The Ministry

Hastings Standard, Volume VIII, Issue 4629, 29 June 1904, Page 4

The Ministry

Telegrapn.j • ..Welling l on, .June 2*. 1 he caucus of the Government party was resumed this morning. Two hours were spent in discussing the question of reconstruction of the Ministry, aind it was resolved .by a large majority that tile Ministry remain as at present. The caucus resumed lis sitting tonight. The Premier asked members of the party to indicate whether they desired that the Government shoukt bring down a comprehensive consolidating Licensing Bill or a Bill containing only pressing amendments which would satisfy the wishes of the people for ari amendment of the Licensing Act. The meeting de eided on the latter course being adopted. What was desired was thatthe Bill should provide for the will of the people being given effect to, and prevent the upsetting of 'local op tion polls by legal technicalities. It was indicated that the Government would introduce .icensing legislation on these lines.

The question of appointing Parliamentary Under-Secretaries was discussed. Allnisi( i s stated that tneir work had increased very considerably. and it was pointed out that in 1X73 there were nine Ministers with salaries aggregating fcio.ofifi. wh le now' there were eight drawing £lO,(Hiu. Since I*7:* twi new departments had l.een created, anil the wi'rk of other departments had increased enormously. It was unanimously decided that not not more than four Parliamentary under-secrc-taries be appointed to assist Ministers in the r administrative duties. It was suggested that all Bills should u> considered by,a special com mil tee before being brought down 1 o ihe House. The proposal was approv ert. and a committee was net up to inquire into the matter and repoit to the next caucus. The ,general cunposil von of session, il committees was considered, and a ■iitssavst ion made that the numerical strength of some of them should be ■•urtail'-'d. With retrard to tne Hours oT sittins: of the House, it was decided support a proposal that on one Government day and one private members" day in each week, the House ~hoiiid meet at 10.HO am- and rise at in.ho p.m. It was agreed that •his pi en should be tried for the first •Toirh of the session on Tuesdays ami W< -tlnpsdays.