MINISTERIAL STATEMENT BY MR. WATERHOUSE.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4722, 12 October 1872, Page 3

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT BY MR. WATERHOUSE.

In the Legislative Council Mr. Wateriiotj.se made a Ministerial statement. He announced the composition of the Ministry as already stated. He himself would be Premier, but without portfolio, and therefore according to a principle he had often enunciated he would draw no salary. At the same time, he would not shrink from the duties of his position, and would devote his time as fully to the service of the country as his predecessors had done. During the recess he would relieve his colleagues who lived at a distance from Wellington of the necessity for constant residence at the seat of Government. The Ministry had decided to make the number of Ministerial offices eight, but had not yet decided what titles these eight portfolios should bear. The Government thought of adding a Minister of Mines, and separating the Postmaster-General from the Treasurer ; making a Minister of Justice or Minister of Agriculture. These were only suggestions which the Government desired should be considered and discussed by the public, so as to guide the Government to a decision. Only three new portfolios could be made. The Cabinet would, if possible, be completed during the session ; if not, within a few days after, and before the members left Wellington. He regretted deeply that his private arrangements prevented Mr. Reeves from joining. He also regretted that circumstances did not allow of the inclusion of Mr. Miller. There being no greaj; question before the country, the Ministiy would make it their great object to administer affairs prudently and effectively. It was intended to proceed with all the public works which had been authorised as speedily as the circumstances of the colony would permit. The state of the labour market would be the only thing which would prevent any authorised work from being pushed on. The Government believed the question of the* confiscated lands could be put on a satisfactory footing, and the Government would endeavour to do so by dealing with each case separately, as no universal principle could be applied. He believed, with the assistance of the natives, a solution of the difficulty satisfactory to both races would be attained. With, respect to natives reserves, it was intended to associate with a commissioner a native board of advice. We believed there was a strong feeling- in the native mind in favour of establishing native committees, with power to deal with a variety of native matters, through the country, and the Government would endeavour to reduce the * idea to practice. His first act as a Minister had been to sign a warrant, calling Mokena Kohere (Morgan), of Waiapu ; and Wiremu Tako Ngatata (Wi Tako), of Waikanae, to the Legislative Council. They intended to institute a searching inquiry into the Civil Service. He had not accepted the position of a Minister without great consideration and unwillingness, but, having taken it, he would not lightly resign it. So long as he could retain office with honour to himself and benefit to the colony he would do so. When these conditions ceased to apply he would retire. He valued his own self respecb above everything, and however much he- might err in judgment he would never deliberately do anything wrong.

MR. VOGEL'S STATEMENT. In the House of Representatives Mr. VoGEtmade a similar announcement of policy t( that made by Mr. Waterhouse, adding that, in the present circumstances of the colony, ho thought it was not necessary to make any defence of the portfolio. Ib was intended, if possible, to equalise the representation of each island in the Cabinet. The Government, like their predecessors, intended to maintain the unity of the colony with the seat of Government at Wellington, and proposed to vote a sufficient sum to put the Government buildings in a proper state of repair. It was intended, after the session, to appoint two natives to advise with the Government on native affairs. They would endeavour, if the West Coast members agreed as to what should be done, to, if possible this session, do something for the better government of the West Coast. He hoped Mr. Shepherd's bill would afford a solution of the difficulty. The Civil Service Commission would consist of members of the Legislature from both sides of the House. The names would be stated on Tuesday. With regard to immigrants the Government would endeavour to arrange with the provinces to take charge of all immigrants after arrival. He hoped Mr. O'Rorke would be shortly added to the Ministry.

THE CHATHAM ISLAND DISTURBANCE. In reply to a question, Mr. McLeyn- said the information from Chatham the Islands did not justify expectation of any great danger.

SITTINGS OF THE HOUSE. The House iv future will sib on Mondays Mr. VoGtL intimated the intention of the Ministry of ending, if possible, the session during the early part of the week af ber next.