POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Evening Star, Issue 11657, 18 September 1901, Page 4

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

[Fbok Oto, Pabliambntabt Rkpoetoi.] WELLINGTON, September 18. PERSONAL. Mr A. Morrison is suffering from influenza, and the fear is entertained that it may settle in the throat. The member for Ashburton has also been attacked by influenza. THE 'FRISCO SERVICE. From various reliable sources I am in a position to supplement the particulars already supplied inspecting yesterday's Ministerial caucus. .When the 'Frisco mail service was touched on Mr Palmer made a misericordiam appeal for its continuance, while Mr Napier went so far as to say that it was Auckland's one ewe lamb; that Auckland depended largely on it for its tourist traffic; that if it were discontinued tho Auckland members would all go into opposition; and that the Minister of Mines would have to resign his portfolio, Tho Postmaster-General made it clear that he intended to submit resolutions for the continuance of tho service, and said that if a Vancouver contract were "made Auckland would have to be a port of call. Mr Hornsby replied that personally he had no objection to that, but he was determined to resist at. every stage any contract being entered into with the Oceanic Company. Mr Millar also declared himself an avowed opponent of anv contract with Spreckels, while Mr R. M*Kenzie expressed himself to a like effect. No resolution was proposed concerning the ocesm mail question. PAYMENT OF MEMBERS. This question was introduced at the caucus, and after a protracted and heated debate it was resolved that members should nwkc their, opinions known to the whips before the Government decided to introduce a Bill. AN AUTUMN SESSION NOT WANTED. The Premier expressed himself favorable to an early session next year to enable him to attend the Coronation, but the feeling of the .caucus was generally hostile. It was pointed out that if Parliament met in March some five months' electioneering would be necessitated, which was cons'd°rcd to be unreasonable. The probabilities now are that the sess : on will be held at the usual time, that Mr Seddon will go Home, and that Sir J. G. Ward will lead the House. JOTTINGS. The Old Age. .Pensions Amendment Bill which the Premier is introducing is aimed at the suppression of the frauds now being practised under the existing law. In consequence of the failure of the Government to gazette the appointment of Mr Justice Cooper <is Judge of the Arbitration Court, jt, has been found necessary to introduce, a Validation Bill. This will be done this afternoon.