THE MINISTERIAL CHANGES.

New Zealander, Volume XVIII, Issue 1721, 6 September 1862, Page 4

THE MINISTERIAL CHANGES.

[I'KOM OUlt OWN COUUKSrONUKXr.] Wellington, 25th Aug., 1802. At the date of my lust, ilia new ministry had been formed, hut was not yet very firmly seated in the saddle. The too evident fact that Domett was altogether unequal to the leadership of the House—the want of confidence felt in Hell, and the absence of all northern island element, except in the person of “young Tom Russell," whose place in the House has hitherto been the most insignificant—all this was little calculated to create confidence in die now cast; and had circumstances not occurred which they themselves little foresaw, they would scarcely have survived till now. Their first considerable effort after Domett’s ministerial statement, was Hell’s financial speech, and this nearly shut them up. He had been kindly crammed by Wood, who, under the circumstances of the “ lost documents,” considered it his duty to do so. So far as Wood’s “ pabalnm” held out, Bell got on nretty well, making tolerable way for about an hour. Had he then pulled up, he would have left a favorable impression; but, like the celebrated cab-liorse described by “ Shiny Villiam” in Pickwick, which when once tiie big wheels behind him were set in motion couldn’t stop, Hell having got this “ shove’’ from Wood, kept staggering on under the impulse, and actually occupied three hours and three quarters, long before the end of which the House had arrived at the conclusion that he was no Treasurer, and the sooner the ministry looked out for another the better. Overtures, it is said, were made to Wood ihe same evening, hut not accepted. The next step teas the ministerial resolution on responsibility in native nllairs. They had been skilfully prepared in one respect —being capable of almost any interpretation, and therefore likely to attract adherents from all sides. By some they were pronounced to lie

'' Fox's resolutions and water''—others saw in them an absolute negative of responsibility—others saw no meaning in them, and voted them harmless—others would vote for anything that would keep Fox out. The fact is, that they do substantially negative all responsibility in native affairs, and convert the ministers in such matters into the Governor's clerks, a capacity in which I suspect they are better qualified to act than in that of responsible advisers. Hut they also are an entire recantation of the resolution of 18(11, moved by Bell, in which the House, at. his instigation, decided that except so far as Imperial interests are concerned, native affairs were to be placed under responsible min isters. The present resolutions do not restrict the exemption io " Imperial interests," but give the Governor boih " the initiation and decision on all questions of native policy," practically, on all native affairs whatever—for " policy" must enter into every question, great or small. The ministry carried the resolutions by 28 to 20, and 27 to 18. This was conclusive, and may be considered to have; settled them in their scars.

Fox had before this given notice of a motion to the effect that the House ought to he informed further on the constitution of the ministry, and on the million loan for establishing colonies of males. It came oil" the night after the resolutions. He opened with a speech which his opponents admitted was couched in a most temperate tone, and which was chiefly remarkable for the handling he gave the lion. Thos. Russell, your member for City East. Ilehad been commenting on the other ministerial elements, ami; passed Russell over, remarking that the northern island was not represented at all. I half suspect he did this to "draw" Russdl, who immediately fell into the trap, and thrust himself forward on the ministerial bench, as much as to say " Don't you see me?" Fox took the hint, and walked into him in the most unmistakcable manner, while the House shou'ed with laughter, at the " honorable" gentleman's discomfiture. No doubt your reporter will give you the particulars; but scenes of this sort must he witnessed to be appreciated. Domett on this occasion did his own work, which he has generally lett to Hell. His reply was a candid one; he admitted that his ministry was very feeble, and all the excuse he could make for it was that which the man made in the stagecoach when his neighbour remarked that he had got a had cough—" Yes, sir. irs a bad one; but its the best I've got." So said Domett, " 1 couldn't get the honorable gentlemen opposite to join me, and I was obliged to do the best 1 could." As the debate drew towards a close, one member after another rose and urged a coalition, and at last Ward got up and stated that he had already intimated to ministers that though he did not concur in all their views, yet it Mr. Mantcll was, as reported, going to leave them, Ik; would stop the gap until he should leave for England. This was received with immense cheers, and the House began to get into a state of ".sensation." The tide flowing past Header Wood, sucked him in, and he got up and offered his services also. This was the signal for renewed applause, and some thought Fox would go down the stream too, but he managed to hold on to the hank, and kept his footing. Then somebody asked if they would take in Sewell (he was behind the chair),and the answer was that they would be delighted, ami it is understood he will join when the session is over. By this time the House was hysterical; Major Richardson, (whom we call " the doctor," from hi- habit of picking up the wounded men and plastering their sores,) got up, and in the character of "heavy lather," welcomed the happy family, while Domett was with difficulty restrained from crossing the House and sheddint; tears over the shoulders of his new adherents. It was the best bit of melo-drama you ever saw, and Fox treating it as such, got up as he said to deliver the epilogue. He disposed of the arguments which bad fallen on the other side, giving Weld in particular a heavy hammering, and then wound up with a vindication of his "mission," of which you will find tin outline in the Wellington papers. He said that lie, felt that his work was done, at all events for the present; that he and those with whom he had acted had slaved the hand of injustice, arrested the sword, prevented (he extermination of the natives and the ruin of the northern island, been instrumental in securing lite recall ol Governor Browne, and the appointment of Governor Grey, and lastly had rendered it impossible that any Governor should ever again repeat the episode of the Waiiara. A general war, lie trusted, was now impossible; and he would return to his farm and to a state of life more congenial than thai of office, with unmixed satisfaction that lie had been permitted to assist in bringing about such results. The junction of Wood, Ward, anil Sewell of course makes the new ministry secure. It will now have the general confidence of the Europeans, and I hope after a time of the natives also. It is understood that much of the policy foreshadowed by Domett —the million loan, the frontier settlements of males, and other monstrosities—will he abandoned in deference lo Wood and the others, and the government of the country will again jog quietly along in the accustomed nils. You have had a narrow squeak for the scat of government, it is a pity that Auckland does not send more fitting representatives of her intelligence than James O'Neill, and the vest 0 f tin- hand ol immortal dummies, which e prises about twelve out of her iif'teen members. O'Neill and Carleton were her principal defenders on this occasion, ami positively they

had not a word for her except that the people of Auckland bought town lands there some time ago at a very high price, and that this amounted to a bargain which bound all the rest of the colony. John Williamson declined to endorse such arguments, considering them discreditable, and look wider grounds; but of course having no support from his namesake and your other “ big” men, he could not do much single-handed. To-day we have the Nominated Superintendent’s Bill —likely to he lost, if the House is full, by a small majority ; to-morrow the Government Native Lands Bill, giving unlimited right of direct purchase. It may be carried, but scarcely in its present shape; and at all events will hardly, as it is, get the assent of the home government, as it flies in the face of the Constitution Act, the treaty ofWaitangi, Lord Carnarvon’s despatch, Grey’s “ blood and treasure” despatch, and other important documents.