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unable to form a Ministry. He suggested that I should send for Major Atkinson, a course which I had already been considering, and decided to be the wisest. I did so; Major Atkinson accepted the task ; and that evening in Parliament asked for an adjournment of the House until the following Friday, the 29th. 6. Major Atkinson submitted to me the following names, which I approved :— Major Atkinson, Premier and Commissioner of Stamps ; The Hon. G. McLean, Commissioner of Trade and Customs; Mr. Mitchelson, Minister for Public Works ; Mr. E. Wakefield, Colonial Secretary; Mr. E. Hursthouse, Minister of Lands and Immigration ; Mr. W. E. Eussell, Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs, 7. The same evening a vote of want of confidence was moved by Mr. Stout, and carried by a majority of 5. I transmit extracts from the " New Zealand Parliamentary Debates " containing the debate. 8. The following day, August 30th, Major Atkinson tendered his resignation, which I accepted. After much earnest consideration and consultation with some of the leading members of both Houses, I decided to send for Mr. Stout, the proposer of the motion. Having stated his willingness to undertake the task of forming a Government, on the 3rd instant he submitted to me the following list :— Sir Julius Vogel, Colonial Treasurer, Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs, and Commissioner of Stamp Duties ; Mr. Stout, Premier and Attorney-General; The Hon. E. Eichardson, Minister for Public Works ; Mr. Ballance, Native Minister, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Lands; and Mr. J. A. Tole, Minister of Justice. These gentlemen were accordingly sworn in that day. 9. The following day the portfolio of Colonial Secretary was offered to, and accepted by, the Hon. P. A. Buckley, member of the Legislative Council, who took the oaths and his seat accordingly, I have, &c. Wm. E. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby.

Authority: George Didsbtjry, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB4.