THE NEW HOUSE.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11441, 27 November 1902, Page 4

THE NEW HOUSE.

Further consideration of the election returns. confirms the opinion which we formed at first sight that the Opposition has been very much strengthened, and that Mr Seddon will have to face effective criticism when the new Parliament meets. Numerically we make out the positioa of parties to be as under.- — " Government 45 Opposition 26 Independent 5 We have little doubt that many of those classified as Independente will, on some questions, join forces with the Opposition, while even aanong the avowed Ministerialists there are men, such as Mr George Fisher (Wellington), end Mr Barber (Newtown), who are likely to mingle a good deal of discrimination with, their support. Moreover, it is generally thought that Mr Seddon will find it necessary to reconstruct hie Ministry to some extent, and this process, if carried out, is not at all tmlikely to increase the number of his critics. For our part we hope thai tho Ministerial policy end administration will meet with the most vigorous criticism in the new House. A strong Opposition, as we have before pointed out, is essential to the success of the party system, and even the Government itself will be better for it Certainly the colony will be benefited. There are one or two leading questions of reform which may be raid to be lifted above party, and we hope that these wili receive the general support of all who really regard the welfare ol the coJony. Amongthese we may mention economy and purity of administration, a more biwinee*-lik-$ method of carrying on the public works of the colony, and the repeal of the Pub&o

Revenues Act. Tbe last-named is one of the first essentials if Parliament is to resume the constitutional control of the public puree.