AN ARRANGEMENT WITH THE OPPOSITION.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9887, 18 November 1897, Page 6

AN ARRANGEMENT WITH THE OPPOSITION.

The determined stand made by the Opposition apparently forced the Premier's position. It was evident when the House resumed after the dinner adjournment that something had happened, in short that the Opposition siege had been raised, for when the defence votes came on there was only legitimate criticism, and the only trouble Mr Seddon had was from his own followers, •who kept bobbing up rather frequently, to the amusement of the Opposition. The first intimation of the change of tactics was sounded by Mr Wright, who, in speakiug on d»fencc, said ho would not take up the time of the Hohso undnly, for he understood that it was the" desire, of the Government to push through the Estimates, and they were being blocked now not by members on his side of the House, but by Government supporters. When Mr Flatman rose after this there was a general burst of laughter, and the Premier showed some slight annoyance at this further delay. However, just before 10 p.m. Mr Seddon rose to make a statement, and spoke of an arrangement he had made with Captain Russell.

The terms of this arrangement will be found in Mr Seddon's remarks given in the Press Association report of Parliament (published in another column). Briefly put, the Premier agreed to give the Opposition proportional representation on the sessional Committees. The House was also to be given an opportunity of discussing the appointment of otticers of the House and the Public Works Estimates, while Mr Tun-ridge's appointment on the Police Commission was left an open question. The ordinary sessional returns are also to be brought down in due course. The Opposition, on the other hand, agreed that the Estimates should be passed with fair discussion.

The Opposition are naturally very jubilant ■rt having at length secured their just rights, and there will no doubt be general satisfaction in the country at this result of the splendid stand they have made in the public intere--ts. The pill must have been i-ther a bitter one for Mr Seddon to swallow, and Mr Lewis has dropped on a few lines in Shak-pere'a " King Richard III:" which pretty well fills the bill in regard to this the latest and most complete of the Premier'- climbs down.

* Oh, I have passed a miserable night, So full of ugly sights, of ghastly dreams, That, as I am a Christian faithful man, I would not spend another such a night, Though 'twere to buy a world of happy days. 8* fall of dismal terror was the time."