The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1891. THE MINISTERIAL POSITION

The " lring spirit" which has been abroad since the Governor's speech was delivered, and has been particularly active since the beginning of the de bate on the Financial Statement, ar.d which has influenced the correspondents and contributors to the {Opposition press to make daily statements of the defection of various members,' and sometimes,of " large defections," from 1 the Government party, has only led its followers into a position of increased nnreliableness. The public will now know, if they did not long ago know, what credence to place m statements emanating from such sources. Last; night's division not only proved the Ministry to have retained the confi dence of all sections of the Liberal party, but that they had secured the adhesion of those individuals who, it was fondly anticipated by the Opposi tion, would be "disturbing elements" to the Government. Sir George Grey and his " party ;" Mr Fisher—and his " party,"—were both found m the Government lobby, and Messrs Blake, George Hutchison, Meredith, and one or two others who were loudly an nounced as being hostile to the Government gave the most practical contradiction to that allegation. Mr VV. F. Buckland was the only member elected on the Liberal plat form who failed m his allegiance to the I Government. Every member of the House was accounted for. Seventy-two who voted or paired, the Speaker, and the Te Aroha seat being vacaut, made lip the number of members — seventy-four. We trust ttiat this demonstration of the strength of the Ministerial position, will have the effect of stopping the undignified per sonalities of which the pseudo-criti cisms upon their policy liave hitherto consisted, and that the House will settle down 1o a calm and fair con sideration of the important measures which are or will shortly be before it.
