POLITICAL NOTES.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 884, 9 July 1913, Page 6

POLITICAL NOTES.

(By "Evadne.") j Juno 28. ! Parliament was opened yesterday by . commission. Immediately after the - House proceeded to the election of a speaker to succeed the late Sir Arthur Guinness. Mr Pollard (Eden) proposed Mr Lang (Maoakau), and .Mr Malcolm (Clutliaj seconded the nomination, which was unanimously agreed to. The ceremony was a sa>! one though dignified. Mr Lang, speaking under stress of emotion, said he would do all in his power to maintain the nigh office with strict impartiality and dignity. Mr W. D. S. Mac Donald, late Minister of Public Works, and on behalf of . the Opposition, heartily congratulated > Mr Lang and spoke in high terms of his ability, dignity and impartiality whilst | Chairman of Committees, and these | qualities he felt sure would be found in ! Mr Lang as -Speaker. . The House then Kautotirs are rite regarding the changed attitude of s.me of those who were reported as having definitely formed the Befonu 'Party. Mr Miller occupied a seat in centre of Liberal patty next to Mr Wilford. Mr Coates has returned to his Independent attitude whilst giring a general support to the Government. It is understood that Messrs Miller, j Coates and Keed would follow Sir Joseph j Ward if he again becomes leader of the ', present Opposition, which, I understand, will be the case as soon as Sir Joseph j arrives from England. At present Mr W. I). S. Mac Donald is acting as his] lieutenant. Hon. Miller gave notice to introduce J OtagO Harbor Bill. j M r At more (Nelson) moved for returns ' of ail Ministers' travelling expenses from June last to present time, also number of days each Minister has been absent from Wellington. Mr Witty (Biccarton) wants returns of expenses of Hon. Fisher's trip to Australia, and those of Hon. Jas. Allen's visit to England. Mr Wilford asks that as Hon. W. Mastey as Prime Minister is in favor of granting political and civil rights to civil servants, will he inform the House whether the Cabinet is of the same opinion. The Premier asked members to pass the Imprest Supply BiU with as little debate as possible in order "to allow the House to adjourn until Wednesday as a mark of respect to the memory of Uie late Sir Arthur Guinness. Mr Mac Donald,' on behalf of the Opposition, promised that only necessary questions would be asked and no attempt would be made to prolong the debate. Mr Nosworthy is acting Chairman of Committees.