The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY). WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 1882.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 6542, 5 April 1882, Page 2

The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY). WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 1882.

A RUMOR has been circulated in this city, and most unadvisedly—based as it is upon a mere 'statement appearing in an Auckland journal notoriously given to the promulgation of sensational canards —that there are serious dissensions in the Ministerial Cabinet, and that differences have gone so far that the Premier is likely to resign. The reason,given for such dissensions is that the Ministers do not agree. on the conduct of Native affairs, and that the Premier takes sides with his Excellency the Governor against his colleagues. This, to designate it in the mildest terms, is “ excellent fooling.” ■ It has no sufficient foundation, cannot possibly do any good, direct or indirect, in its dissemination, and stultifies any claims it may haxm to being considered veracious by the admission that it is “still possible a complete rupture may be avoided.” Until a “ complete rupture ” is inevitable, differences of opinion in a Cabinet, even if made known, carry no weight. Ministers are but mortal, and if they “ agree to differ” it does not follow that such differing opinion justifies any hazaid of opinion that disunion will follow. Reference to the “ mysterious movements of Ministers ” is evidently but an attempt at sensational alliteration—it means nothing. The entire paragraph, quoted from a Northern contemporary and paraded before the Wellington public, is reckless, inconclusive, and doubtful. It seems to us something that can be best compared to the whelping of animals baying the moon; or, to use an old phrase in venery, the ; baying of a cowardice of curs.