In respect to local government, the Ministry, while recognising that the present system excited considerable dissatisfaction, Were of opinion that it should not be ruthlessly destroyed or cut down; and they would, therefore, consider the matter during the recess, and # bnng down some fixed scheme next session. regard to the North Island railway, the appointment of a committee to consider and report in reference to the matter would be suggested. They believed that it Jj® most satisfactory to the IloUsd, and to tho country that this matter should be Considered, and when tho committee had given its decision the work should be proceeded with with as little delay as possible. He wished it to be Understood that the Government had nd. in *S2* tion of shelving the matter, Ihe boo- gentle man added, in conclusion, that it was uuite within the power of the Government, if itwdro found necessary, to alter or reconstitute the personnel of tho Government; Mr J; C. BROWN pointed oiit that the portfolio of Education was yet unfilled. The PREMIER replied that any matter pertaining to that department would receive attention at the hands of the Government; although no Minister bad yet been appointed to that portfolio, Mr GUINNESS said ho should like to ask the Premier whether ho had received a pro mise that in the event of his failing to consti tute a Ministry, a dissolution would be granted. The replied that the question was an irregular and unfair one. He could not answer it. Major ATKINSON asked whether tho hon, gentleman would indicate when it was proposed to bring down the Financial and Public Works Statements. Tho PREMIER stated shortly afterwards that tho statements would be furnished to the House within the next fourteen days. QUESTIONS. In answer to Mr Fitzherbert, tho COLO NIAL TREASURER was understood to say that steps would bo taken to connect the Lower Hutt and Wainuiomata Post Offices by tele phone. In answer to Mr Levestam, the NATTY'S MINISTER said that tho substitution of Mar tini-Henri rifles for Sniders for use in the volunteer force Would coat some L 16,000, and tho Government Would require time to consider the matter in all its bearings. 