GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3636, 11 September 1872, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

f IHE NEW MINISTRY. Wellington, Sept. 10. Mr Stafford, to-day, announced that he had formed a Ministry, consisting of himself, Messrs Eitzherbert, Gillies, Curtis, Reid, and Sewell (in the Upper House). It is probable, however, that at least one other member would yet be added. It is intended also to add one, if not two, Maori members to the Executive to advise on 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, he asked the House to adjourn to Friday, to enable them to decide what business should be proceeded with, and what should be allowed to stand over, Mr Gillies would be Treasurer; Mr Reid, Minister for Public The other portfolios had not yet been allotted. Mr Brown (Canterbury) asked if Messrs Gillies, Eitzherbert, and Curtis had resigned their Superintendencies. Mr Stafford replied that they would resign either before or at the termination Of the session, therein following Mr M'Lean’s example in 1869. The House need be under no apprehension that Superintendents would be in the Government.

Mr , Eox . reminded the House, that in Mr M'Lean’s case he had not, like Mr Stafford, made a positive declaration against Superintendents in the Ministry. He hoped that Messrs - Curtis, Gillies, and Eitzherbert would resign before the end of the session, as if there was anything wrong in Superintendents being in the Ministry, their presence there must, be especially miscMeroiii during the session, when their offices weuld enable them to bring a large amount of pressure to bear. He congratulated Mr Stafford on bis 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 from the Consolidated Fund, and £20,000 from the Defence Loan wae passed through all its stages. Mr Gisborne has resigned his seat forEgmont. A new writ will be issued.