POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 457, 16 October 1877, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(from our own CORRESPONDENT.) Wellington, October 10

In the Legislative Council to-day, the Hon. Colonel Whit more announced that he had been asked to lead the Upper House, and had declined ; but he had undertaken to conduct the Government business until the appointment was made, which he hoped would be done in a fewdays. It is reported that Mr. Stafford intends moving a want of confidence motion in the new Ministry. ♦ (FROM THE PRESS AGENCY.) Wellington, October 15. The new Ministers were sworn in this afternoon to the following offices :—Sir George Premier and and Colonial Secretary ; Mr. Macandrew, Lands and Works; Mr. Larnach, Treasury and Stamps ; Mr. Sheehaii, Native and Justice ; Mr. Fisher, Postmaster-General and

Telegraph. Colonel Whitmore has refused to 1 jbin. : "• ' ' .'.■'.. ■" Wlieh. the House met, the gallarieswere all crowded. Messrs:' Da I^iitour' 1 '' Murray, "Tjioinso'n, and B;|ilanc'e 4 'have:nioved-to seatsbehind the idoveriinient benches'; Sir sifs on tfie right" of the Government benches, with Mr. Larnach on his left, and Mr. Sheehan in Mr. Ormond's place ; Mr. Reader Wood next to Mr. Fox ; Mr. Whitaker in a seat behind the Canterbury members, and Mr. Ormond on his right. Mr. Richardson created considerable amusement when seen looking for a seat, and when crossing the room in the rear of the Government benches to the other side of the House. Mr. Sutton sits on the same side, and Mr. Ballance has moved across the House to a seat next the Ayes lobby. J October 10. The new Ministry were gaaottud last night. _ r