THE RIVAL LIBERAL LEADERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4996, 7 July 1894, Page 5

THE RIVAL LIBERAL LEADERS.

An Exciting Scene. Interesting stout- Vogel Beminiscences, [Special to ths "Stab..! WELLINGTON, July 7. The breach between the Premier and Sir Eobert Eobert itaa been daily widen- : ing since the sea-ion opened, and laßt j night, during the Fraser debate, there wis undisguised hostility, with Boma particularly plain speaking on both sides. The Premier, in the couree of his lengthy defence of the Government, remarked that • it could not be eaid that he had ever deviated from the true spirit of Liberalism, i He had been most careful of the honour of the Liberal Party. Could Sir Eobert I Stout say the same ? Could coalition with j Yogel be held to be to the honour of the : ' Liberal Party ? Sir Eobert Stout : Who proposed that ? The Premier: The senior member for Wellington. Sir Eobert Stout : The hon member is making an absolutely incorrect statement. There is not a word of truth in it. The Premier eaid that Sir Eobert Stout had consulted his friends on the subject, and he was amongst the number. Sir Bobert Stout : I never consulted the hon member about any action of mine in the world. The Premier repeated that he had been consulted. Would Sir Eobert Stout tell them whether a coalition was proposed ? Sir Eobert Stcut: There was, aud I declined it. The Premier repeated that he was consulted at the time, and very determinedly said " No." He had insisted that such a coalition would be dragging the party in the mire. Sir Eobert Stout: Tou were not in a position in which your opinion would be of any value. The Premier : I have a letter in which you told me that it was intended I should be your colleague. The excitement was at this stage running very high, and Captain Busb-U came to tho rescue ot Sir Eobert Stout by raising a point of order as to tho introduction of new matter by the Premier. The Speaker gave a conciliatory ruling, and the Premier took up a different branch of discussion. At another stage of +.V.© debate, M* Mackintosh lectured Sir Eobert Stout, and advised him not to be in a desperate hurry to grasp the Premiership. "It would be much better for him to watch his opportunity," said the venerable member for Wallace, "and wait until, as Napoleon aaid, 'the pear is ripe/ No, sir, the pear is not ripe.'*