POLITICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8284, 17 June 1890, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES.

THE PREMIER'S HEALTH. PARLIAMENTARY TACTICS. PROSPECTS OF A DISSOLUTION. THE MINISTERIAL MEASURES. [BY TELEGRAPH.— OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Monday. The Premier's health is the same as I have reported. Ho looks better, and repose might secure for him speedy convalescence. He was present in Cabinet Council today, but his medical advisers are imperative in stating that the consequences to bo expected from his taking part in the debates in Parliament would be both serious and [ dangerous. THE PREMIERSHIP. The following is stated by the Post upon good authority :-" Unless intercepted bv a hostile amendment on the Address-in-Reply, the Financial Statement will, it is understood, be delivered to-morrow week, it having now been formally revised by the Cabinet. With its delivery there is reason to fear that Sir Harry Atkinson's occupation of the Premiership will probably come to a close. He will announce the policy of the Government, but his health will not permit of his undertaking the arduous task of trying to give effect to it during tho session. In the event of his having to resign ho will, wo are informed on "good authority, call the members of his party together, and leave to them the selection of a successor in the leadership. This is a very proper course to pursue under the circumstances, and his colleagues are said to have consented to its adoption, and agreed to accept the decision of the party on whom the choice will fall. It is extremely difficult to predict, nor would it be safe even to guess at how many the Ministerial following will consist, of when once the Government policy is unfolded. OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. There is as might be expected considerable stir in political circles. The " man in the street" is all for dissolution, and says that a fortnight will put all end to the life of tho present Parliament. But the friends of the Government declare that the Government programme will cut the ground from under the feet of tho Opposition. Members spout the day in Cabinet. It is said that the House of Representatives will bo asked to do nothing likely to provoke a dissolution upon questions of general policy. The measure for the classification of the civil service, for the organisation of tho defence, for the equitable distribution of the rates for charitable aid, will be submitted to tho House and road a first time. As to their subsequent fate, it is not possible to anticipate the determination of Parliament. As to tho " fruit grower's bill," and other bills of the like character, to give local powers for special purposes, it is not thought that they will afford occasion for any discussion on the second reading, the whole substance of these bills being concerned with details which are proper for consideration in committee of the whole House. There is no possibility of anticipating what course the Opposition will take—whether they will move an amendment to the Address, or formulate a separate motion after hearing the Financial Statement. Already we hear of caucuses to be held immediately upon tho arrival of members of both sides of the House in Wellington. The Government programme will, so it is said, be " boiled down," to suit emergencies. THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT. It was intended at one time that the Financial Statement should, if possible, be ready on Friday next, but the notice of the Opposition has made that course impossible. It is still the intention to deliver it on the "24th (Tuesday next). The notice by the Opposition of an amendment to the Address-in-Reply would render that intention nugatory. The debate on the Address-in-Repiy might under these circumstances extend over many nights. Nothing definite as to the course of events can be ascertained either from the friends of the Government or the Opposition.