CABINET RECONSTRUCTION. CALLS TO THE COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2572, 1 July 1903, Page 14

CABINET RECONSTRUCTION. CALLS TO THE COUNCIL.

WELLINGTON, June 23

His Excellency the Governor has signified his approval of the following Legislative Council appointments : — Messrs T. K. Macdondd, Wellington ; Henry Wigram, fiist Mayor Greater Chris'tehuroh ; Seymour Thorne George, of Auckland, an old momlber of Parliament, and nephew of the lato Sir George Grey; and William Beelian, Auckland, importer, and well known in Auckland political circles.

There is not yet a full number of members in the> Legislative Council, but nothing more will be done at present in the way of filling vacancies. As for the Cabinet, the Premier saj's that whatever may occur after the srssion theie will not bo any change during the bitting of Parliament.

The new Attorney-geneTal (Lieutf-nant-colonel Pitt) is tho first who has filled that position sires tho death of Srr Patrick Buckley in 1656. He was appointed to the Legislative Council on June 22, 1890, but had had previous parliamentary experience, having pat in tho Houso of Representatives as roeniber for Nelson, in which position he achieved some distinction as the leader of a small band of

" stonowalleT3 " ngainst the changes proposed in the Representation Act. Colonel Pitt is Ly profession a barrister, practising in Nelson. He is also an enthusiastic volunteer, and was in command of the contingent which represented New Zealand at tho Diamond Jubilee oelebrations of Que-en Victoria, ile acted as chairman of the Police Commission and of the Federation Commission.

Mr Seymour Thorne George was born in England in 1851, and was educated at Cheltenham College. He oarna to New Zealand in 1869. When Mr C. E. Dutton resigned his seat for Hokitika in 1878. Mr George, on the advice of Mr Macaudrew, went down and contested tho s«at. He was only there six days, and never gave a speeoh, but was elected. It was here that the long friendship between the Premier and Mr George began, as Mr Seddon was his light hand man, and contributed greatly to hia election. In 1882 Mt George was elected for Rodney, having come up to Auckland to reside at Ktwau with Sir George Grey, whose niece he had married. Mr George was twice returned for Rodney, and subsequently, unsuccessfully, contested the Parnell electorate. For eight years he was one of the Liberal whips in Parliament, being for soma time senior v>flup. Since his retirement from parliamenta,ry life Mr George lias been active m other matters, having been twics mayor of Parnell. For a long time he baa been close'y identified with the mining industry, and his knowledge in that respect should bs of benefit in his career in the Legislative Chamber. Mr George is also interested in various oominercial concerns, being a director of several companies.

Mr William Beehxn is well known in Auckland as a consistent and out-and-out supporter of the G-overnment, his unsiverving allegiance to the party and his many services to the party OTgamisations having no doubt won him the seat. He was one of the candidates nominated in the Government interest for Auckland City at the last parliamentary election, but withdrew in order not to split the party vole. Mr Be&han haa served the Liberal cause at various times as secretary and president of the Auckland Liberal Association. Mr Beehan wa3 was born in Kerry in 1853, and came to this colony in 1874 with the object of settling on the lund. The Ohinemuri goldfielda rush attracted him, but, subsequently returning to town, he entered the service of tihe late Mr John Cosgrave, Queen street. Latex on he was in the employ of the Holloway Garlick Company. Afbei a few years no started business on his own account. Ten years ago Mr Beehan sold out to the D.S.C., and was m that company's employ seven ycajs afterwords, when hy started in business as ladies' costumier, which he now carries on

Mr Kennedy Macdonald is the well-known Wellington auctioneer. Thougu rejected by the constituency of late years he haa had previous parliamentary experience. He is a very en-ergetic party man, and is a fine and fluent speaker, who may be *elied upon to enliven the dullness that is supposed to reign in the Upper Chamber. Mr H. F. Wigram, first mayor of Greater Christchurch, is well known in Canterbury, having taken a very active part in public affairs. He is connected with the building tiade and many of the industries of Christchuroh.