POLITICAL NOTES.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9843, 28 September 1897, Page 6

POLITICAL NOTES.

[By Telegraph.]

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

WELLINGTON, September 27. THE OPPOSITION AND MR WARD.

The Opposition caucus which was held to-day lasted from 11 o'clock till nearly 1 o*clock. Captain Russell presided, and there were twenty three members present. Six others were accounted for, so it will be seen that the Opposition have gained in strength since last session, Mv Crowther being one who has definitely gone over to them. The principal matter discussed at the caucus was the question of Mr Ward's election as a member of tho House while he is still an undischarged bankrupt. The pros and cons of this matter were gone into at pome length, and the party were unanimous that thoy should not deal with it in a personal light, but purely on constitutional giounds. There was a vrtry decided opinion expressed that under existiug c-ircuiiist-nces Mr Ward is nut entitled to the honour and privileges of r_r!i«uii<;nt. It was resolved that an opportunity should be allowed the Government to take the initiative. Failing this being done by the Government, it was agieed that the Opposition should move in the matter. Therefore, when the House meets at 230 to-morrow, Captain Russell will ask the Government what they propose to do in regard to the Awarua seat. If Mr Seddon says they do not intend to do anything, then Captain Russell will give notice of a motion bearing on the matter. It is impossible at present to say how this notice of motion will be worded. It will depend largely, of course, on the answer given by Mr Saddon. Meantime a Committee of four—Captain Russell and Messrs Rollestou, George Hutchison and Scobie Mackenzie—has been appointed to draft a motion. If, as has been stated, the Governmeot are going to allow their following a free hand, then the motion will in all probability be carried. But there is little doubt that there will be a good deal oji quiet whipping in the Ministerial ranks to defeat this line of action. The question is causing unusual interest, aud the division lists will, no doubt, ba eagerly scanned by the public should the matter be forced to a vote.