THE POLITICAL CRISIS.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1097, 5 July 1879, Page 2

THE POLITICAL CRISIS.

THF VACANT SEATS.

"Wellington. Wednesday. Yesterday the Premier had a long interview- with Sir* W. Fitzherbert, and Mr Ballance and Mr Macandrew also called on and saw Sir W. Fitzherbert.

It is understood that efforts are being made to get Mr Gisborne to join the Cabinet, and that these are not unlikely to be successful, also that the second seat rests between Mr Moorhouse and Mr Montgomery, if either can be induced to take it. One result of the crisis has been that the idea of leaving the Chairmanship of Committee to the nomination of a caucus has been abandoned, and the Ministry have pledged themselves to nominate Mr Bunny to that offlce. This will probably render safe two or three j otherwise doubtful votes.

COMMISStONER FOR THE WEST COAST,

Mr James Mackay since his arrival on Saturday has had several interviews with Ministers, aud it is probable that he will to-morrow be appointed Special Commissioner for the West Coast disturbed districts, and be sent there immediately, with ample powers.

MR LUCKIE'S APPOINTMENT.

It has transpired that the original disputes between Sir George Grey and Mr Ballance over Mr Luckie's appointment resulted m the interchange of .a good many letters between the Premier and his Treasurer. This correspondence is said to have been very spicy, and written on both sides with a view to its presentation to Parliament. Sir George has more than once informed Mr Ballance of his intention- to have the matter out with him m the House. .

Cii-Istchuecii, Wednesday,

The • Press' this morning reviews the Ministerial position m strong terms of condemnation, and advocates a disso-

lution,

ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE BY THE HON,

W. GISBOttNE,

Wellington, Thursday.

Tlie Hon. Mr Gisborne returned from South to-day, and was immediately clositcd with the Premier. Iv the afternoon a Cabinet was held, and this evening a seat m tho Ministry was formally offered to, and accepted by, the member for Totara, who will be Minioter of Lands Immigration, and Customs. ' Sir George Grey will probably retain tho Ircasury permanently.

The second vacant seat m the Cabinet has not yet been absolutely offered to anyone, but it is understood that it will be filled by an Otago member. The names of Pyke, Olliver and Thompson are mentioned.

The reply to the Address will probably be moved by Mr Adams, and seconded by MrGoldie.

The Governor is expected back tonight, and Mr Gisborne will be sworn m to-morrow morning.

DUNEDIN, Thursday.

, The * Star' this evening is particularly severe on the Ministry, which, it says, .has been entirely undeserving of confidence, and whose policy it describes as having been merely the will of Sir George Grey, who brooks no interference with his autocratic rule, and would liberalise the commonwealth to the extent of making it a fief of his own. The • Star,' however, strongly condemns the Miuisters who resigned.