PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 197, 21 August 1899, Page 4

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

(By Telegraph-Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day,

VACANCIES IN THE COUNCIL. Speculation is rife in Politi <*' circles relative to the appointment of councillors in lieu of those whose seven years tenure expires on the 15th October. One appointment said to have been already promised is that of Mr Andrew Collins, president ot the Wellington Bakers' Union. -Ifte Opposition threaten to further obstruct the policy measures ot the Government until the twelve councillors have ceased to sit by effluxion of time, in which case the Opposition hope to have a majority in the Council opposed to the Government, and Bills passed by the Lower House would be rejected. The main points against which obstruction is threatened are the estimates, second reading of Bills, and in committee. The only contingency not reckoned on is the probable anxiety of squatters to return to 'their muttons or to enter upon the election campaign. Another contingency is that the Government may hasten the appointment of the new councillors in order to ensure the passage of Liberal measures. . FRIDAY NIGHT'S SCENE. The "Times" commenting on Friday night's scene in the House says the incident will have the effect of rendering the Opposition criticism harsher and more obstructive than was expected. Already rumours are afloat of sticking up the Imprest Supply Bill and the estimates. There is Very little prospect of closing the session until the end of October.