THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Evening Star, Issue 2962, 16 August 1872, Page 3

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[By Electric Telegraph.] {From Grmlk's Telegram Company.) Wellington, August 16. Mr Fitzherbert concluded his speech on Mr Curtis’s motion yesterday by stating the Provincial party declined to receive the challenge thrown down to make it a Ministerial question, and moved the previous question. Mr Macandrew seconded. The Government was much disconcerted, but accepted the amendment. The debate conseqently lapsed. It is understood that Mr Stafford will give notice of a direct vote of want of confidence to-day or Tuesday.

August 16. Mr Stafford gave notice to-day for Wednesday—(l) That in the opinion of this House the administration by the present Government of the Public Works and Immigration policy has been unsatisfactory j and that the habitual absence of Ministers from the seat of government during the recess, which results in their conducting important operations without frequent opportunities of consulting with each other, prevents that concert and unity of action between the several departments essential to efficient direction of public affairs, either executive or legislative, and largely increases the cost of Government. (2) That in order to administer the public work and iramigratien policy in the most efficient and economical manner the Colonial Government should retain full responsibility of the proper conduct of all works authorised, and the sole control over all sums voted by Parliament; but should, when practicable, avail itself of any existing Provincial or other local machinery in supervision of execution of such works.