GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1417, 11 September 1872, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

IHE NEW MINISTRY.. Wellington, Sept. 10. Mr Stafford, to-day, announced that ho had formed a Ministry, consisting of himself, Me3ar3 Fitzherbert, 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 mombers. 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 bo Treasurer ; Mr Eeid, Minister for Public Works. The other portfolios had not yet been allotted. [ Mr Brown (Canterbury) askod if Messrs Gillies, Fitzherbert, and Curtis had resigned their Superintendences. Mr Stafford replied that they would resign either before or at the termination of the ses- 1 »ion, therein following Mr M'Lean's example in 1869. The House need bo under no appre- [ hension that Superintendents would be in the Government. Mr Fox 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 Fitzherbert 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 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 from the Consolidated Fund, and £20,000 from the Defence Loan was passed through all its stages. Mr Gisborno has resigned his seat for Egmont. A new writ will be issued.