WILL HE RESIGN?

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8928, 17 December 1887, Page 5

WILL HE RESIGN?

MR. MITCHELSON'S POSITION.

RUMOURS AND REGRETS.

THE STRONG MAN OP THE MINISTRY.

iBT TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington, Friday. A rumour was current this morning in the lobbies that the Hon. E. Mitchelson, Minister of Publio Works, intended to resign at the close of the session. On' inquiring I found that there is jnst a soupcon of truth in the rumour. It will be remembered that when the present Ministry was formed it was stated that Mr. Mitchelson only joined on condition that he should be at liberty to retire at the end of the session if business or family reasons rendered it neoessry. It will be a matter for great regret among Auckland members if he should unfortunately decide to resign the portfolio of Minister of Publio Works. They have confidence in his prudence in these critical times, in his administrative ability and business capacity, and above all in his unswerving personal integrity and " straightness. " Mr, Mitchelson can carry with him into the lobby on any division affecting Auckland interests a larger number of Auckland representatives than other members representing that provincial district. As a debater he brings no accession of strength to the Ministry, being a man of few words, but as a hard worker, a shrewd level-headed business man of strong common sense, he is the " strong man" of the Ministry, next to his chief, Major Atkinson, and has made an excellent lieutenant.