THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. THURSDAY, JULY 3, 1879.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5500, 3 July 1879, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. THURSDAY, JULY 3, 1879.

From the news to-day respecting the political crisis, it-would seem that there are to be no more resignations. On the contrary, Ministers are settling dovrn, and endeavouring to strengthen themselves by a judicious disposal of the vacant seats. It is said that Mr. Gisbome is likely to join the Cabinet, and although he commands no political following, and cannot be said to be a popular man in the country, he would strengthen it as a good departmental officer, with considerable experience in the business of the House. The second seat rests, we are told, between Mr. Moorhouse and Mr. Montgomery ; but it i 3 not known whether either would accept a portfolio if offered. It would be an unexpected result if the Ministry were to recover the shock it has suffered—a shock which it received while already in a weak state of health—and were to meet Parliament stronger than ever. The personnel of the Ministry might be improved, and it might be made more effective in Parliamentary work, but we doubt very much whether the present administration can ever recover the position it once had in the country. It ha 3 been known, or supposed, from the first that the original cause of quarrel between the Treasurer and the Premier wa3 Mr. Luckie's appointment, and of this, it appears, we have not heard the end. The dispute about the matter is to be brought before the House, where the Premier is to "have it outwith Mr. Ballance. We venture to prophesy that but little political reputation will be gained by either of the combatants. It is proposed to appoint Mr. James Mackay, a3 a Special Commissioner for the disturbed districts in Taranaki. This is an excellent idea. Mr. Mackay has all the necessary vigour and courage. It is said that these natives have a good deal to complain of in the manner in which the confiscation has been carried out, and in the arrangements for reserves, and if so, it is well their grievance should be inqvired into and made known, as they have frequently stated that they cannot get a hearing for their complaints.