POLITICAL SITUATION.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 456, 15 October 1877, Page 2

POLITICAL SITUATION.

[BY TELEGRAPH, FROII OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, October 15. Mr. J. E. Brown has definitely declined to join the Ministry. The Canterbury members think that two Canterbury men should be in the Cabinet. There are startling revelations in the Treasury accounts. Provincial liabilities have been underestiu.aced about L 350,000. The late Ministry Lave also privately set down large sums for country roads and bridges, in order to buy support.

The Public Works accounts show scandalous extravagance and corruption. Sir George Grey will make his Ministerial statement this evening, and will be prepared to proceed with the business.

Mr. Fisher will be sworn in this afternoon. A portfolio has been offered to the Hon. George Buckley y with the lead in the Upper House. This would make two Canterbury men in the Ministry, and satisfy Canterbury. Major Atkinson looks terribly haggard and broken down. Mr. M'Laan says he is glad of being out. Several supporters of the late Ministry have come over to the Government. (from the press aoenov.) Wellington, October 14. A circular was Sdiit to all the UnderSecretaries and heads of departments to wait upon the Premier at 3.3D yesterday. Mr. Ballance was not sworn in on Saturday afternoon, though it was stated on good authority that he would have been. A Gazette has been issued announcing the names of the four already mentioned of the new Ministry, but the particular offices are not stated. It was given out that two others would be sworn on Saturday, but there have been none but the four as yet.