POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Evening Star, Issue 8610, 2 September 1891, Page 3

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(From Otra Parliamkntaby Rkpoeteb.J

WELLINGTON, Skptembbb 2. The Bryee Banquet The Hon. T. W. Hislop, Mr Brace, Mr Menteath, and Mr Izard are the only exmembers of Parliament who have been Invited to attend the Bryce banquet on Saturday night. It will be of a private nature. Both Sides Want to Get Home. The Opposition have virtually determined to aid the Government in pushing through remainijg business with as much expedition as possible, and I now expect that the session will terminate in about three weeks' time. I anticipate a difficulty with regard to the Land Bill in the Counoil, and this may probably result in a deadlock. Tbe Women's FranchiseThere will be a very close division on the Female Suffrage Bill, and a careful pricking of the card is said to show a majority of three in favor of suspending the operation of the Bill till after the next General Election. The Government whips and the Premier support that course, but the question will not be made a Ministerial one.

Should this course be deoided on its strongest supporters will probably agree to the Bill being dropped, as they ridicule the idea of women being enfranchised and at tbe same time disfranchised for four years. When the Female Suffrage Bill is reached tonight Mr Blake wiil move that it do not come into force till 31st March, 1594. Old Soldiers' Claims. Mr M'Guire has succeeded in obtaining a definite promise from the Premier that the time for hearing old soldiers' claims shall be extended till 30th June, 1892, so that if the Bill passes it will give ample time to all naval and military settlers and volunteers to submit their claims for investigation to the Commissioners of Crown Lands. Dr Pollen's Claim is again before the Publio Accounts Committee. He claims L 12.000 for arrears of pension. It is understood that a majority of the Committee are favorable; but it is doubtful whether a report will be presented this session. The Walkato Seat. The writ issued for the Waikato seat is returnable on October 10. Mr Like will probably be the Opposition candidate. Reinforcing the Council. A monster meeting of trade unionists is to be held here on Friday night to protest againßt the Friendly Societies Amendment Bill being thrown out. The opinion is strengthening that the Government will make calls to the Council during the recess. Wavering. Mr M'Guire is understood to have intimated to the Government that, though he wiil Bupport their polioy measures this session, they cannot reckon on his allegiance thereafter, Auctioneers' Fees. j The Conference on the Auctioneers Bill agreed to allow the fees to be paid as at present viz, to the district where the licensee's place of business is.