THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 242, 19 September 1872, Page 6

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[By Electric Telegraph.]

Wellington, Sept. 7.

Vest rday a deputation of Auckland members waited on the Hon. Mr M'Lean to induce him to retain charge of the Native and Defence department, which he positively declined. It is rumored that Dr Pollen will be called to the Upper House to take charge of that department. The petition of Mr John Martin, to appear at the bar of the House by Counsel, is now being debated, and will take some time apparently; Mr Stafford has proposed to take the case on Friday.

The Ministers on the Treasnry Benches are Messrs Stafford, Fitzherbert, Gillies, Keid, and Curtis. Mr Waterhouso will not join them, but M r Sewell accepts office. Mr Stafford is Premier, and at present Native Minister, with two Maori advisers; Mr Gillies, Treasurer; Mr Reid, Minister for Public Works ; Messrs Fitzherbert and Curtis are not yet allotted portfolios.

Sept. 10.

1 Messrs Bunny and Fitzherbert evidently wish to make political capital out of the Martin privilege question. Mr Gi-borne has resigned his seat, and a new writ has been ordered. Mr Stafford announced Mr Gillies as Treasurer, and Mr Keid for Public Works. The consideration of others is deferred. He will give notice on Friday of the additions which will be made to the Ministry. One, if not two, will be Maori, but they will not be made immediately. He asked the House to adjourn until Friday, when a short statement will be given. In the meantime he would consider what will be brought before the House and what postponed. He wanted a further imprest vote.

Mr J. E. Brown (Canterbury) asked, if the Superintendents wculil f csign at the end of the session, and Mr Stafford replied they would.

Mr Fox made an allusion to Mr Stafford's statement that he would have no Superintendents in his Ministry. Mr Yogel said it was a Provincial Executive who were now on the Ministerial benches.

The House voted an imprest vote of L 70.000.

The supporters of the late Government will be entertained at dinner to-night by Mr M'Lean.

Sept. 11. Mr Fitzberbert is Colonial Secretary, and Mr Curtis Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Customs.

The Oppo ition dinner last right was a great bucCsss. The motto of the thirtyseven is "union is strength." Mr Yogel was chairman.

It is rumored that Mr James Mackay will be the new Defence Minister.

It is rumoured that Mr Moorhonse either has or will resign his officcof Registrar General of Land, and come forward for Fgmont. The Hod. Mr YVaterhouse, at the last moment yesterday, declined to take office on the score of ill-health. Mr Hall is spoken of as likely to be the Government representative ia the Upper flouse.

September 12. Mr Fitzherberfc will have charge of the Land and Immigration Departments, and be Crown Lands Commissioner should the Ministry go out, and Mr Sewell Colonial Secretary. This appointment is disliked. 'I he Superintendents must resign, otherwise there will be opposition. Mr Staf • ford knows his weakness in their appointments.

Mr Moorhouse stands for Egmont, and left for Taranaki this morning.