General Assembly.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 119, 30 September 1868, Page 3

General Assembly.

Tuesday, Sept. 29. [fir StrBMAJBIKB TELEGEAPH.] After business had commenced in the House of Representatives, Mr Fox asked what course Ministers intended pursuing, after having' been unmistakeably defeated according to recognised parliamentary practice. He thought only two courses were open, viz., to tender their resignation, which, under the circumstances, was the moat becoming course ; or advise a dissolution. Mr Stafford replied that, after Friday's division the Government had gravely considered its position, aud had como to a conclusion. They then called their supporters together, and acquainted them with that conclusion, on which a resolution was 4 passed unanimously, urgently requesting the Ministry to continue the government of the country. This request the Ministry had acceded to, the more readily, because the Opposition nofc being in a majority, they would otherwise be handing over the government to a party less strong than themselves. It was a common thing for Ministries at home to go in with a minority, and to keep in with a minority. This had happened in the first Pitta time, and more lately in the cases of Derby aud Disraeli ; Disraeli then refusing to say whether he would or would not dissolve before the legal period under the new Keform Act arrived. The (Stafford) Ministry with a slight majority were prepared to remain in office, and meet with abuse for so doing ; in fact, the abuse they had previously received had partially induced the Government to remain in, for he was apt, when dared not to do a thing, to do it. Mr Fox again rose, saying that Mr Stafford had said they were going to remain in, but not what the Ministry j intended doing ; whether it was intended, for instance, to continue financial measures or remodel them. The Constitutionalists were not prepared for factious opposition, but could not decide how to acfc until th«y knew th© intentions of the Government. Mr Stafford said they were not justified in continuing the session much longer, and they did not propose fighting any more battles of policy. They intended to let the principles of their policy drift into the public mind, and would' confine the attention of the House to practical measures, not open to great dispute, such as those relating to organic changes. The amendment of the law, and supply would involve almost all ; the Hoads Board Bill having been reported on by a select committee would be gone on with. Of course what he had stated about organic changes referred also to the fiaancial measures. The House then went to the Orders of the Day without obtaining definite information a* to the Ministerial intention to dissolve at the close of the session.