A MINISTER'S RESIGNATION.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9753, 26 May 1903, Page 4

A MINISTER'S RESIGNATION.

No more painful scene, it is said, has been witnessed in the House of Commons in recent years, than was afforded by the resignation by Mr Hayes Fisher of his Ministerial position as Financial Secretary to the Treasury. Mr Fisher, it will be remembered, had been connected with a syndicate formed for the exploitation of a scientific invention, and in certain Court proceedings resulting from the company going into liquidation, Mr Justice Buckley made some reflections on Mr Fisher's conduct, which, while not touching his honor, made it undesirable for him to retain his Ministerial rank. He therefore tendered his resignation to Mi- Balfqur, and on the following day made a personal explanation before a crowded and sympathetic House. It had been known, of course, that he would resign, and liis action in seating himself that afternoon below the gangway sinnified to all who knew the customs of the House that he had separated himself from his colleagues. He read his statement, because, as he said, in his emotion he might otherwise allude to persons who could not defend themselves in that House. After explaining all the circumstances connected with the syndicate, he said. that though lie was not a rich man, he and a friend had lodged sufficient to pay every creditor and shareholder of the company. Drawing to a conclusion, Mr Fisher said, in a voice broken with emotion,' "I have wronged no man, but I have been greatly wronged. I bear the full force of the terrific punishment which has come upon me for this error of judgment committed seven years ago. I have resigned, not because I think I anr-at all unfit to hold the high office which I have held in the Government until a day ago, but because I accept the judgment of those on whose judgment; I rely. The censure of a certain Judge and the wide circulation which has been given to it renders me open to the attack that in conducting the business of the Treasury I have become, instead of a source of strength, a source of weakness to the Government to which I am absolutely devoted." Heappealed to the Prime Minister to say that he had shown no want of prudence, caution, or capacity in the discharge of his duties, and pointed to the fact that he had missed but three divisions in seven years as a proof that he had been diligent. All parties joined in the cheer that was raised as he sat down. The brief and touching speech from Mr Balfour, in which he testified to Mi- Fisher's zeal and efficiency, and the affectionate confidence with which his friends regarded him, cannot have been more grateful to the ex-Minister than the courteously expressed sympathy of the Leader of the Opposition, and the equally ohtspoken commendation of the leader of the Irish Party. The painful incident may have one good effect— it may bring about a revival of Mr Gladstone's rule that none of his colleagues in the Cabinet could be company directors.