CAPTAIN RUSSELL AND A SEAT IN THE CABINET.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5579, 26 September 1889, Page 2

CAPTAIN RUSSELL AND A SEAT IN THE CABINET.

A ni Moil has been current in Napier for thu past few days that Captain Russell has been ottered a seat in the Cabinet, and a telegram received this morning from Wellington is to the same effect. It is a statement thiit one experiences no difficulty in believing, as the member for Hawke's Bay has before now had a similar offer, but declined. In 1884 he held office for a week as Postmaster-General in the shortlived Atkinson administration of that year. Captain Russell was not a hankerer after office, and he was probably very little affected by the speedy relegation of the Ministry to the cold shade of Opposition. When the present Ministry was formed, it was understood lie refused a seat in the Cabinet. We trust that he will see fit to accept office on the present occasion. The fact of Captain Russell's political opinions not being in perfect accord with the Premiers should weigh little with him in arriving at a decision. The present is a coalition Ministry. There is no possibility of forming a stable and satisfactory Government in this colony on strictly party lines. Ability and honesty are the principal qualities required in a Minister of the Crown, and these are qualities which are possessed by the member for Hawke's Bay. There is no man in the House who bears a higher personal character, and, although extreme democrats might object to Captain Russell's inclusion in the Government, his appointment would be hailed with general satisfaction throughout the North Island. Although differing in opinions 'on several abstract questions, there has invariably been a good feeling existing between Sir Harry Atkinson and Captain Russell, and this feeling has arisen through personal respect. An alliance based on mutual confidence is far stronger and more enduring than mere political partnership between persons who profess the same opinions, but who profoundly distrust each other. Captain Russel is a country settler, engaged in the principal industry in the colony, and this is one strong reason why he should take an active part in the government of New Zealand. The administration of affairs li.im l«>(>n too much in the hands of professional men and those who follow politics for a living. It should be needless to say that Captain Russell's acceptance of oth'eo would be hailed with satisfaction in this part of the colony. He is a settler of a neighboring district, and should be pretty well acquainted with the circumstances and prospects of the East Coast generally. The neglect with which this part of the colony has been treated is the result of ignorance as much as of anything else.

The Harbor Board meets at the usual hour this evening. The furniture sale held by Messrs Graham, Pitt., and Bennett this morning realised but moderate prices. The mortgagee was the purchaser at £150 of the one-third share in the Opou station, submitted to auction this morning by Messrs (iraham, Pitt, and Beunct f . Messrs Graham, Pitt, and Bennett will receive tenders until 12 o'clock to-morrow for carting wool from the Whangaru, and Puatae stations. It is notified by advertisement that a meeting of ratepayers of the Kaiti Road Board District will be held on Saturday next at the County Council Chambers for the purpose of discussing a proposal to borrow £l«"i00 for public works in the district. The largest meeting of creditors that has been held in Gisborne for some time took place to-day. There were nearly .'JO people crammed in the Assignee's small office and the passage way was blocked by others. Dr. Pollen spoke strongly on the unhealthiness of the situation, and it was suggested that next meeting be held in the hotel or in the City Rink. We have been informed that the Library iit the Hospital is sadly in need of a fresh and better class of literature. It consists at present, mainly, of temperance stories and second class yellow-backed novels. It has been suggested that interesting and instructive works might be added to its shelves by the contributions of spare second hand volumes from all who are willing to assist in such a good work. Copies of Thackeray, Lever, Dickens, Geo. Elliott, and other standard authors are especially needed. Contributions of hooks sent to Mrs Pollen will be acknowledged, catalogued, and placed on the shelves without delay. Fourteen suburban sections of one acre each at Uawa were thrown open yesterday for selection at the Gisborne Land Oiiice, for which there wereonly a few applications. The cash price is £i> por section, winch may be considered cheap, as the land is of good quality. But there is a proviso that no applicant shall take up more than one section, and this undoubtedly was the reason that there was little competition. Had the land been offered in five or six acre blocks it would have been taken up readily, and the same result would have followed if applicants were not confined to acquiring a single section. What use is a one acre holding to anybody in the suburbs of a small country township ? At the R.M. Court this morning, befor Messrs Tucker and Lucas, the following was the business : — G. R. Moore v. J. Crcsswell, claim L' 2 2s, adjourned to Oct 17 ; A. Williams v. W. Thompson, claim LIS 17s 6d, plaintiff nonsuited with costs Li ,">« ; H. C. Boy lan v. 0. Dwyer, claim L 2, judgment for plaintiff by default ; Teat and Friar v. D. Kydd, claim L 3 2s 6d, judgment for plaintin by default ; P. B. Road Board v. L. AleIntosh, claim LI 10s ,sd, judgment for plaintiff. In the judgment summons case, E. Adeane v. J. H. Mason, claim 18s (id, the defendant did not attend, and was ordered to pay the amount forthwith, in default 20 hours in gaol. In J. Tutchen v. A. Gillice, Ll4 Bs, on a judgment summons, debtor was ordered to make four monthly payments of £1 and the balance on or before March Ist, 1890. The other judgment summons were : W. Adair v. A. Ward, claim LI 18s 9d, order made for debtor to pay weekly instalments of 5s ; J, Pollock v. T. P. Morgan, claim L 2 3s 2d, no appearance of defendant, order made for settlement of claim by two instalments, on* of LI Gs on Oct. 10 and the balance on Oct. 24 ; G. Humphreys v. IF. Biunio, olaim L 4, ordered to pay forthwith, hi default five days' imprisonment. A correspondent writes to the Otago Daily Times to suggest that the Exhibition Regatta Committee should make an effort to have the race fov the championship of New Zealand between Hearnand Stephenson rowed on Lake Wnihola on the Saturday after the regatta. Owing to the inclement weather the Hussars will parade this evening at 7.30 in the shed, ditmounted. — Advt. Union Literary Society — Last meeting of the session, Thursday, Sept. 26th. Conversazione in new Schoolroom. Curiosities, Waste Paper Basket. Contributions invited from members and others. All will be welcomed. — Advt. Ireland's national characteristics — Praties and poteen. The " Ballyhooly" Blucher at Hennessy's, Gs Gd per pair, slashing value. — Advt. i'atntahi Public Hall. Preliminary. " His I'lvciillcni-y " mid "My l.'ui-le'a Will." Oct. 10 and 11. — T. W. liilhai».-(Advt.)