POLITICAL GOSSIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9027, 13 April 1888, Page 5

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[by telegraph.— correspondent.] 1 ' ; ! Wellington, Thursday. The departure of the Premier for the South, and the absence from Wellington of the

Ministerial team, save one, would appear to have aroused the thoughts of those people who are always talking about " political circles" from a state of dormancy. There is, therefore, a good deal of speculative activity just now in Wellington. The first thing re-

arred to is the state of parties. The morn-

ing journal here labours to sustain this proposition, which it does in a negative sort of way—that the House is divided into two parts, one anti-Vogel the other anti-Atkinson. The disappearance of Sir J. Vogol from, the scene is regarded generally as a'disadvantage. There is said to be a real element of danger in the uncertainty that pervades political life and opinion beyond the limit of, the Government benches. It is affirmed that Sir Harry Atkinson has played the political game since the general election with consummate skill and adroitness; It is allowed at the same time that he has about him the odour of the " Continuous Ministry." The following short passage taken from to-day's leader describes the situation : — " Previously Sir Harry Atkinson's Premiership had been assumed in peculiarly adverse circumstances. On two occasions he was

called on to head a continuous Ministry already virtually moribund. On the third occasion he had to command what boating men call a scratch crew of colts, whose immediate defeat was from the outset a foregone conclusion. In the present instance, however, he had the opportunity of forming a fresh administration in a new Parliament, elected on the appeal of a Government which had been most decisively condemned on the score of three years' general mismanagement of public affairs." , ~ The- absence of Sir R. Stout is an advantage in the present circumstances, but it cannot be reckoned so under all circumstances, for there are people here who remember that a coalition between Sir

Robert and Sir Harry was at one time a likelihood by no means remote. It is suggested in some quarters that another attempt will be made to induce Sir Robert to enter Parliament. If he should yield to persuasion he will, contrary to the expectations of his friends, be an element of even freater uncertainty for the political future, t is impossible that he should not have acquired much political wisdom from his latest experiences. It is clear, however, that if the Government is to be assailed, there must be a leader of the Opposition. It is beyond all question of doubt that Mr. Ballance is just now in very " delicate health," so that he may be eliminated from the Opposition list. Among the rising men of the House, Mr. Downie Stewart is mentioned as a possible leader. Mr. Seddon is regarded as the most prominent figure of his party, but certain defects of." form and manner "are against him in the minds of some who would other-

wise follow him. He is regarded on all sides as a valuable party man, and he hails from a quarter which is just now endowed with a grievance in consequence of "the extrusion of four members of the* West

Coast" from the Westland Harbour Boards. Mr. Hutchison, of Waitotara, has acquired considerable reputation since he entered Parliament. He possesses intellectual qualities that specially fit him for public life. This is admitted by everyone ; but for him and for all who sit on his side of the House, with the exception of the West Coast members, the complete collapse of the personal authority of the late Government opens the way to future action without embarrassment. Whatever might happen to bring about an alliance between the West Coast members and the unformed ambition of the younger representatives, would be very prejudicial to the North of the colony. It is even alleged by the Times that the name of Sir M. O'Rorke has been spoken of as a possible leader of the Opposition. Ido not think there is any possible ground for such a statement. I can see no reason why Sir G. M. O'Rorke should divest himself of his high office to go in for party strife. The name of the Hon. E. Richardson has been mentioned. This is also very unlikely. After casting about in every direction for a leader of the Opposition, the Times at laslr points to a well-known figureto the Hon. Mr. Larnach — who is undoubtedly one of the most popular men in the House or out of it. Whether the suggestion is likely to obtain practical realisation it is impossible at present to say. Nevertheless it possesses a prominent feature of political interest just now. Speaking of Mr. Larnach the Times saß : — The most feasible and likely solution seems to us to be the choice of some leader who has a certain standing and prestige, and who would not be directly objectionable to the majority of the party. The only man who seems to satisfy these requirements is Mr. Larnach. He has twice been a Minister of the Crown; he is a C.M.G. (whatever that may be worth), and, in sp ; of the eccentric language he employ s in his electioneering campaigns, he enjoys a good deal of personal popularity, while he has never been remarkable for' any specially - pronounced opinions on vexed questions in politics. But, above all, he has the prestige of being the only man who could turn out the old 'Continuous Ministry.' It was he who in 1877 moved the vote of no confidence which ended the career of that famous Administration after it had been successively headed by Mr. Waterhouse, Sir William Fox, Sir Julius Vogel, Dr. Pollen, Sir Julius Vogel again, and Major Atkinson, and after it had been fiercely but vainly attacked by a variety of doughty assailants. The Opposition may argue that as Mr. Larnach was able to turn out Major Atkinson in 1877, he may be able to do the same thing in 1888. But if he did, the only outcome would be a return of chaos. At present there is not a single member on either side of the House, with the exception of tho present Premier, whose leadership seems to have the slightest promise or potentiality of permanence. Sooner or later no doubt a new light will rise and shine, but as yet there is no sign of his advent."