THE AGENT-GENERALSHIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 2170, 26 September 1895, Page 19

THE AGENT-GENERALSHIP.

Tbe early ex<»iry of the renewed term ol offion ot Sir Westby Perceval, the probable elevation of Sir Patrick Buckley to the Supreme Court bench, and the waning influence of the Government in the House, are conspiring to stimulate renewed interest and speculation as to the probable successor to this much-coveted post. A not inconsiderable number of onlookers think that tbe Premier, mindful of the portents of coming political tempest, may consent to seek sufe harbonr in our colonial office in the Imperial city, while a greater number think the way iv cloar for the Hon. W. P. Roevea to spread his wings towards the great capital. To-day the question came before the House, when Captain Russell said that some tinse rarly in October SirWestby P«rceval'« term of office as Agent-general would elapie. Ha asked whether Sir Weetby was to continue in office, or who would succeed him. Tho Premiet said owing to pressure of other business— (laughter)— thia trivial matter— (laughter)— had been overlooked. Now that the hon. gentleman had called his attention to it he would look into tic matter, and let him know later on. JOTTINGS. Three weeks' leave of absence was granted to-day to the member for Sel*yn bocause of ill-health. Mr Sounders has, I understand, returned to his horn", and there is not a member of the Legislature but will hopo that the Nestor of the House will be quickly restored to health and strength. H. C. Young, of Wellington, one of the suff erora through^ the Harper transactions, is petitioning to be heard at the bar of the House. Captain Rust ell yesterday objeoted, and he evidently had the House with him, to the continual postponements of the introduction of the Ministers' Salaries and Allowances Bill, which has been on the Order Paper duriog nwst of the session. The Premier said he had not had time to complete the measure, but he hoped to bring it forward soon. During the very animated discussion last night between the Premier and Mr T. Mackenzie on the supply of West Coast sleepe-ra to the C»tlina river railway Mr Seddon paid a high tribute of praise to Mr Ussher, the district engineer of railways, than whom there was no more capable and honourable gentleman in the service. It was upon his recommendation th&t the sleepers had been supplied/