Wanganui Herald (PUBLISHED DAILY). THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 1882. RESIGNATION OF THE MINISTRY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 4642, 13 April 1882, Page 2

Wanganui Herald (PUBLISHED DAILY). THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 1882. RESIGNATION OF THE MINISTRY.

The Press Association send the following message from Christchurch : " The Star makes the following statement as one with authority — ' It was privately intimated to His Excellency that Mr Rolleston was prepared, if necessary, to assume the Premiership. Rumour was also busy with Mr Rolleston's name in another direction yesterday. The report that his resignation was given to the Premier at the same time thatMrßryce sent in his is we believe perfectly correct." The first point to be observed here is that the " private intimation " to His Excellency is not advice in its constitutional form as coming from the Premier ; and if this is what is meant by Mr Johnston being prepared with advice, it shows that the Premier had refrained from recommending any ©f his colleagues, and that the Governor's alleged reply to Mr Johnston that it was not usual, was strictly in keeping with constitutional practice. The next part of the intelligence, that Messrs Rolleston and Bryce sent in their resignations to the Premier, shows, if true, that the Premier's resignation was actually forced upon him by the secession of his colleagues ; for their resignations would have been

grossly irregular and uncalled for otherwise, the resignation of the Premier invariably entailing the dissolution of his Ministry. The resignation of Mr Whitaker was telegraphed on Monday, so that we have some ground for supposing that the Ministry had actually fallen to pieces from its internal disputes. Everything goes to confirm the information published more than a week ago in the Auckland Star to the effect that the Premier was opposed to some part of the Native policy was supported to some extent by the Governor, and that the difference threatened the existence of the Ministry. Assuming this to be true, the Governor's action is perfectly clear and constitutional, even supposing that advice as to his successor was actually tendered by the Premier. The Governor holding a certain policy to bo objectionable, had a perfect constitutional right to send for any leader whom he supposed agreed with him. The only constitutional limitation is that any Ministry that might be formed should command the confidence of the House of Representatives. As this, however, is a point to be determined only by a vote of the House, in the meantime the Governor's choice of advisers is free and uncontrolled, except by his own sense of responsibility. We are not stating anything recondite or doubtful. The practice is as clear as the doctrine is universal in the Mother Country and those of her colonies possessing responsible government. It | is, moreover, highly probable that the Premier, knowing that his Excellency sympathised with his own views and was opposed to the views of his colleagues, would refrain altogether from recommending a successor. But whether he made the recommendation or not, it is beyond question that the Governor had the absolute right of choice. Even if the account of the Hon Mr Johnston's conversation with the Governor is the true version of what took place at the interview, it is clear that his intimation was premature, according to the usual practice, until the Governor asked the question as to the person the Premier recommended should be sent for. We have no hesitation in saying that a voluntary recommendation of a successor is never made, and hence Mr Johnston was entirely wrong. If, however, he was trying to edge in a recommendation not sent by the Premier, but privately arranged between some other of his colleagues, he was guilty of a gross violation not only of a well-understood custom, but of what was due to a sense of common propriety, which was certain to be resented by any Governor who had the slightest sense of what was due to his position. The fact that the information has to be wormed out in this indirect manner is the strongest reason for supposing that Ministers are ashamed of what has occurred. The publication of L>r Grace's letter by Major Atkinson was a questionable attempt to save appearances and to establish in the public mind a reason for the resignation, which is not sufficient, and is every day growing weaker in presence of the facts that are coming to light. The removal of the Native Land Office from Auckland to Wellington may have a good deal to do with Mr Whitaker's resignation, but the vexata quaestio appears to have been a forward movement in the King Country. Major Atkinson has seen that the continuation of the Waikato railway by Mokau to Taranaki has been abandoned by the Auckland members in favor of the more rational line by Taupo to the West Coast between Wanganui and Feilding. The only hope for the former was the forcing of an immediate survey through the King Country. It has been noticed lately that bad blood between the Natives of Mokau and the King has been sedulously promoted by emissaries whh are believed to be instigated by the Government. A grand coup might have been expected any day under some pretence or other, probably the seizure of the murderers living in the King Country affording a pretext. The intrigue of two members of the Ministry — with the railway in the back-ground — has had much to do with upsetting the coach. The firmness and constitutional conduct of the Governor have spoiled the dangerous game, and if Sir George Grey will act with moderation — advising that one of his friends should be sent for — he will again occupy the foremost place in respect and influence in the opinion of the people.

