POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10622, 14 October 1896, Page 3

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

(Feom Ode Own Cohrespondent.) Wellington, October 13. THB PSEMIER INTENDS TO STICK TO HIS PARTY. . A few days ago I referred to a rumour that had gained currency to tbe effect that Mr Seddon was desirous of relinquishing political life, and with that object in view he would court defeatat the next election. I was careful to mention at the same time that it was unlikely there were any grounds to justify tbe spreading of such a rumour, especially ?_i the Premier was a born fighter, and wonld be one of i tho Ust to desert his comrades iv arms. This paragraph seems to have been widely copied, and various comments bave been made upon it. i One or two journals, however, credited ras with ! tho origination of a false statement, whereat! I ' only contradicted what was apparently a fal-jp" rumour. I mentioned She matter iv a note >«> the Premier the other day, and he'courteous;;* replied as follows:—" I csmuot imagine v.-!.v*.!. could hftva caused the rumour you mention, seeing tbat some little time *ao I refused s. psrraaueist and highly remunerative position rather than leave my collta-gntss and prejudice the position of tbo psrjiy I have the bonooi* Sn lead. To ' cut and run' is not known to me, and your summiug'up is quits correct." JOTTINGS. Mr Seddon has given uo sice of the People's Claims Bill. Mr Seddon to-day gave notice to move tbat this House approves of the erection of a statuo to the memory of tbe late Mr John Ballftuco within Parliament House grounds, and that a committee bu appointed to select a suitable sit?, such committee to consist of Captain Russell, Hou. J. M'Kenzie, Hon. Sir R. Stout, Mr Pinkerton, aud the mover. Subsequently Mr G. Hutchison moved tbat the name of Mr Willis, member for Wanganui. be tddsd to the committee. Mr J. G. Wilson, who is one of tbe moat popular members on tbe Opposition side cf the House, leaves for Scotland after the general election, and will be absent from the colony for some months. Mr Wilson was to-day presented with a silver tea kettle and spirit stand, bearing the following inscription:—"J. G. Wilson, M.H.R., from friends in Parliament, en his temporary retirement from politics, 1896." Mr Millar, is to ask the Minister for Railways whether, in the interests of the colony, he will cause a report to be made during the recess as to the desirability of the colony acquiring—under the original agreement—tbe Kaitangata railway line.