THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Timaru Herald, Volume L, Issue 4861, 5 June 1890, Page 3

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

THE HEAIiTH OF THE PBBMIER. (By Tklbseaph.) WELLINGTON. Jtob 4. Yarfous rurooura are afloat as to the probable intentions of the Premier and his stato of health. Amongst others it is said that he intends to become Agent-General. With .regard to this it may be pointed out that 9ir Dillon Bell's term is not up till October of next year, and that when it wa? renewed ha flitly refueed to take it for leu than three yean. It is an open secret that his colleagues view Sir Harry Atkinson's stato of health' with alarm, and one at least makes no secret of hiß beliof that the Premier cannot possibly undertake the business of the session. When interviewed he declined to pay anything except that his doctors informed him that his condition waa not as satisfactory as it ought to be. Whatever eourno is taken is not likrfv to be settled until the cession is about to be opened. Another open political secret is that Ministers viewed Mr Fergus' speech with great disapprobation which found a speedy reflection m shoals of letter* from discontented supporters. It was stated that they intended to lake action through the medium of another ministerial speech, and Mr Richardson was asmed as the gentleman who wns to be the expounder of tho true policy of tho Governmeat. Mr Biehardjon had some intention of addreMiog his constituents, but merely from an electioneering point of view, and it is now doubtful whether he will even do this as tho approach of the teuton is causing considerable pressure of business m his department. Ho will probably make up his mind tomorrow or Friday whether to go south or jiot.