MR FERGUS SPEECH.

Timaru Herald, Volume L, Issue 4869, 14 June 1890, Page 3

MR FERGUS SPEECH.

When Mr Fergus went down to bis constituents, the country was entitled to think (says tho Auckland Herald), that he set forth the programmo which had been deliberately settled by Ministers. It wbb not quite clear that ho did not do co. Ministers aro horrified at tho storm of indignation and disappointment which has arisen. But it is not certain whether they are anxious t? disavow Mr Fergus because, he eaid what he win not authorised to Bay, or because it is found tfiat the programme is uttorly dißtastoful to the country. Sacrificing a Jonah is a familiar spectacle m politics. But this would be a very bad caso of Jonahism. The mariners of Xarahish believed that tho prophet had caused a storm which they know that they had had no port m raising. In this case apparently Ministors incited Mr Fergus to do what has caused the storm, and now they want to throw him overboard beoauso a storm has followed. It sooms plain to us that when Mr Fergus went to Quccnstown from Wellington ho had his speech writton m bis pocket, for tho Otago Daily Times prinlod it m full, divided into sections, und with headings. The wholo aspect of the spoech, and the frequent statement that " we have resolved to do so and so," marked it as a Ministerial utterance. However, it has turned out badly, and hio colleagues aro desirous to disavow it. They even seom to look upon it. as a happy evont, if they got rid of Mr Fergus, they could make rcom for semo one who might strengthen them somewhat. Thospeoch certainly wan an amazing one. If it contained tho programme of Ministers for the ensuing session, theu they should all throw themselves overboard, as having Bhown themselves incapable of understanding Iho wants of tho colony and tho wholo position of affairs. What tho programmo of tho ensuing eeseion ought to be, teems to us es plain as a pikestaff. Ministors should do as littlo as possible m tho wny of novel legislation, and only take up absolutely necessary business. A general election is to follow the session, with a meet of (he new house early next year. But according to Mr Fergus the Government had resolved m the forthcoming session to deal with a number of Bubjects of a portentous oharaoter.