THE PREMIER.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10760, 13 September 1900, Page 6

THE PREMIER.

PftOBABLK VISIT TO KNGLAND

THE AGENT-GENT-'RALSHIP.

(SPECIAL TO ''THE PRESS.") WELLINGTON, September 12. The almost feverish haste to bring the ses•ion to a clone by the end of the present month, or at latest the second week in October, ia causing a good deal of talk among members on both sides of the House. There is certainly no special reason, as far as members are concerned, for this desperate hurry, and no pressure has been brought to bear on the Ministers to bring the session to an early close. Then why this haste? No definite explanation has been given, but there are -everal indications, which all point in one way.

It will be renumbered that a cablegram appeared in the newspapers recently that the Imperial Parliament is soon to be prorogued, provided decisive news is received from South A intra in the meantime. Now it is generally understood that Mr W. PReeves has a strong inclination to enter political life in England, probably as the leader of the Labour I'arty, and knowing that such a plan is incompatible with his position as Agent-General, he is doubtless anxious to be relieved from his present office at an early date. It is almost certain that the Premier is making arrangements for a visit to America and England as soon as he can conclude the business of the session. He no doubt wants to Lo in Kngland in order to participate in the great national rejoicings in connection with the return of the troops from South Africa, knowing that owing to the spirited Imperialism he has shown recently, almost any lu._u.ur he might desire would be willingly conferred on him. A-l this points to the fact that tlie present is to be Mr Seddon's bust session as head of the Government. He will probably go Home as Premier, as that woukl secure for him special attention and importance, and after the peace celebrations are over, he may take the position of Agent-General, and permanently set*' •Mc down in England. There is a wonderful unanimity of opinion among members on both sides of the House that somethintr of this kind will occur, and occasional hints dropped by those who know, and other significant indicatioas confirm the view that the end of Mr Seddon's political career in New Zealand is not far off. If this happens, it is utmost certain that Mr Ward, who k already known as the acting-Pre-mier, will succeed to the position which Mr Seddon has now <_-:upied for some seven years.