THE CALLS TO THE COUNCIL.

Evening Star, Issue 11838, 18 March 1903, Page 6

THE CALLS TO THE COUNCIL.

[Special to thf Star! WELLINGTON, March 18. No surprise whatever was evinced hnre at the call of Messrs Thompson, Carticross, and Trask to the Legislative Council. It was generally expected that the first batch of new Councillors would include the above genilemen—in fact, a few weeks ago I stated that it was absolutely certain that Mr Thomp-on would shortly have the honor of putting M.L.C. after his nam.; Mr Carncross had substantial claims on tht Government, and Mr Trusk's strong personal friendship with the Premier, who had often shared the hospitality of the new Councillor whenever he visited the charming little city across Cook Strait, would, it was felt, receive due lecognition in the end. Mr Baldey's appointment ban come in the light of a surprise,! his name having never been in the running for Upper Hcnse honors. As he hails from Southland, the influence of Sir Joseph Ward might have had something to do with bis selection The 'Post' hears a rumor that Mr Canicros- irny look to a still closer connection with the Government when the clamor of party necessitates reconstruction being carried out. This obviously refers to a report that the Hon. Mr Waiker will be selected as Speaker in succession to Sir Henry Miller, in which case the Government will have to fall back oh another member to fight their battles in the Council. I have authority from an inspired

source for saying that Mr, Carncross has never been singled out by the Ministry to guard their interests in the Upper House What Mr Seddon and his colleagues will do in the event of Mr Walker resigning from the Ministry is'yet a matter of conjecture, but the name of Colonel Pitt as a possible Leader of the Council hss been received with favor. The old saying "Fii st catch your hare," however, holds good in Mr Walker's case. A Northern legislator stated to me the other day that thi Hon George M'Lean and the. Hon. J. Rigg would be a .ticket for thtSpeakership and the Chairmanship of Committees, as the pair had been practically running in double harness for some time, with a view of bringing off a coup. He very much questions whether Mr M'Lean will achieve his object, though he think;? Mr Rigg must have a rosy chance of getting the Chairmanship of Committees.