THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Evening Star, Issue 2987, 14 September 1872, Page 2

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

[By Electric Telegraph.]

Wellington, Sept. 13. In the House to-day, Mr Stafford said that Mr Curtis would he Commissioner of Stamps and Customs, and temporarily PostmasterGeneral and Telegraph Commissioner. Mr Sowell would be Colonial Secretary, aod the sole medium of communication • with the Agent-General. The Government felt that Public Works would require the sole attention of one Minister, and therefore Immigration would be given into the hands of Mr Fitzherbert. The Government were convinced that the whole success of the Public Works policy depended* on the introduction and settlement of immigrants, and Mr Fitzherbert would devote his attention to these points. He would also examine into the state of the surveys throughout the Colony, with the view of the institution of a reliable and uniform system throughout the Colony, which, while not ignoring the value of the information and work already accumulated, would secure future unity of action, especially with reference to trigonometrical survey. Mr Fitzherbert would also superintend the Crown Lands Department. He stated that the Independent's assertion that Mr Moorhouse’s resignation was owing to Mr Fitzherhert’s appointment was "absolutely without foundation. Mr Moorhouse carried his resignation about with him for several days, and sent it in within half an hour after the Ministry took office. They did not accept it till two days had elapsed, and after three Ministers had seen Mr Moorhouse to induce him to withdraw it. The _ Independent's other statement, that Mr Fitzherbert expected a permanent office, was also untrinx Hte disapproved of the practice, like Mr Gisborne’s, of Ministers securing permanent offices, and would never Countenance it. The Government intended to cooperate mrst fully with the Provinces regaling the introduction and location of immigrants. The Ministry was formed on the principle of maintaining the unity of the Colony, with the seat of Government at Wellington.

They would oppose direct 0 r indirect attempts at separation, and would meet Mr Reynolds’ and Mr Ma n andrew*g motions by moving the previous question. At the same time they admitted the existence of a feeling in favor’ of insular separation, both in the North and South ; and, during the recess, Government would Carefully consider whether such administrative machin* ry could be devised as would remove the causes for such a feeling. The Government intended, as soon as funds allowed, to proceed with the railways already authorised ; but it was evident that the funds at their command would not be sufficient to complete anything like the whole of the lines in the schedule to the .Railways Act. The contracts already let absorbed nearly three-fourths of the amount available, and the rolling stock, Departmental charges, and interest, would leave only an inconsiderable balance. It wouhl he necessary, therefore, to consider the means cf obtaining funds fo r the corapletmn, sooner or later, of other lines. Till this was done, no new contracts would be entered into. He pledged the Government not to give an amount in excess of the price authorised by Parliament. He did not, however, hind them to the prices authorised haphazard last session, but in each case he •would ask Parliament to (ix an amount, and the Government W' lild not exceed it. They wouVl as quickly a3 possible expend the amount voted for works to the north of Auckland. Wherever they were unembarrassed by existing arrangements, they would let all works by ■ tender. The Ministry would give effect to the opinions on Native matters expressed by him in his speech in reply in the no-confi-dence debate. At the present period of the session, the Government would not take np any large new questions. He hoped the session would close in a month. In order to save time, the Government would accept their predecessors’ Estimates generally, but would endeavour to reduce them as largely as possible when they came before the House. The Government would strenuously endeavour to bring the ordina y expenditure within the ordinary revenue of the Colony, and avoid increasing the floating debt. He admitted the growth of public dissatisfaction with the increase of the Civil Service, and intended to ask for the appointment of a Parliamentary Commission to inquire into the matter during the recess, and recommend what steps should be taken by the House next session. The Government approved of the principle of their predecessors’ Public Revenues Bill, hut did not pledge themselves to all its details. They would next session introduce a now Gold Mining Bill, a Native;! aids Court Bill, and a Bill to supplement the existing machinery where it was defective regarding education, so as to place the opportunity of receiving primary education within the reach of all parts of the Colony. This measure would not interfere with the existing system where it was satisfactory The Government would circulate the Gold Mining and Native Lands Court Bills throughout the country prior to the session, and the education Bill also, if possible. They will also consider the question of gaol discipline with a view to provide for the classification of prisoners by having specific gaols for long-sentenced prifoners. The Government were aware of the existence of discontent on the Nelson goldfields, but not of the special causes thereof. Mr Curtis hardly shared the opinion of his colleagues as to the sound nature of those causes, but the Government would fully consider and investigate the matter v ith the view of devising some means of improving the administration of affairs, so as to render it more acceptable to the people. They did not believe that the creation of a new Province would conduce to the good government of that part of the Colony. During the recess they would

consider the question of amending the Insolvency law. The present Goldmining Bill would be withdrawn. They would take up the Stamp Act Amendment Bill, and extend it by reducing cheque stamps to a penny. They were not prepared at present to accept Mr Sheehan’s proposed extension of the Maori representation, but would not object to give a native member to the Waikato and and Poverty Bay districts. They would not proceed with the present Civil Service Amendment Bill,

(From our omi Correspondent.)

September 14, A meeting of the Opposition has been held, and Mr Stafford’s statement is disapproved of. It is considered that it indicates a fast and loose policy. Mr Gillies’s and Mr FitzHerbert's views are to seize the Middle Island land fund. The 01 ago and Canterbury members are at one. Mr Sewell’s appointment is considered bad. It is resolved to oppose the Ministry en masss,