FROM AUCKLAND.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1615, 6 September 1861, Page 3

FROM AUCKLAND.

In our last summary we alluded to the intention of the late Ministry to head an attack on the Fox Miuistry ; it was not till the 13th August that we learned the result. The suspense had been great, and the excitement in Wellington on that evening,when the Wonga's gun was heard^ was very great. The neighbourhood of Himmers wharf was soon crowded. Is

the Fox Ministry still in ? was the paramount enquiry, as on the answer to that question alone did we look for a solution of the difficulties which threatened the ruin of this Island. Intense indeed was the excitement when, coupled with the gratifying announcement that the Fox Ministry was firmly seated, it was stated that the Governor was recalled and that Sir George Grey was expected to arrive in Auckland as his successor within , a fortnight. The motion of Mr. Richmond's, intended to upset the Fox Ministry, was made on the Ist August. It was short I and languid. The members voted in the same manner as they did on Mr. Fox's motion of no-confidence in the Stafford Ministry. On Mr. Bichmond's side there was an increase of two — Captain Atkinson and Mr. Colenso ; and on tlie Fox side there was an equal increase — Messrs. Ward and Harrison; all four having taken their seats recently. The House lacked only one member, Mr. Gillies of Otago. This vote induced Mr. Stafford to declare that no further attempts would be made to upset the Fox Ministry this Session, and enabled several members to return to their homes, amongst whom are three of our own, Messrs. Brandon, Carter, and Rhodes. The introduction, of Messrs. Sewell and Ward into the Ministry will consolidate its power, and we may look, forward to its ! now becoming a strong one. The Stafford Ministry — occupying their seats far five years — came into power by a mere majority of one, as did the present Ministry of Mr. Fox; and like it we may hope that the latter will obtain a. good working majority to support them in the next Session.

.t^On the Ist August the Superintendents of Wellington and Auckland, who [,had accepted seats in the Executive temporarily, resigned, and the Ministry was rearranged thus : — Mr. Fox, Colonial Secretary. Mr. Sewell, Attorney -General. Mr. Reader Wood, Colonial Treasurer. Mr. Mantell, Native Minister. Mr. Crosbie Ward, Postmaster-General and ' Secretary for Crown Lands. Mr Henderson and Dr. Pollen, without office.

On the same day the ' want- of confidence motion' of Mr. Richmond was made, in one of the weakest speeches ever heard from his eloquent lips. He himself most certainly manifested no confidence in his own chance of success, and his party appeared desirous to ovude the direct negative which the House was prepared to give, by putting the issue on the necessity for a coalition, in the existing

state of parlies. . . . and at tnid-

night the motion was lost by a majority of one, the division list being as follows : — Ayes 25. Noes 26. Messrs. Russell Messrs. Williamson Firth Ward Wells Cavleton Atkinson - It. Graham Nixon Carter Mason C. J. Taylor Creyke W. Taylor Domett Brandon' Curtis Whyte Weld Fox Cookson Kefctla Fraser Munro Wilson Henderson J. C. Richmond Eyes C. W. Richmond G. Graham Colenso Dick Hall Featheraton Jollie M'Glashan Dillon Bell Fitzherbert Ormond Wood O'Neill O'Rorke A. J. Richmond Rhodes Rowley Renall Stafford Mantell Butler Harrison Saunderar