We have the best authority for stating that the Ministerial crisis arose over the arrest of the Native murderers residing under the shelter of the King.

The Wairarapa volunteers held a field day on Monday last, but the paucity of attendance prevented the affair being a success. The parade state shewed a return of 54 rank and file, with 4 officers, and 29 bandsmen. The Collingwood Observer says of an old Wanganui acquaintance : — Our eratwhile Fitzroy citizen, Mr James Sharpe, photographer and artistic painter, has returned to his old hunting grounds, after several years' roving through Maori land, and declares there is no place like Melbourne after all. The flush of prosperity induced by the enormous loans worked by Sir Julius Yogel has worn off, and the payment of the piper is crushing all enterprise. Mr Sharpe has as Druidical an aspect as ever, and spent much time among the natives, taking views of the scenery. He was Te Whiti's guest for 7 days, but could not persuade the old chief to squat for his portrait, there being a superstitious feeling among the natives on this point. Lovers of high-class music will welcome the news that the principal cities of the colony will shortly be visited by the Mendelssohn Quintette Club, of Boston, whose performances in Australia have been spoken of in terms of unqualified praise by the critics. The quintette consists of Messrs Isidor Schnitzler, Ernest Thiele, William i Schade, Frederick Giese, and Thomas Ryan, all of whom are artistes of the very highest reputation. Miss Cora Miller, an American soprano of whom report speaks well, assists tho club in their entertainmenta. The Sydney Morning Herald says it " is gonerally conceded that Mr Giese is the best violincellist who has visited Sjdney, that Mr Ryan is a perfect master of the clarionette, that Mr Schnitzler is a wonderfully gifted violinist, that Mr Schade is a flautist of unusual merit, that Mr ThMe worthily seconds Mr Schnitzler, and that Miss < ora R. Miller deserves the praises she has won as a singer of operat'c music ; while from the first it has been acknowledged that in the aitistic, unaffected manner in which it performs concerted music, the club excels any organisation the Sydney public has listened to previously." The company left Melbourne in the Ringaroom* for Invemrgill.

