The Coming Premier.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 6246, 19 June 1890, Page 2

The Coming Premier.

Something akin to a Cabinet row ia said to have occurred in relation to the succession to the Premiership, which it is now almost morally certain Sir Harry Atkinson will have to vacate immediately after opening the Budget, if, indeed, his medical advisers permit him to perform that operation. The Hon. Mr Mitchelson now stands upon his dignity, and insists that, if there is to be reconstruction, he must be sent for to undertake it, and, "of coure, become Premier. He bases his claim on the fact that he is tbe senior member of the Executive, and has acted as Premier during Sir Harry Atkinson’s absence. He will not budge an inch either in favour of any of his colleagues or of any outsider. How, Mr Mitchelson is a very honourable, well-meaning man, but as a politician he is several degrees below mediocrity. Be knows very little about politics, and we doubt his capacity to learn much. When he was first selected for Ministerial office be was absolutely unknown

outside Auckland. When the appointment was announced, even members who had sat in the House with him for a session or two had to tax their memories to recall his personality. He is no speaker, and has never shown any tact as a Parliamentarian. In the halcyon days when Ministerial entertaining was esteemed a duty, and banks were kind, so that junketing was permissible where it now is forbidden, Mr Mitchelson was selected to hold the unofficial portfolio of Ministerial Host, and ns such occupied the Premier’s residence in Tinakori Road, and discharged his functions right liberally. This may be esteemed an additional claim to the succession, but the fact remains that some of his colleagues, at least, do not relish the idea of bis leadership during the session, and some warm sentiments have been expressed regarding his pretensions. He, however, remains firm, and will no doubt have his own way, even if doing so involves the retirement of another member of the Cabinet, as it is rumoured is not altogether improbable, —Evening Post,