This aotion of the Minister has led to isome unfortunate confusion, inasmuch as lodgings had to be temporarily secured for Sir John 1 Anderson elsewhere, lb was hoped that Mr Hall-Jones would give way at the last momienlb, but so'fax he has proved obdurate ■ to. all: tha cajolery, and even threats of his friends.' It is asserted that the honourable genttemiaa will be asked to resign 'has portfolio, bub there is no authority, so far, for such statement, though there are many 'indications that Ministers; are much incensed at his oonduct, which is regarded as being umneicessarily churlish. At present it appears as if the offending Minister is being boycotted, if not tobesrately snubbed, by the rest of tho 'Ministry. His part in the Royal Reception has"oonsistedl in keeping a jealous eye on his- trooms.