Sir JOHN MCKENZIE, Minister for Lands, Immigration, and Agriculture, and Commissioner of Forests.
Sir JOSEPH WARD, Colonial Treasurer, Postmaster-General, and Commissioner of Telegraphs and Customs.
Sir A. J. CADMAN, Minister for Justice and Native Minister.
Mr. J. CARROLL, Representative of the Native Race.
Mr. W. MONTGOMERY, Member of the Executive Council.
When he met the House again, Mr. Seddon told members that in the past he had had a good deal of fighting to do, but that that work would now be left to his able lieutenants, a remark which was heartily applauded by the members of the Opposition. It would now be his duty, he added, to direct and guide, and at the same time to remain steadfast and endeavour to carry out that which he believed to be in the best interests of the country. He hoped to have the loyal support of his friends, and he desired to have their fullest confidence. With that confidence, with the assistance he was sure they would give him, with the very able assistance he would receive from his colleagues, and with the goodwill expressed by the leader of the Opposition, he felt confident that the satisfactory position of the colony would be maintained. “The legislation of this country,” he concluded, “is in advance of that of the other colonies, and I hope New Zealand may for ever continue in that proud position. Nothing will be wanting on my part in assisting to maintain it.”
If Mr. Ballance’s Ministry was received with severe criticism, Mr. Seddon’s was received with bitter hostility. He had all the principal newspapers in the colony except two against him, and he was subjected to many personal attacks.
It was never thought, even by his best friends, that he would be able to hold the party together for long. His opponents gave him two months, and Sir George Grey hinted that the House would soon lose confidence in him.
In view of the faith the country expressed in his administration at each election all through the remaining years of his career, it is interesting to read predictions and criticisms made a few days after he took office. The following are some of them:—
