THE NEW MINISTRY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1645, 11 October 1887, Page 2

THE NEW MINISTRY.

Wellington, Oct. 8. A meeting: of the Oppositionists was held at 2 o’clock this afternoon, and lasled until 3. On the motion of Mr McGregor, seconded by Mr Anderson, it was resolved unanimously to request Major Atkinson to form a Ministry ; to support him until he brings forward his financial proposals, and if they are satisfactory to assist in carrying them out. Major Atkinson accepted the task, and proceeded at once to inform the Governor that he was prepared to undertake the formation of a Cabinet. Previous to the great caucus some fragmentary meetings were held. The Canterbury members who favored the late Government had an informal gathering, and determined to simply watch the course of events for the present. A dozen of the new members also met and decided not to pledge themselves to a new Ministry, but to preserve an independent attitude until the political situation has assumed a more decided shape. Oct. 9. A new Ministry has been formed, and five members were sworn in at 8 o’clock last night. These were : Major Atiinson, Premier and Treasurer. Mb G. F. Richardson, Minister of Lands, Me Fergus, Minister of Mines. Mr Fishkb, Minister of Education. Mb Hislop, Minister of Justice. Mb Mitohelson will be Minister for Public Works, and would have been sworn in with the rest but for private reasons. It is understood that Mb Stevens will be an Upper House Member with the portfolio of Colonial Secretary. It will be noticed that several departments are not yet represented in the above list, but these will be allotted at a future date. It is understood that the choice of Mr Stevens is due to the desire partly of having a new man as representative in the Council and partly in the desire to include a Can f srbury man in the Minijtry, Much surprise lias been expressed at the omission of Captain Russell, who was looked upon as certain to be in the Cabinet, but it is stated that he was laft out both at his own wish and because it was deemed desirable no large landowner should find a place in the new Government. Major Atkinson’s acceptance of the Treasury as well as the Premiership is the next principal subject of comment, but it is explained that be considers that, for the present session, it is necessary that the Treasury should not be entrusted to an entirely new man. On Tuesday the formal announcement will bo made of the new Ministry; The usual sessional committees will be appointed, and then the Premier will ask for an adjournment for a fortnight to arrange his line of action,' The names of the member* of the Ministry sworn to last night were published in a Gazette issued late in the evening.