WILLINGTON.

Waipawa Mail, Volume 2, Issue 114, 15 October 1879, Page 3

WILLINGTON.

(raoa oca ows coaxis vokdxnt.) Monday, October 13. errata of the past few days vclu.ivelv proved that the two in the House of Heprcsenta- « too evenly balanced for any ua*nu. work of legislation. Scarcely had the Hall Ministry obtained the reins of power by a narrow majority, when Mr Macandrew threatened its existence by a no-coofideuce motion. It is fhlly expected that the resolution of the ex-Minister for Public Works will be carried. Those who profess an intimate acquaintance with the views of members are of opinion that the Opposition will hare a majority of four or five. The present Ministry are men of good personal character, and so far as the important work of administration is concerned, might be expected to carry on the government of the country efficiently. But they are by no means popular. The party was not wise in the selection of a leader. Sir William Fox has a bitter and indiscreet tongue, but he poxaexses a greater grasp of intellect, aud is infciitoly a better speaker than the Hon. John Hall. The fact of the matter is that the latter carries little weight in the House, and he has no personal following. Mr Hall is a hardworking member, and as Postinaster-General or Commissioner of Customs, would, be a useful Minister of the Crown. As leader of a party he is not in the position for which nature designed him. It is true that he has had a lengthened parliamentary experience, and is gifted with more than average ability, but in times of political trouble like the present, great tact is required to keep a party together. The Constitutionalists are Sadly off for a leader, and bare already fonnd themselves out-general led. The Hall Ministry and the bulk of its supporters have too much regard for reputation to resort to anything underhand. This places them at a disadvantage.

Sir George Grey has definitely stated that he has no desire to become a Minister of the Crown again, but that he will most loyally support his party in carrying the liberal measures into effect. The statement was made at a meeting of the Opposition, and the organs of the party tell us that the announcement was received with cheers, which echoed through the whole Parliamentary buildings. A doubtful compliment certainly from the party which Sir George himself had done so much to create. However. should the Opiiosition take office * few days, the new at the mercy of the 'ome fifteen or sixarill obey him most i Sir George may be sou.. -y hard taskmaster. Mr Macandrew is spoken of as the coming Premier, and his occu|>ancy of the position it is expected will alienate two or three Otago members from the Constitutional side of the House. People of the southern province do not believe in the great pro-consul but they have implicit faith in Mr James Macandrew. He will be able to secure for his favorite province a fair share of the loaves and fishes.

Speaking of the Ministry which is to succeed Mr Hall, the names of Mr Sheehan and Mr Ballancc have been spoken of as colleagues of Mr Macandrew. Mr Ballancc has publicly stated that he would object to any Ministry which contained Mr Sheehan, but now that there is a chance of his again taking office, he appears to have reconsidered his determination. Tn a list of probable Ministers published in a paper with which Mr Ballancc is identified, I notice that the latter gentleman is mentioned as Colonial Treasurer, and Mr Sheehan as Native Minister. Auckland cannot be ignored, aud no Ministry which did not contain either Sir George Grey or Mr Sheehan would be acceptable to that province. Outside the walls of Parliament there is little excitement in Wellington regarding political matters. People here are sick of the scrambling for office, and as times are fearfully depressed, a great many neoplo connect the depression with the struggle in the House of Representatives. The feneral opinion is that the Hsll finistry should get a fair triaL Mr Macandrew’s no-confidence motion comes on for discussion to-morrow, that is if the Ministry do not resort to the tactics adopted by Sir George Grey in 1877, and place the motion at the bottom of the order paper. In such a contingency, its consideration might by clever manipulation be indefinitely postponed. However, it is expected that Mr Hall will conform to the general usages of Parliament, and let the motion take precedence of all other business It would be quite competent to discuss the motion, but it is probable that the division will be taken without a debate. In such case, the telegraph wires will inform yon of the fate of the Hall Ministry.

The London Times says that an . phi a has patented l* is proposed to of gas from ■’bic feet * pulrerisea, suu ' heated cupola, n_ One old lady to u. can see for yourself, m. stuffed my poor parrot in tn and here's nis feathers tumbn before your eyes." Taxidermist —r bless ye, 'm, that’s the triumph of our art. We stuffs 'em that natural as they moults in the proper Mason.'