POLITICAL SITUATION.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 455, 13 October 1877, Page 2

POLITICAL SITUATION.

[BY TELEGRAPH, FROM OUU OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington, October 13.

The galleries in the House of Representatives were crowded last evening, when there was a short sitting of the House. Everyone appeared anxious to obtain the earliest reliable information as to who were to be members of the new Ministry ; but they were doomed to be disappointed, for no names were mentioned. Mr. Stafford and his small following wei'e conspicuous by their absence. It is thought that the hon. gentleman had hoped that Mr. Larnach. would have been unable to form a Ministry, or at any rate, only able to form such a Cabinet as would not be likely to command the confidence of the House, and that he (Mr. Stafford) might then step into power once more. Whether there is any truth in this belief cannot be positively said, but things lately have to some extent warranted the assumption. After some formal business had been done, consisting principally cf the receiving of several petitions, Mr. Larnach rose and said that when the House last met he intimated that he had undertaken to form a Ministry. He was glad to say that his efforts had been attended with the utmost success. He had waited upon his Excellency the Governor and submitted the names. His Excellency had been pleased to approve of the names submitted, and had appointed noon of the following day for the swearing in of those gentlemen. He would therefore ask the Hou3e to adjourn until half-past seven o'clock on Monday. The adjournment was agreed to. Sir George Grey and Messrs. Sheehan, Larnach-, and Macandrew were sworn in at noon to-day. They met in the UnderSecretary's department, and took possession of offices at half-past 2 to-day. The remaining portfolios will be filled up shorth'. The general belief is that the

Ministry will weather the session, despite the prophet's ill omen. ♦ THE MINISTRY SWORN IN. (from the press agency.) The following gentleman were sworn in as members of the new Ministry at noon, before his Excellency the Governor : Sir George Grey (understood to be Premier) ; Mr. Sheelian, Native Minister; Mr. Macandrew, Minister for Lands ; and Mr. Larnach, Minister for Public Works. Mr. Ballance will be sworn in this afternoon as Colonial Treasurer. It is stated on the beat authority that there is L 350,000 of extra provincial liabilities more than had been estimated by the late Government, and which will have to be provided for by the new Colonial Treasurer.