The Short Title of this Act shall be “The Attorney-General’s Act, 1876.”

“The Attorney-General’s Act, 1866,” is hereby repealed.

It shall be lawful for the Governor in the name and on behalf of Her Majesty from time to time to appoint, by Commission under the Seal of the Colony, a fit and proper person, being a barrister of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, to be Her Majesty’s Attorney-General for the colony, and such person shall hold office during pleasure.

Any such person as aforesaid may be appointed to the office of Attorney-General, whether such person is or is not a member of the Executive Council, or is or is not the holder of a seat in either House of the General Assembly.

If the Attorney-General shall be a member of the Executive Council he shall be paid a salary at the rate of one thousand two hundred and fifty pounds per annum, in addition to any other emoluments or allowances he may be entitled to by virtue of his office as such member of the Executive Council.

When the Attorney-General shall not be a member of the Executive Council he shall be paid an annual salary at such rate as shall from time to time be appropriated by the General Assembly.

Notwithstanding any statute rule or law to the contrary, any power duty authority or function which is imposed upon or vested in the person holding the office of Attorney-General in virtue of his office shall and may be exercised and performed either by the person holding the office of Attorney-General or by the person holding the office of Solicitor-General.

Nothing in this Act contained shall be deemed to authorize the appointment of more than seven members of the General Assembly to be members of the Executive Council, inclusive of the Premier.