LATEST GOSSIP FROM THE LOBBIES.

Evening Post, Issue 22, 19 June 1896, Page 6

LATEST GOSSIP FROM THE LOBBIES.

. 4. THAT SELECT BANKING COMMITTEE. The feeling against the proposed Banking Committee appears to be growing in strength, and there is some talk of the Premier forsaking his guns and falling back upon a Royal Commission of Enquiry. The postponement yesterdaj' in both Houses of the motions to set up the Committee was no doubt meant to enable Ministers to better gauge the opinions of members. A Royal Commission seems probable. THE ADDBESS-IN-BEPLT DEBATE. The Premier was not at all satisfied with the progress made with the Address-in-Reply Debate yesterday, and the comparatively early adjournment of the House last night on the motion of the most independent of his colleagues, the Minister of Lands, appears to rankle in the mind of the Hon. Richard to-day. He is reported to have said that the debate will have to be finished to-night or members will not go home until it is finished. The present prospect appears to be a collapse of the debate about midnight. THE COLONIAL TEEASUBEHSHIP. It was known in the lobbies to-day that the Premier had finally decided on taking up the portfolio of Colonial Treasurer, and the announcement of the fact in the House this afternoon therefore came with no surprise to members. Mr. Seddon said he accepted the position with great diffidence, feeling that he was taking a great responsibility upon himself. He hoped that under the circumstances members would render him every assistance. They must appreciate the difficulties under which he laboured.. He would do his best, as far as he could, to plaoe the financial affairs of the colon}' in as simple a manner as possible. He Believed that there should be a simplification of the public accounts so that every member of tho House could understand them. In answer to Sir. G. W. Russell, Mr. Seddon said nothing had been yet decided about the other portfolios. — It is understood, however, that the Premier will take all Mr. Ward's portfolios, and that those at present held by himself will be distributed amongst the other members of the Cabinet. JOTTINGS. Mr. G. W. Russell's Periodical Revaluation of Lands Leased in Perpetuity Bill provides for revaluation every 10 years. The opinion is general that Mr. Ward's speech last evening was the best he has made in the House for some time past.