DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT (PAPERS RELATING TO THE).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1887 Session I, A-12

A.—l2.

1887. NEW ZEALAND.

DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT (PAPERS RELATING TO THE).

Presented to both, Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Memorandum for His Excellency the Goveknok. Rbfeiuung to the conversation I had with your Excellency to-day, when I intimated that I had the honour to advise your Excellency to grant a dissolution of Parliament, in consequence of a resolution carried in the House early this morning disapproving of the financial policy of the Government, I have, in compliance with your Excellency's request, to state in writing the proposal and advice of the Ministry. The present Parliament, as your Excellency is aware, expires on the 6th day of August next, and the Representation Act on the Ist December, 1887. The Parliament was elected on an appeal to the country by a Ministry of which the Hon. Major Atkinson was Premier. No definite question of policy was then submitted to the people. What happened after Parliament met it is not necessary I should relate. It is enough to state that the present Government has not had an opportunity of submitting to the constituencies its policy or administration. As the Parliament necessarily expires within a few weeks, the question is really on what date the new elections should take place. The Cabinet unanimously advise a dissolution as the only remedy for the existing difficulty. I propose to intimate to the House that a dissolution has been granted by your Excellency; and, in order to allow the elections to take place under a new Representation Act, I shall ask for supply for such a period as will enable this to be done. I also propose to state that the Ministry will do all in its power to promote the passing of the Representation Bill, and to take such means as will insure the elections being held, if the Bill become; law, under its provisions at the earliest possible date. Rohekt Stout. Premier's Office, 28th May, 1887.

Mkmorandum for the Hon. the Pkemibk with reference to his Memorandum to the Govmhnok dated 28th May, 1887. The Governor concurs in the advice tendered by Ministers respecting a. dissolution, and in the course which they propose to adopt with a view to the election of-a new House of Representatives. Wm. F. Deummon'l) Jbrvois. Government House, Wellington, 30th May, 1887. [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,375 copies), 14s. 6d. I

Authority : Gbobqe Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB7.