Mr W. Timms has obtained the contract for fencing in the River Bank. The usual weekly parade of the Wanganui Rifles will not take place this evening. There is a weekly sale in Paris of toads, which are brought in casks filled with damp moss. One hundred good toada are worth from Bixty to seventy shillings. Theee are bought for gardens. At the poll taken at Palmerston on the question of new licenses, 30 voted on the affirmative side, and one on the negative. It is evident the ratepayers of the southern borough consider the responsibility of deciding should rest on the proper shoulders, the Licensing Committee. The Comedy and Burlesque Company open their Wanganui season to-night with the drama of " Rip Van Winkle." Great preparations have been made to put this play on the stage in a very complete manner, and the Company being very strong numerically, as well aa possessing good talent, the expectations of success will doubtless be realized. The Manawatu Times in an article on the political position says: — "It is in such a crisis as this that the loss of such men as Ormond, Ballance, and Stout is most keenly felt. Of course so far Sir George Grey is not aware whether he will be asked to construct a Ministry or not, but should that be the intention of His Excellency in sending for him, it is sincerely to be hoped that the old chief will have moral courage and magnanimity to sacrifice his own ambition for the good of the cause ; and while refusing to take the lead, give his whole weight, influence, and assistance to his party. Were he to act in this manner, he would be sure to recover his lost prestige, and once again become a power in the State— a King without a Crown." The first concert of the present season of the Harmonic Society will be held on Thursday the 20th instant in the Christ Church schoolroom. The programme will be entirely sacred, the first part consisting of Weber's Mass in G, and the second of miscellaneous selections from the best oratorios. The Society will have the assistance of several ladies and gentlemen visitors, who are vocalists of repute. Now that the new season is beginning, it is sincerely to be hoped that the public will respond to the energetic efforts of the officers and members of this valuable musical Society, which has done such good work in the past, by taking season tickets and becoming honorary members. By this means the Society will be able to extend its operations, and be of even gi eater public service in the future. A letter from J. Williams (Randwick's jockey) appears in the Auckland papers on Saturday. He states the decision arrived at by the Taranaki Jockey Club was unfair, and makes the following statement :— " My own weight the day after I rode the race, and after my my weight had been questioned, was Bst. 4£lbs,, and this weight was ascertained in the presence of Messrs Humphries and Williamson, the latter being the owner of Larry, the second horse, and other persons. In addition to my own weight, my saddle weighs not less than 51bs. ; the saddle cloth or rubber, lib. ; breastplate, £ib. When my j weight was taken after the race, I had no [ waistcoat or colours on ; when I rode I wore them, and carried about 31bs. of lead in my pockets to make up the required weight, I am willing to be weighed as I stated, and, as it is only 7 days after the race, all impartial persons will admit that I cannot have made 141 b. of flesh iv that period, which I must have done if the theory of the Jockey Club is to be sustained. He also states that legal proceedings are to be taken against the Taranaki Jockey Club." A meeting of the Regatta Committee was held at the Occidental Hotel on Wednesday, Mr F. M. Spurdle in the chair. The minutes having been read and confirmed a letter was read from Mr Jensen offering £5 for the right to erect a refreshment booth near the winning post. Resolved that the offer be accepted, the Committee not giving any guarantee beyond agreeing not to grant a similair privilege to any other person. Mr Kohn was appointed timekeeper. Mr T. D. Cummins on behalf of the Sports Committee reported that they had arranged a programme of events to be held between the races. Report adopted. Mr Widdop was unanimously elected a member of the Committee on the motion of Mr Shaw, seconded by Mr Drew. The Hon. Secretary reported favorably with respect to finance, and £7 was voted for sports. A Ions; discussion ensued relative to the roping off of the river bank near the winning post, so as to afford protection to the public. It was resolved to in- ' struct the Stewards to take the protection they may deem necessary. The entries (published in another column) were then opened, and meeting adjourned. j The European Mail publishes the following item of Masonic news :— " An interesting feature of the monthly meeting of the Zetland Lodge, No. 1005, held at its new quarters at the New Inn Hotel, in Gloucester, was the presentation of a silver cup to the infant son j of a member of this lodge. The child had ' been brought to the lodge by his nurse, and when the ceremonies were over and the business closed, nurse and infant were admitted, and the gift was made, the brethren much enjoying the novel proceeding. The silver cup bears the following inscription :—: — ' Zetland Lodge, No. 1005, Gloucester. To Norman D'Arcy Champney, a Lewis in Freemasonry, born on the day of the regular monthly meeting of the Lodge, Wednesday, November 9th, 1881. Thomas Delafield, W.M. ; Henry Jeffs, I. P.M. ; Henry Luker and Henry Frith, wardens ; W. J. Lifton, Secretary.' The word ' Lewis 'is applied in English operative masonry to an iron cramp inserted in a large stone in a prepared cavity for the purpose of attaching it to a pulley, so that the stone may be raised to its proper elevation. The word Lewis is also applied to the eldest son of a Freemason, who by custom takes precedence of other candidates at initiations. The word seems first to have, had modern use in the constitutions of the craft in 1738, in respect of His Majesty King George 111., eldest son of Brother His Royal Highness Frederick Prince of Wales. A toast was drunk to the Royal child with the refrain :—: — • Now a lewis is born, whom the world shall admire Serene as his mother, august as his sire.' " We had the pleasure of inspecting this morning the new offices erected for Messrs Borlase and Barnicoat on the section adjoining the Princess Theatre. As this new building in no way corresponds with the usual musty and fusty den in which lawyers locate themselves, some description of it may be interesting. The building has a plain and solid exterior, has two stories, and is erected of red pine, the timber having evidently been chosen of the best and most thoroughly seasoned kind. Entering by the passage, which runs throughout the depth of the building, the clerk's general office on the left is a commodious apartment 22 x 15, fitted with a counter and screens of the most approved type. At the rear of the office is that appropriated to Mr Barnicoat (a room 15 x 14) and owing to the proximity of the high Theatre wall special arrangements have been found necessary to provide light. The windows occupy practicably the whole of one side of the rcom, and the ceiling is painted, and the walls papered,a stone color decidedly pleasing to the eye. At the rear of this office is Mr Borlase's room, 22 x 14, probably the best in the building. Between the two last named rooms is a large concrete deeds room, fitted with Milner's patient irondoor and locks. It should be said that the rooms of the two partners of the firm are provided with entrances not only from the main passage, but from the right of way adjoining the Theatre. At the back of the building are the urinals and general conveniences. Passing up a broad staircase we reach the spacious landing on the upper floor. Here will be found three offices for clerks, one 22 x 15, and the others each 18 x 11. It will be seen therefore that the accommodation is excellent, and that these new offices far surpass anything of the kind not only in Wanganui, but on the Coast. The ceilings are all panelled, and considerable taste has been displayed in connection with the interior woodwork of the building. Mr J. R. Wright was the architect, and it is well worthy of his professional skill ; and Messrs Alexander and Macfarlane were the builders, who have done their work satisfactorily. The painting and papering were entrusted to Messrs R. and K. Tingey. The new offices are now complete and await furnishing, so that Messrs Borlase and Barnicoat will soon be in a position to take possession of their pro* feswonal home.

