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Grey River Argus, Issue 100, 1 September 1866, Page 2

Our latest advices from Wellington confirm the telegraphic announcement of the formation of the ne^v Ministry— that is to say of Messrs Stafford, Hall, Haultain, Fitzherbert, J. C. Richmond, and Major Richardson. The Premier made his ministerial statement on the 24th, in which, whilst showing a more moderate tone towards -the' provinces, he gave no pledge as to the proportion of revenue they should be. allowed to retain^ He said . he felt if to be the duty of Government "to strain eveiy nerve to etiable the provinces to' cavry on their/ various public works and

undertakings, as far as the means at its disposal would allow. Without, .therefore, pledging' the Government as to the definite proportion of the Customs revenue to be distributed, he Vished the House to believe that the position of the provinces would receive the greatest consideration, with a view to a fair, provision being made to enable them to maintain those works which were most essential to the progress anil prosperity of the country." -This sounds all very well, but is' somewhat too vaguexto satisfy cither the House or the country, and we notice that Mr Yogel, determined to place a. clear issue before the House had given notice of -his intention to move on the" 29th, the following resolu. tions :— - j "1. That provision ' be made securing to the proviuces for appropriation by the Provincial Councils, three-eighths of the Customs' revenue. , ■ - " 2r That the interest and sinking fund on tlurloans contracted by the provinces be made a first charge upon the three-eighths. •'3. That the unexpended votes of the last financial year be made to revert to the surplus revenue. ■ '- " 4. That the provinces be credited with the amount taken from revenue for the un-' authorised General G overnment expenditure charged against the revenue of last year." We may therefore expect thai another financial battle has been fought, but we think the Government will give in this time.. A' recent despatch from the Home authorities, stating their iutcn. tion to. allow on« regiment of troops to remain in the colony without charge, enables Mr Stafford to cut down his defence estimates, and so probably he may see his way clear to tho Provinces getting their stipulated three-eighths of the Customs duties. We notice that Mr Moorhousc asked the intentions of the Government with respect to the proposed Stamp Tax, but .no answer could be given until after the Committee of Supply.- , We can glean nothing relative to the progress of -affairs in tho Gold Fields' Committte. . '