THE POLITICAL CRISIS.

Thames Star, Volume XIX, Issue 5824, 29 September 1887, Page 2

THE POLITICAL CRISIS.

(Pbb Pbeßß Association.)

Wellington, This. day.

The Press Association is in a position to supply the following information re* garding the political crisis :—

All the Ministers except Mr Richard ■ son will be here to-morrow, and the latter will arrive on Saturday. As Sir R. Stout has announced his intention to retire from public life for the present, there is no doubt he will give in his resignation to the Governor, and his resignation carries with it that of the whole Government. The Governor will then ask him to hold office until the successors to the present Government are sworn in, and His Excel* lency will send for some one to form a new Government.

In 1884 Major Atkinson delayed giving in hisresignationuntil the Parliament met, tbe reason being that in the absence of the members from Wellington there was a difficulty in making the necessary arrangement* and holding the usual conference. There is, however, nothing in tho point, for after the resignation is given in, it rests'with the Governor to decide for whom be will send; and if he sends for Major Atkinson he will have to await his arrival. If Major Atkinson undertakes the task he will ask for tbe time he considers necessary in which to perform it. The probabilities therefore point to the Government immediately tendering their re-, signation, and holding office at tbe request of the Governor until a new Government is formed.

There is another point about which there is a general misconception. A retiring Minister does not volunteer advice —he only gives it if requested to do so. In 1884, the Governor did not ask Major Atkinson for advice, and probably he will follow the same course on the present occasion.