PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10595, 9 November 1897, Page 5

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS.

"" ■> '• [BY TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) . -■■.■'.:•■ ■' - '■'■ ■'■ , Wellington, Monday. ~ MR. WARD AND THE MINISTRY. ! There is a good deal of speculation regarding the probabilities of 'Mr. Ward again • joining, the Ministry with tho portfolio of Colonial Treasurer. ■■ He'is- expected -to arrive in Wellington during the present week. -'' There appears to be considerable diversity of : opinion' among the supporters of the Government-respecting the advisability of his rejoining the Cabinet, but as both Mr. Seddon and Mr. McKenzie are in favour of the step, and as Mr. Ward himself is said to be j exceedingly anxious to be restored-to -his .Ministerial status, the chances are that those ,members. of the party, who, in : private conversation, at all events, profess to be strongly opposed to his return to office,; will be found acquiescing in the (Premier's decision to . politically rehabilitate, his former - colleague. The matter will probably, be discussed at the Ministerial, caucus to-morrow. : Many prominent members- of the House i I have talked to on this subject! unhesitatingly declare that Mr. Ward's return ■ to the Cabinet would prove a damaging blow to the Ministry - - THE PREMIER'S EXPENSES. V . There is likely to be an animated discussion to-morrow over the Premier's expenses in connection with his trip Homo.' They amount to £1750, but as Mr. Seddon has refused to give any particulars of this expenditure it is impossible to say how this large sum is made up. , Some members who have gone into the matterssaty t they are unable, even after making the most liberal allowances .' for all conceivable expenses, "..'to' : understandhow ; Mr. Seddon ' could •' have', spent more ' than £1000. ' Had this amount been charged there would, of course, have been no demur to the vote, but it passes their comprehension altogether, how the additional £750 was spent.' ' However, Mr. Seddon says it has been spent,' although he refuses to give particulars of its expenditure, and he declares that if the vote is cut down he will be out of pocket,' and that rather than submit to presenting a detniletl statement ot his expenditure lie would prefer to bear the whole amount himself.'. It is probable that while sharply criticising.'the .item, the Opposition will not vote against it. THE POLICE COMMISSION. , When the police Estimates come up tomorrow evening,the members of the Left party, who, although few in number, possess considerable talking power, intend to strenuously oppose > every' item unless the Government consent to disclose the names of the gentlemen they propose to appoint members of' the Royal Commission to inquire into the administration of the police force, i m '■-• ■ . ; THE CAUCUS. - Government caucuses are becoming somewhat frequent this session,' the reason no doubt) being, tlmb the Premier recognises that with his diminishing majority he must tread mors warily than in times gone by.' Another caucus of the party is convened for to-morrow, but for what no one seems to know, exactly. This will be the first occasion on which the Lett Wing will be absent from 1 a Government " caucus. ?-V Political prophets - say f that ■> the i : Horowhenua Bill will -be considered. '••Mr. Seddon will also no ■ doubt wish to coach his followers up in regard to the tactics to be pursued when the Estimates again come on for consideration.- Possibly, also,' the Premier will pub oub a feeler as to whether Mr. Ward should return to the Ministry, while the personnel of the committee to be Bet up in connection with the Native Lands Act Amendment Bill may afford further material for discussion. Mr. Rolleston is desirous of placing Mr. Pirani on the committee instead of Mr. Wi Pere, who is one of the most, servile followers of the present' Government, while Mr. Pirani will move thab Mr. J. W. Kelly be pub on the committee in place.of Mr. K..McKenzie, : ' ; THE ESTIMATES. . The House will, go into Committee of Supply to-morrow 'to consider. the Estimates. Both the Opposition and the Left Wing intend to make a determined stand in regard to several items and their right to certain information that Mr, Seddon has hitherto refused to give the House. j ALTERATIONS IN HANSARD. • There is a good deal of comment on the alterations made in Hansard of the Premier's speech in reply 'on the financial debate. Tho Premier evidently recognised that his reference to " the great Father and his Son" was in 'bad taste, I 'and lie has practically eliminated it from the speech. Ib seems rather strange that Mr. Seddon having called 'on; two S members 'of the Trinity should now throw them over in this manner. '' ■' ) ' ;'.