Tenders are invited for additions to the East Town railway shops. To-morrow (Friday), will be very generally observed as a half holiday, a notification to that effect being published in another column. The list of defaulting ratepapers for the several wards in the Borough can be inspected at the Council offices. The annual steeplechase will be held in Wanganui on the Queen's Birthday. Prizes to the value of L 450 are offered. Plans shewinQf the subdivis'on of the Hair property to be sold on the 22nd April can be obtained at the office of Mr F. R. Jackson. There will be a special practice to-night of the Harmonic Society in the Christ Church schoolroom at 8 o'clock. Sir William Fox has been giving the good people of New Plymouth an account of his travels in the East, at which "the attendance was only moderate." Suppose he changed the subject. The operators at the Blenheim telegraph station came out with honors from the receut examination for classification. Some of them transmitted at the rate of 46 words per minute. They have a live clergyman now editing that dull specimen of colonial journalism, the N.Z. Times, and of course he is very orthodox, and very much opposed to modern thought. Unfortunately his study of the belle lettres has not been equal to his devotions over the Westminster Confession, and consequently we have the folio wing morsel from one of his leaders: — "Even the great Tennyson himself has bowed the knee to Baal, as witness his recent misty, immoral, dyspeptic ditty 'De Profundis.' Since the Laureate's ' Relief of Lucknow ' — a fine, vigorous, martial piece, worthy of the best periods of British poetry— we have met with nothing from England in the way of Anglo-Saxon rhyme or rhythem worthy of a single tinker's curse." We wonder what is the value of a " tinker's curse " in the eyes of a Bruce or a Treadwell, or hovr high they pitch their standard of morality when Tennyson is immoral ! We wonder ! It is quite too hard of the Manawatu Times to threaten tocastigate the editor of the Rangitikei Advocate, for this gentleman is fulfilling his mission in a highly satisfactory manner to his old friends of the Liberal party whom he has not by any means deserted. It is surprising our able Palmerston contemporary has not penetrated the method adopted by the ingenious edit >r of the Advocate, which is this : He and Mr Macarthi\r are excellent friends, and in order to serve his friend the editor abuses him in such a way as to make him prominent and gain him sympathy— the result actually beinjj that Mr Macarthur is as popular in Marton as in Feilding. Then with respect to Sir George Grey, Mr Ballance, and other old friends, his instructions being to "go for them," he goes for them in a manner so extreme as to make them doubly popular— thus pleasing his principal and serving his party at the same time. They— that is those gone for— seem to know the motive, and so far from their feeling resentment they are under the deepest obligatious to their old admirer, who is making the best of both positions and earning the gratitude of those whom he " blesses." After this we trust the Times will take the hint.