THE CABINET CRISIS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9325, 30 March 1889, Page 5

THE CABINET CRISIS.

LATEST FROM WELLINGTON.

OPINIONS IN THE CAPITAL.

RUMOURS AND SPECULATIONS.

THE PREMIER AND MR. FISHER.

[BY TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT-] Wellington, Friday. The Cabinet crisis appears to have receded somewhat from eager political speculation. It hits, however, left behind it some bitter feeling. The rumoured "split" in the Cabinet was made interesting chiefly through the vehemence of the criticism that was directed against particular members of the Government, and the reports that wore scattered far and wide of utterances alleged to be spoken by them in and out of Cabinet. Every paper here has been said to be "inspired" by someone that knew all about the relations of Ministers to each other. Under these circumstances, together with a very wide margin for error, the statements made proceeded from something more than mere conjecture. The margin for error was certainly written over to its fullest capacity. The Mr. Fisher, who was made the central figure n these Cabinet dissensions, has not yet returned to Wellington, but he is expected hereto-night. His absence may have helped to maintain the political interest in the situation ; but some curiosity is now manifested as to the possible outcome of the recent crisis. It is said by some here that ho will resign ; that he sHiuld or must retire, because the differences between himself and certain other members of the Cabinet have become irreconcilable. I do not think the recent misunderstanding pregnant of any such consequenees before the session of Parliament; what mav happen then 1 am not enough of prophet to declare. The Premier starts for YVestport next week, and people say that he is going away for tho purpose of avoiding Mr. Fisher. Ido not think so. Both the Premier and Mr. Fisher arc made of much stronger stuff than they get credit for, neither being a likely mail to run awßy from his post in the face of a merely personal antagonism, if any such relation exists. My" own idea is that present differences and not personal feelings will !be composed. If they be revived, it will be in now circumstances. Something might come of tho Parliamentary probe being used too roughly before the soreness of the recent disputants shall have become entirely healed. It is hardly probable that Mr. Fisher would revive a discussion which has provoked so much opposition to himself. As I have already informed you, tho ground has been cut away from both sides of the dispute by the reference -without "recourse" to the Law officers of tho Government. I learn that the Government have given instructions to deal alike with all offenders against the Customs Duties Act. In the event of those parties whoso goods have been seized not taking action for their recovery or the value of them, the Government will nevertheless proceed to enforce the penalties provided by the statute in each case when the time-notices delivered shall have expired.