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2

11. On the 24th instant Mr. Ballance waited on me, and informed me that he had succeeded in forming a Government, to consist of the following gentlemen :— The Hon. John Ballance, Premier, Colonial Treasurer, Minister for Native Affairs, and Commissioner of Trade and Customs; The Hon Pateick Alphonsus Buckley, Attorney-General, Colonial Secretary, and Post-master-General; The Hon. William Pembek Eeeves, Minister of Education and Minister of Justice; The Hon. Eichaed John Seddon, Minister of Public Works, Minister of Mines, and Minister of Defence; The Hon. John McKenzie, Minister of Lands and Immigration, and Minister for Agriculture. The Hon. Joseph Geoege Wabd (without portfolio). To these names I signified my approval, and I forthwith administered the usual oath of Executive Councillor to those gentlemen. 12. To-day the Speaker of the House of Representatives attended before me and claimed the usual privileges, and I thereupon, on Her Majesty's behalf, signified to him my approval of the choice made by the House of Representatives. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Lord Knutsford. ONSLOW.

Enclosures. No. 1. The Speakeb of the Legislative Council to His Excellency the Goveenoe. My Lobd, — Lower Hutt, Wellington, 19th January, 1891. ■ I have the honour to request that your Excellency may be pleased to accept my resignation of the Speakership of the Legislative Council from the above date, my health not being sufficiently restored to enable me to undertake the duties of that office during the coming session. I have, &c, His Excellency the Eight Hon. the Earl of Onslow. William Fitzheebebt.

No. 2. The Hon. the Peemiee to His Excellency the Govebnoe. For His Excellency the Governor. The Cabinet, with much regret, respectfully recommend your Excellency to accept the resignation of Sir William Fitzherbert from the 22nd instant. 19th January, 1891. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 3. Telegeam from His Excellency the Govebnoe to the Hon. the Pbemiee. Christchurch, 20th January, 1891. The resignation of the Speakership of the Legislative Council by Sir William Fitzherbert from the 22nd instant is regretfully accepted. Onslow.

No. 4. Telegeam from the Hon. the Peemiee to His Excellency the Goveenoe. Wellington, 21st January, 1891. The Cabinet respectfully recommend that Sir H. A. Atkinson be called to the Legislative Council to-morrow, the 22nd instant. H. A. Atkinson.

No. 5. Telegeam from His Excellency the Goveenoe to the Hon. the Pbemiee. Christchurch, 22nd January, 1891. Sib H. A. Atkinson is made a member of the Legislative Council of New Zealand. Onslow.

No. 6. The Hon. the Pbemiee to His Excellency the Goveenoe. Wellington, 23rd January, 1891. The Cabinet unanimously recommend that Sir H. A. Atkinson be appointed to the vacant Speakership of the Legislative Council. H. A. Atkinson.