POLITICAL GOSSIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8258, 17 May 1890, Page 5

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORIiESPONDKNT.] Wellington, Friday. There has been an effervescence of political expectation hero for the last few days. Ifc is understood that Sir Harry Atkinson will not relinquish the reins of the Government chariot before' Parliament meets, and not) even then unless he is compelled to do so by the importunities of his physicians. It is useless to speculate as to tho wisdom of this determination. The Premier is less disposed to enforced idleness than to full activity. Inaction chafes him worse than fatigue. He may, therefore, be wiser than his physicians after all. But the strongest must at times either bend or break. It is said hero that Sir Harry Atkinson has received a very peremptory remonstrance against the possible effects of the excitement and worry inseparable from party warfare, and warfare there is sure to be. There are many signs that the session will not pass off with honeyed words and mutual courtesies.

To-day I hear on good authority that the order of events in the near future is likely to bo this :—The Premier will meet Parliament. That is settled, so it is said. The first week will tell its tale on the Premier's health. If he gets no worse he retires ;if he improves lie remains at the head of affairs. The questions connected with labour associations are likely to become prominent during the session. The Premier met the Maritime Council to-day. Their comprehensive claims will suffer no abatement from the reception some high members will give them. I should not be in the least surprised if both Sir H. Atkinson and his colleagues see a storm ahead which other people cannot see just yet. The Premier may consult the safety of his team in discretion rather than in valour. Everything here just now in the nature of politics appears to be assuming an unusual aspect. Much is said about Sir John Hall becoming Premier. I do not think that is contemplated by those who know the ropes. At present it is not thought that Mr. Bryce has any intention of taking office. 'It is considered premature to speak of either in the present Parliament, but in the next Parliament it is considered likely that both would occupy front seats on the benches to the right hand of the chair.

This consideration brings into view the possible or probable situation of affairs early next session. It is said that Sir H. Atkinson will retire from public life if his health will not allow him to go on. He would probably recommend the Governor to send for Sir J. Hall, but Sir J. Hall would scarcely like to have to deal with the present Parliament. Thereupon would come a crisis, and the Governor would be advised to dissolve Parliament. That means the general elections in September or October, ami a second session this year. It is said Sir H. Atkinson would in these circumstances like to go to England for the benefit of further medical advice. It is further said that Sir 1). Bell is anxious to resign the office of AgentGeneral in October. The universal opinion here points to Sir 11. Atkinson as his probable successor.