THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

North Otago Times, 27 June 1906, Page 2

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

By Telegraph, Special to North Otago Times. Wellington, June 20. Political speculation is rite as to the personnel of the Ministry when Sir J. G. Ward returns. The general opinion is that of your correspondent, telegraphed last week. Messrs Duncan ami Mills must go to the Upper House as the place to ,which they arc being'relegated. With these places in the Ministry to fill, Sir J. 6. Ward isi expected to fix on Messrs Millar (Duncxlin), Guinness (West Coast), and M'Nab (Mataiura). , This selection would ca,usc some discontent among the Notjth Island members, and it is possible that Mr Hogg (iMastertoiv) ami Mr A. L. U, Fraser (Napier) will have claims lor office. 'Whatever happens a Position for Mr Miliar, in labor interests, is practically assured. If Mr Guinness quits the Speakership for the Ministry, then Mr lkume (Auckland) or Mr Wilford (Hutt) may be candidates, h.ut Sir William Jute Steward is not an unlikely selection. It is practically settled that the session will not last longer than a week at present. After members arc sworn in to-morrow the Speaker will bo elected, and, the House will adjourn till next day, when the Governor's Speech will bo presented. Then will cpme the motion of condolence to the late Premier's family, and a further respectful adjournment to his memory. The Address-in-Reply debate will proceed on Friday after the passage of the necessary supplies. There is some talk of Winging on a motion of a Compassionate allowance to Mrs Seddon, and the introduction of the subject of a national momorial to Mr Seddon. Prominent members, however, bplicvc that these matters will be defer,red till Sir Joseph Ward's return,