ASSEMBLY NEWS.

Press, Volume XX, Issue 2921, 11 September 1872, Page 2

ASSEMBLY NEWS.

♦ [N.Z. Press Associated Telegrams.] THE NEW MINISTRY. Wellington, Sept. 9. Mr Stafford to-day announced that he had formed a Ministry, consisting of himself, Fitzherbert, Gillies, Curtis, Reid, and Sewell. It was probable, however, that at least one other member would yet be added. It was.intended also to add one, if not two, Maori members to the Executive, to advise oh native matters. But the greatest care and deliberation would be exercised in selecting these native members. As Ministers had only been sworn in a few hours ago, he would ask the House to adjourn to Friday, to enable them to decide what business would be proceeded with and what would be allowed to stand over. Mr Gillies would be Treasurer, Mr Reid, Minister for Public Works. The other portfolios had not yet been allotted. Mr Brown (Canterbury) asked if Messrs Gillies, Fitzherbert, and Curtis, had resigned their offices of Superintendents. Mr Stafford replied that they would resign either before or at the termination of the session, therein following Mr McLean's example in 1869. The House need be under no apprehension that Superintendents would be in the Government. Mr Fox reminded the House that in Mr McLean'B case he had not, like Mr Stafford, made a positive declaration against Superintendents being in the Ministry. •He hoped Messrs Curtis, Gillies, and Fitzherbert would resign before the end of the session, as if anything was wrong in Superintendents being in the Ministry, their presence there must be especially mischievous during the session, when their offices would enable them to bring a large amount of pressure to bear. He congratulated Mr Stafford on his old colleague, and the colleague of so many other Ministers, Mr Sewell, being once more in the Government. After some further debate, an Imprest Supply Bill of £50,000 out of the Consolidated Fund, and £20,000 of the Defence Loan, was passed through all its stages. Mr Gisborne has resigned his seat for Egmont. A new writ has been issued. .