Political Sidelights.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 165, 21 July 1896, Page 3

Political Sidelights.

.. — - »■ .— An incident showing "Mr Seddon's disregard for the aspirate, which occurred iv the House the other nigbt, and which caused a laugh amongst members, is related amusingly by one who was present at the timo. It happened during the division, and, as the Premier's dumb followers trooped in from the lobbies, it is said they glanced 1 3 wards the Treasury benches for direction how to vote, as was their custom. The proceedings at such a time aro more or less informal, and responding to the inquiring glance tho Premier shouted in stentorian tones "Vote high ! Vote high !" (vote aye.) The opportunity was irresistible, and a prominent member of the Opposition called out " No, vote low !" whereupon the Houso exploded. During the debate on the Bill against capital punishment, a member of the House caused some merriment by stating, in a speech in favor of the Bill, that the House " bad no right to send a man to a place they were afraid to go to themselves." Mr Hogg, however, was against doing away with capital punishment, for the reason that it would tell against the interests of the hemp and flaxworks industries. Mr Hogg, it may be said, represents a district where flaxworks are pretty numerous. Coming events cast their shadows before. Last week tho Premier did what was unusual for him, visited the Opposition whip's room, and finding the carpet threadbare ordered its renewal. It is said that ho was studying his own convenience in view of what may happen at the general r lection, Mr Watson, president of the Bank of N.Z., paid the £500 fine into the Treasury yestcrdny. The next developments of the banking investigation arc looked for with tho greatest eagerness. The purchase under the Lands for S»ttlement Act from the Assets Realisation Board of the Arowhenua and Albury estates in Canterbury, the area of the former being 4000 acres and of the latter 19,000 acres, should go a long way in the direction of satisfying the earth hunger which for a long time has troubled that provincial district. The Agricultural Department expresses considerable surprise at the action of the New South Wales Government in prohibiting the importation of swine from New Zealand. It is contended that the colony is free from swine 1 fever, and it is difficult to find any reasonable explanation of tho step taken by New South Wales. Mr H. S. Valentine, in another column announces his intention of contesting the Wallaco Seat at the General Election. Mr Valentine's capabilities as a representative are too well known to need any comment at our hands. Mr Valentine's chances of annexing the seat aro said to be very rosy, and in tho course of a few weeks electors in the district will have au opportunity of learning his views on things, generally.