PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Hastings Standard, Issue 43, 16 June 1896, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

THE MINISTERIAL CAUCUS. FULLEST ENQUIRY COURTED BY THE TREASURER. THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL SYNDICATE. [By TKLIi({RAPII.] (brum our Sprrial <'nrn'i<i><>)uh>nl.) W Ellington, This day. Although the members attending the Ministerial caucus yesterday afternoon were pledged not to divulge what took place, it has transpired that the Premier, who was the chief spokesman, said that the Government courted the fullest investigation into the banking legislation and the Treasurer's relations thereto. He mentioned in tlr's connection his intention to move 1< r the appointment of a Parliamentary Committee to go into the'whole question of the management of the Colonial arid New Zealand Banks, such Committee to have power to examine as witnesses the President and General Manager of the Bank of New Zealand and the Directors of the Colonial Bank, and to call for papers. Jit' Seddon further submitted a programme of Bilis which he intended to go on with as outlined in the Speech from the Throne. Tito Treasurer also stilted his desire to court the fullest publicity in regard to his relationship with the Colonial Bank. In answer to Ric-earton Russell, who raised the question of the AngloContinental Mining Company, the Premier said that he was simply oae of the Advisory Board, and he had it in writing that there was no intention on the Company's part to approach the Government for concessions. The caucus lasted over a couple of hours, and on the whole was sympathetically disposed towards Mr Ward. ( Eventually it was decided to adjourn till I'i.oO to-dav, by which time it was hoped Judge \\ illiains's decision would be in the Premier's hands, intimation having been received that it was to be delivered at the Chambers sitting m Dunediu at 10 a.m. Nothing was said its to what action would be taken by Mr Ward, but there seemed to be an understanding that whatever the effect of the judgment might be, his resignation as a member of the Government will be announced to-day. Scobie McKenxio is mentioned as a likely candidate for Clutha,. The object of the Hon Mr Shrimski's Poll O ['fences Amendment Bill is to put a stop to the practice of dehorning cattle. Several matters were touched on at yesterday's caucus, and members are more inclined to be communicative this morning. The Premier having been questioned as to the banking legislation hinted at in the Governor's Speech, he explained that provision would require to be made for the payment out of the first year's earnings of the Bank of New Zealand of the interest on the .€'500,000 worth of preferred shares taken by the colony in the Bank in accordance with the Act of last session, which, by defect, makes no provision for such payment, but leaves it to the pleasure of the shareholders. The Treasurer admitted he had been an enterprising and daring trader, but affirmed there had been no dishonesty on his part. He regretted that his position should have any detrimental effect on the party, and he was anxious that no conduct of his should place the Liberal party in difficulty, and ho was quite prepared to fight his own battles. Speaking with some warmth, Mr Ward said that two directors of the Colonial Bank should not be permitted to escape scatliless. Mr Seddon mentioned that he had consulted the President and the General Manager of the Bank of New Zealand, and that both were agreeable to the appointment of a Select Committee as suggested by him to consider banking ma 11 ers gen< > rally. As to the representation question, the Premier did not think'the boundaries could lie re-adjusted sufficiently early to enable next elections to be conducted under the altered electorates. Latest. The adjourned Ministerial caucus was just about to take place when the result of the judgment in the -T. G. \\ ard .Farmers' Association case was received from Dunedin. The judgment came as a staggerer to the Government supporters, and it is believed that the Treasurer's resignation will be announced to the caucus, Mr Ward reserving the right to make a statement on the floor of the House.