THE COMING SESSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10407, 3 April 1897, Page 1

THE COMING SESSION.

THE MILITARY CONTINGENT.

LUKEWARM SUPPORT.

[HI TELEGRAPH,— OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Friday. There is a general consensus of opinion not only at the seat of Government but all through the colony that New Zenland should be represented at " the Queen's Fete." This I gather from several member! belonging to both sides of the Legislative Chambers who are now in Wellington. I gather from the same sources that then is an equally far-reaching consensus of opinion that the proposals for a numerous military contingent to attend the Premier will not bo approved by the country, and that any proposal which wears the complexion of oxtravagance will be opposed. It is said the Premier will have to accept the wholo of the responsibility of the proposals that are to bo made, even if the Opposition, rather than suffer the reproach of disloyalty, should be " compelled" to acquiesce in them, Tbere will be a Local Bills Committee set up to enable the Wellington Corporation to rains £32,000 to complete its drainage system, and to enable Mr. Napier to pass hie Admiralty House (Auckland) Bill, There will be no other Committee business.

The session will be opened by Commission,

At a well-attended meeting of the National Association to-night, a motion was passed expressing approval of the colony being represented by the Premier at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebration, with the proviso tbab in the interests of the colony the session of Parliament should go on during his absence Captain Ruesoll expressed sympathy with the proviso, but said that under the circumstances it was impracticable. It was unfortunate for the colony that it should be governed by a oneman Ministry, and that the Premier's colleagues could not carry on in his absence, but the Premier held so many portfolos that fcho departmental business in Parliament could not well go on in his absence. Io was creating a bud precedent, but if the colony was to be represented by the Premier a short xession was inevitable. However, as leader of the Opposition ho would nob consent to grant Supply, but would a»ree to the extension of the Public Revenues Act to enable the government of the colony to be carried on to the mid of September, which would necessitate Parliament meeting in the middle of that month. He would strongly oppose an extension to the end of October, but did not think that would be asked for, as if Parliament met later than the middle of September there would be no time for adequate discussion of the affairs of the colony buforu Christmas.