PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 154, 30 June 1903, Page 5

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

(By Telegraph—Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

OLD AND NEW SPEAKERS.

Kindly references were made to Sir Maurice O'Rorke by all the members speaking at the House yesterday, when tuc election of his successor was being

undertaken, vary eulogistic remarks as to his conduct of the business of the House being made. The new Speaker is a successful lawyer, is very well up m the forms of the House and modes of procedure, and has had long experience in controlling the committees of the House, while he has also controlled the House as Deputy-Speaker during the absence of Sir Maurice O'Rorke. It was generally anticipated, as proved to be the case, that his election would be unopposed, he being the only candidate for the position in whom the House reposed any measure of confidence. The name of Mr. McNab was fully mentioned, but he is flying at higher game.

CHAIRMANSHIP OF COMMITTEES

Sir William Steward is most likely to be chosen Chairman of Committees when the election comes off in the course of a few days. Mr. Millar was approached, but positively declined to stand, his ambition, like that of Mr. McNab, pointing to higher things.

OPPOSITION GRIEVANCES

Sir William Russell delivered his customary protest when the Premier announced that an Imprest Supply Bill to pay salaries would be brought up to-day (Tuesday). He inveighed against the Government's plan of calling the House together at the last possible moment, and compelling it to pass a Supply Bill in order that salaries might be paid. It was, he said, an old-established principle that members should be allowed to discuss grievances before Parliament voted money. The Premier replied that the bill was for moneys already agreed to by Parliament iv the last Appropria : Con Bill, and that, constitutionally, the proper time to discuss grievances was not on Imprest Supply, but on the Estimates. Besides, he had yet to learn that members had any grievances. (A member: "You'll learn that soon enough!") The House then adjourned until this afternoon.

GOVERNMENT WHIP. Mr Flatman has been appointed Junior Government Whip.

LAND TENURE. '

The House is being sounded by the Whips on the freehold question with a view to early legislation.

OPPOSITION CAUCUS

An Opposition caucus will be held on Thursday.

MR. ELL'S LITTLE LIST

This afternoon Mr. Ell gave notice that be would ask leave to introduce the Elective Legislative Council Bill, Barmaids' Abolition Bill, and Totalisator Repeal Bill. He confidently expects the first two measures will be passed.