THE SECRET DESIGNS OF THE MINISTRY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XI, Issue 765, 17 April 1878, Page 5

THE SECRET DESIGNS OF THE MINISTRY.

Tne subjoined remarks, from the ' Grey River Argus' of April 4th, harmonize singularly with certain rumors or conjectures which, as w« mentioned on Saturday, are afleat at tha present time in Welingtpn regarding the supposed designs of the Ministry. Having referred to the late division of the railway department, our contemporary say? : — " We learn also that steps are being prepared for the division or duplication of some other branches of the public service, and we don't like the look of it, If the proposed and contemplated arrangements were simply to promote the efficiency of the departments it wonlc l perhaps be right enough, but we have an uncomfortable feeling that the alterations are indicative of another constitutional change in the direction of the policy darkly hinted at by Mr Macandrew at Dunedin a short time ago — the restoration ia a ' modified ' — or rather we should say extended form —of the system of Provincial Governments, with the difference that instead of nine the colony is to be. divided into two provinces only — one for the North Island and the other for the South, with a federal union. Until the shadow upon the wall becomes a little darker and more distinct it would be premature to discuss the authenticity of the original, but that something of the kind we have mentioned would exactly suit the views of Sir Geo. Grey aud Mr Macandrew there is no doubt whatever, and it is quite on the, cards that they are quietly and unostenta-, tiously preparing the way. And they are both such wary ingenious characters that it is just as well for the public to watch their moves very critically."