The Taranaki Herald. PUBLISHED DAILY. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1883.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 4464, 5 October 1883, Page 2

The Taranaki Herald. PUBLISHED DAILY. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1883.

The retirement of Mr. Whitaker from the Ministry left Auckland as a Provincial District without representation in the Cabinet, aud it was naturally anticipated that one of the faithful adherents of the Government, who had, through thick and thin, supported them, would at last be awarded the promotion from oidiuary membership to Ministerial rank, which is tho only reward that party can confer on its staunch friends. But, as usual, there is many a slip between tho cup and the lip, aud even in politics the unwritten law of party obligations can, like Constitutional law, be set aside, or its authority disputed when it is

convenient so to do. Why Mr. Oliver, a member of a former Government, should be selected, we fail to see adequate reason for. Otago was already represented in the Ministry iv the person of Mr. Dick, bnt Auckland was not ; and the failure on the part ot the Government to secure an Auckland colleague seems the more incomprehensible. The only explanation is that this Government, like the last, is a self- constituted one, and can therefore do as it seems fit in its own eyes, regardless of the opinions of its supporters in the House. Is it for a moment to be supposed that if Major Atkinson secured the position he holds by carrying a vote of want of confidence in the House that he would have presumed to form a Government by leaving such an important district as Auckland ont in the cold — absolutely unrepresented in the Cabinet ? Assuredly not ; and if he had done so the probability is he would soon Lave had reason to repent of his injudicious action. It may be said that the Premier can choose his own colleagues : so he can constitutionally, but he does so on the tacit understanding that they are acceptable to his supporters. Members do not turn out a Government merely to oblige a leader, or for the fun of the thing. A change of Government is a serious matter : it means dissatisfaction ■with the administration, and a determination to get a better Government by means of better men ; and those men must fairly represent the interests of the various portions of the Colony. No Houso for many years to come would uphold a Government for any length of time unless the larger provinces were represented in the Cabinet. It is the same in America and in the Dominion of Canada ; therefore, it is fatal to attempt to ignore its necessity. It is a settled rule — that is to say, as settled as an unwritten rule can well be. The proposal to give an unpaid portfolio to au Auckland member in the Council will hardly be accepted as satisfactory. It would be better than nothing ; but as such an individual could not very well attend to affairs during the recess, it would be but cold comfort. There is, however, "halm iv Gilead" for disconsolate Auckland. A judgeship is ripening for the new Attorney-General. When he has sufficiently aired his new office, and has practically as well as theoretically become Attorney- General by flashing as it were the maiden sword of office over some musty legal documents, a transmigration is to take place, and he will be transferred to the Bench as Mr. Justice Connolly. Why not Chief Justice ? The fates, we suppose, are not propitious, and the present occupant of that high office is no longer the convenient Prendergast. It will thus be perceived that Auckland politicians can look up with a fair show of yet achieving honor and emolument. But who is to be the lucky man on whom the mantle of Elijah is to fall ? Will they givo it to Mr. Hurst, as Mr. Eeader Wood recommended when the four patriots did such yeoman service on a very critical occasion ; or will they shrink from such a situation ? It really will become very perplexing. Mr. Swanson will not accept office. Will this make the third time of asking and of refusing? Who is left that is eligible? Mr. Whitaker, jun., and Mr. Whyte are not likely to be competitors. There is no vacancy in the Native Department, therefore Mr. Hobbs will not care for office. Would it suit Mr. Peacock ? Would the exigencies of business admit of office with a residence in Wellington ? But then Mr. Hursfc is in the same boat in that respect, and it really is about a tie between them. With his grace of manner and deportment, Mr. Hurst would add lustre to any Ministry. His style would give an air of fashion to it, thus supplying a very apparent want. Taking every thing into consideration wo begin to think that Mr. Reader Wood spoke with somewhat of prophetic vision when he said — " Give it to Hurst."