MINISTERIAL CRISIS.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1096, 8 July 1879, Page 2

MINISTERIAL CRI SIS.

Wellington, Saturday

MR GISBORNE COMMENCES WORK

Mr Gisborne entered on his new duties to-day. The general opinion hero is that his aocession to office strengthens the Ministry immensely.

THE VACANT SEAT FOR DUNEDIN-

Mr James Maccassoy, the barrister^ has announced himself a candidate for Diinedin city, Probably Mr W. P. Stewart wUI also be a candidate for the scat, under the auspices of the Bible -in-Schools Association. He is almost certain to be nominated.

Dunedin, Saturday,

THE FEELING IN OTAGO,

The 'Times,' m an article ou the political situation, says :-—" All that we can say sf Mr Gisborne, who has occupied a, seat m the Government is, that he is less obnoxious than many men who __<>*ht have been appointed, bufc as a correspondent points out, although he represents a South Island constituency, he is virtuaUy a North Island man. As for Mr Montgomery, we cannot believe that he will now commit himself to' the tender mercies of Sir G. Grey, or so far stultify himself as to join a Government whose measures he has severely criticised. But however the gaps may be temporarily stopped, the fact remains that we cannot possibly any longer place confidence m Sir George Grey's tact or moderation, or his loyality to his coUeagues whenever any question arises m which he differs from them. As regards Otago interests, though we do not for a moment put them before those of the colony, we have a right to expect they wiU be fairly represented m any Government that is formed. Mr Macandrew has, to the regret of his friends, apparently elected to stand or fall with Sir George Grey, and we fear this has rendered his prospect of forming a new Ministry doubtful. Setting him aside, we know of no man who would better represent Obago interests m the Cabinet than would Messrs. Olivier and Bastings, bufc that is a point which the Otago members should take an early opportunity of discussing among themselves. We take it that Otago voters will m this, case go against Sir George Grey, and the members who supported him on the question of Provincialism or Abolition will now hold themselves absolved from their aUegiance. ISo far as we can interpret that temper of the public mind they wUI only properly represent their constituencies if they insist on a change, and oue that shaU secure such an administration of pubUc affairs during the next twelve monthh, as will leave the field open next year for the triumph of a thoroughly Liberal platform.

Wellington, Saturday,

There is nothing new fco -day. The • Times ' of this morning had a vicious article against Mr Gisborne, and another against Mr Bunny. It is evident the Opposition regard both as deserters. Ma Rollcston has written to a political friend, declining to be put m nomination for the Speakership against Mr O'Rorke, aud the latter's election Avill be probably unopposed, but Mr Seymour will be launched against Mr Bunny for the Chairmanship of Committees, and a very close run is anticipated.

The election of an Otago member to fill Mr Stout's seat m the Cabinet has been practically left m the hands of Mr Macandrew, but nothing decisive is likely to be done for a few days. Mr De Lafcour ■' would have stood an excellent chance of the seat, had he been present m Otago, but his living m the North is felt to be au insuperable obstacle, although he represents an Otago constituency.

Dunedin, Saturday.

Mr D. Stewart has declined to stand for the city, and ifc is probable Mr Macassey will have a ivalk-oyer. Mr Gisborne' s entry m the Cabinet is' received here with satisfaction.