THE ASSEMBLY.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume IV, Issue 202, 25 November 1864, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE ASSEMBLY.

(From the Southern Cross, Nov. 24.) We were right some time ago in fixing upon Mr. Weld as the “ coming man.” The prominent position lie occupied at the Canterbury meeting, and his subsequent political tour, would have fixed the eyes of the public upon him as a candidate for office, had he not been singled out for the post of honour by those journals which opresent the party with which Mr. Weld has been mure espepecially connected. When, therefore, the late Government were asked to recommend to his Excellency a gentleman likely to form a Ministry, they naturally named Mr. Weld. It is already known to our readers that Mr. Weld undertook the task assigned him, after having had an interview with his Excellency. His arrangements were not completed until last evening, when the following were named as members of the Government : Mr. Weld Colonial Secretary. Mr. Fitz Herbert Colonial Treasurer. Mr. Sewell Attorney-General. Major Richardson Postmaster-Genrl. Mr. Atkinson Defence Minister. This list does not look very imposing. It is a weak Government compared with that which preceded it; and but that Mr. Weld and his colleagues will have the support of the Assembly in their endeavors to carry on the Government, ai this inipOitiint juncture, we would have faint hope indeed that they could cope with Sir George Grey. They woulil share the fate of the pilgrims sWal-

lowed in the salad to a certainty. We are not disposed to quarrel with tbe composition of the Ministry, seeing that any Government is better than none. V. e have not much faith iu them, however. It is a coalition ministry of the worst kind ; for coalition cabinets are usually composed of the leaders of parties, but no one can pretend to say that such is the case with the new Ministry. We have little to say against any member except Mr. Sewell, who is, to say the least, the last man we would have supposed li ely to range himself by the side of Mr. Weld. However, necessity makes us acquainted with strange bedfellows, and we suppose Mr. Weld had no other choice open than to accept the services of Mr. Sewell, to whom office, with its attendant cares, has an irresistible charm.

In the personal character of Mr. Weld and Major Richardson, we have a guarantee that they will not consent to any compromise with the Governor which would place the colony iu a false position, or reflect unjustly on the characters of their predecessors. Indeed, si far as we know Messrs. Fitzherbert and Atkinson, we may also say the same of them. The latter is an untried man ; but we know he is sound on the leading quesquestions discussed is political circles at present. His experience in the Taranaki war may have qualified him for a separate com mand in the field, but we fear that he wants administrative experience, which will be much needed if the war is to be resumed, and the colony once more takes an active part in the struggle. However that may be, Mr. Weld has formed his Government, and Sir George Grej will be able to meet the Assembly today. It would be idle for us to anticipate the tenor of his Excellency’s speech. If we could believe himself, he is the most injured of mortals and the most straightforward of men, and we dare say he would willingly tell the Assembly so; but doubtless he will receive assistance in compiling his speed), so that that State paper cannot be regarded as the candid expression of his mind. One thing is certain, however, the new Ministry will insist upon undivided responsibility in native affairs; and we understand that the Governor acquiesces in this arrangement. He is reasonable, perfectly reasonable, and ready to accede to any proposal that is right and proper ; hut when was Sir George Grey not so? Of all men that we have heard of, his Excellency is the least likely to disagree when close pressed upon any point; hut will he commit himself to writing? Words are air, hut that which is written remaineth. We shall see how the matter stands, however, when Mr. Weld explains what took place during the preliminary arrangements for tunning the Ministry, Whatever may have transpired, it is a satisfactory thing to know that the Assembly can refuse to ratify any arrangement short of that which places entire responsibility of governing both races iu the hands of the Colonial Government; or which would maintain a large army in the colony, “ for purposes of great Imperial conconcern,” unless tbe services in which these troops are to he employed shall be controlled by the New Zealand Government.

As a" dissolution at this lime is to be avoided beyond all things short of submission to bis Excellency's implied demands, we trust the new Government will meet with a measure of support, whilst they endeavor to lay before the country exact details in regard to the war, the demands of the Home Government, and Sir George Grey’s change of policy and consequent quarrel with his Ministers. These are questions involving no elements of discord, so far as we can see ; and we think the Ministry would act wisely by confining themselves as closely as possible to this line of action. They do not require to initiate a policy, for the colony has unanimously chosen one line of action, and it is only for them to give effect to the public voice. But they have a difficult task before them in presenting a full and impartial statement of facts to the Assembly, and if they succeed in doing this to the satisfaction of all parties they will have deserved well of the country.

One word in conclusion. The last Government was called “ an Auckland Government,” although with Mr. Fox from Wellington, and Mr. Gillies from Otago, we do not see with what justice, especially as Mr. Reader Wood was in England the greater part of the time. This Government, is purely a Southern Government, however, in which the interests of Auckland are altogether ignored. Mr. "Weld is the champion of Middle Island interests ; Mr. FitzJierbert is an able advocate of the Empire province as against the meaner pretensions of Auckland; and Mr. Atkinson, a Taranaki member, contrary to the traditions of Ids

party, voted last session for the removal of the seat of Government. There are wheels within wheels, however : and the votes of the Taranaki members on the seat of Government question last session, might he explained. Major Richardson is a leading Otago member; and we should be sorry indeed to see any Ministry constituted without possessing a representative of the gold province.