Tuesday, 7th October.

Otago Witness, Issue 1456, 11 October 1879, Page 11

Tuesday, 7th October.

The House met at 2.30. AUCKLAND CITY BLEOTIOK. nM... cmtiAPUD i.:c_j it..

The SPEAKER notified the receipt of a petition against the election of the two members for Auckland City West. He added that, before the matter was inquired into, the petition would require to lie on the table of the Hour* for 10 days to allow of objections being stated to the securities lodged.

On the motion of Mr HTJRSTHOUSE, Friday, the 17th day of October, wag appointed to inquire into allegations contained in the petition. The SPEAKER further notified the receipt of a petition from Mr E. Richardson against the return of Sir George Grey for Christchurch City. On the motion of Mr BOWEN, Friday, the 17th instant, was fixed to inquire into the allegations. The same day was, on Mr BOWEN'S motion, fixed for its consideration.

ADDRESS- IN-REPLT.

The House adjourned for half an hour, to allow the Address-in-reply being presented to the Governor ; and on resuming, The SPEAKER read the reply made by the Governor, in which he stated he was at all times anxious that his responsible advisers should be in accord with the representatives of the people in Parliament, and that he had taken measures with a view of forming a new Government. Sir GEORGE GREY said he wished to explain, on behalf cf himself and colleagues, that they ad placed their resignations in the hands of«e Governor, who had been pleased to accept the same. His Excellency had been pleased to request that they would retain office until their successors had been appointed, and therefore they only occupied their present position until a new Government had been formed. The Hon. J. HALL said that yesterday afternoon he had been sent for by the Governor, and requested to take upon himself the duty of forming a new Government. After conversation with his Excellency, he had undertaken to do bo. Since then he had been engaged in that task, but as those present would readily understand, he had not yet succeeded in completing hia arrangements. He would therefore ask for an adjournment, to enable him to make the necessary arrangements. He had intended to hare asked for an adjournment until Thursday, but as he understood Sir George Grey wanted certain supplies voted immediately, he would ask for an adjournment until to-morrow, with the understanding that on supplies being voted the House would agree to a further adjournment until Friday, whan he would bo enabled to announce the formation of a Government which would command the approval of the House.

In peconding the motion, Sir GEORGE GREY said he did so on the distinct understanding that he did not in any way commit himself to the supposition that the new Government would command the approval of the House.

ADJOURNMENT. At 3.80 the House adjourned until to-mor-row at 2.30.