PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 146, 22 June 1899, Page 5

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

PREPARATION FOR THE OPENING.

MEMBERS ARRIVING

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent)

WELLINGTON, this day.

In the face of the near approach of the session, political, subjects have supplanted every other topic in the public mind. Members of both Houses are rapidly pouring in by train aiid steamer, the honour of being first "oa the spot" being due to the member for Nelson, Mr Graham. Amongst the others who have arrived are the following:— Hons. McCullough, Shrimski, Scotland, Shepherd, and Taiaroa. Amongst, the members of the House of Representatives, I met today the Speaker (Sir Maurice O'Rorke) a.nd Messrs Rolleston, Graham, Taylor, Houston, and McGowan. The "specials," also, are dropping in. Th.c father of the press gallery, the genial "Tom" Morrison, was doing Lambton Quay this afternoon, looking as fresh as paint, Mr Albert Cohen, the vicechairman of the gallery, and an irrepressible news hunter, Mr Malcolm Ross, who has been distinguishing himself as the Archibald Forbes of Samoa, and two or three others of the veteran corps of Parliamentary reporters are here.

Energetic efforts are being put forth to get the building" ready for Friday, a small army corps of strong-armed Amazonians and messengers, under the direction of Custodian Leethani and Chief Messenger Lynch, being busily employed in clearing up an 3 scrubbing the floors in the old building. \ LENGTH OF THE SESSION. •

As to the probable length of the session, there is, of course,, much difference of opinion, but, judging by the Ministerial programme repeatedly announced on public platform's of late by the Premier, I am inclined to be* lieve that the session, will last at least three months. Many of the Labour members cannot afford to go to their constituents too early in the year, to sacrifice their honorarium for the next three or four months, and incur the expense of another election contest, and the representatives of broad acres and numerous flocks and herds will be in no hurry to return home until the shearing season, nor do I think the Premier desires a short session.

COMPOSITION OF THE MINISTRY.

It is not likely that the Premier will make any change in the composition of the Ministry during the session, on the principle, to use one of his favourite aphorisms, that "it is dangerous to swap horses when crossing a stream." He will stick to his guns and fight it out even on a lone hand. Of course there are many contingencies which may upset the wisest calculations, such as the Premier's health breaking down, or a deadlock, but as yet it is too soon to venture on prophecy.