Political Intelligence.

Southland Times, 30 June 1885, Page 2

Political Intelligence.

. , ; — ♦" • [3y Telegbaph.] (FROM OOR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Wellington, Jane 29. It was rumoured yesterday and to-day that Mr Stout was shortly to bo appointed Chief Justice, vice Sir James Prendergast, who, it was said, was desirous of retiring owing to failing health. The Premier, however, informs me that there is no foundation whatever for the rumonr. , It is also rumoured that there is a probability of Major Atkinson joining the Ministry, and colour is given thereto by the fact that although Sir" Julius Yogel and the Major are ranged as political enemies they hare Bhown unusual leniency towards each other, especially in the Financial debate. It is impossible to say how much truth there is in the rumour, but a feeling h growing up that there is a of a coalition between the two leaders. •': As regards the retirement of the Chief Justice it has been generally understood here for some time that he has contemplated resigning, ana* if he did Mr Stout could, of course, from his political position, claim the post, the Attorney-General being" deemed entitled to such a judicial vacancy. This fact lends additional strength to the rumour of a coalition^ beoause, with Mr Btout'a retirement, it would almost certainly rest with Sir Julius Yogel to reform the Cabinet, and the Treasurer's Canterbury supporters would undoubtedly favour an alliance between Sir Julius and Major Atkinson. Of oourse, if Mr Stout has no in* teotionof accepting the Chief Justiceship, should the position become vacant,the iur« >misfe>s of coalition on that ground go for nothing, but time will tell i meanwhile I give you the view* of many people on the subject as I have gleaned them* A meeting of Parliamentary representatives who are also members of County Qoun* cile, called at the instance of Mr Lake to oonsider the Local Powers and Finaboe Bill, was held to«day, and was attended by about 40 members. lh» proceeding's' were characterised by en absence of unanimity, and after a resolution had been proposed and negatived, providing for the appointment of a committee of nine to further consider the measure and to report to a future meeting, the conference was brought to a close by the luncheon bell 'without ? any decision being arrived at. ; A meeting of members opposed to the present tariff was held this morning. Therejwere 25 present ; Mr Vincent Pyke in the chair. The three resolutions passed at the committee meetiog last week were,after some discussion, unanimously adopted, and it was resolved that a deputation oonsisting of the obairmah and the aeorerary (Mr Pearson) should wait upon the Government to place the resolutions before them. Following is a list of those who where present!— Messrs All wright, Barren, Bradßhaw, Bruoe, J. 0. Buokland, Connolly, Dodson, Duncan, Fulton, Garrick,. Lake, Locke, M. J. S. Mackenzie, McMillan, Menteatb, Newman, Peacock. PearaOn, Pyke, Rolleston, Rose, Russell, Smith, Trimble, and Wakefield. Mr Turnbull's Rating Act Amendment Bill provides that the property of friendly societies shall not be included in the term 4< rateable p operty," as applied la the existing Act.