Political Notes and Com meats.

Southland Times, Issue 13286, 13 August 1895, Page 3

Political Notes and Com meats.

(By

Telegraph.)

(JKOM OUB OWN CORBEBFONDENT.) Wellington, Aug. 12. It is said to-day that the pending banking legislation refers to the Bank of New Zealand Estates Company. The prevailing statement is that the Government, in order to protect interests that affect those of the whole colony, deems it politic to do something in regard to the company, and thatan early effort will be made to test the feeling of the House on the matter. What the Government propose to do is not definitely known, but various things are mentioned. Ono that is pretty generally spoken of is a possible proposal to take over the properties with a view to their being utilised in the interests of settlement. In reality, however, what the Government will propose or the House consent to is largely a matter of o mjectnre. Gossip about Judge Richmond’s successor abounds in the lobbies. Sir Patrick Buckley is still most spoken of in connection with the position, and the information now in my pcssession points to his appointment. Should this happen, and it is now “ writ large ” on the cards, Mr Guinness may be transferred to the Legislative Council, and would become Attorney-General in that case. Mr Joyce, member for Akaroa, would almost certainly step in Mr Guinness’s present place as Chairman of Committees. On the other hand there are those who say that Mr Guinness may remain where he is, and that Mr Joyce may possibly be called to the Council and the Attorney-Generalship. The Premier says that the Local Government Bill may possibly be circulated on Thursday, but not earlier. It is a voluminous measure of 300 pages and it is understood that as regards both administration and finance it places local government on a greatly improved footing. The licensing is still troubling Ministers and it is said that the Premier has not definitely made up bis mind as to the issues to be submitted lo the electors and the number of votes which the electors should be empowered to exercise. Only to-day he was tentatively considering some freshjproposals on the subject. Members continue to receive letters and telegrams concerning the tariff and I believe that the position is such that the tariff will be discussed as a thing quite outside the pale of party politics. Practical interests are deeply and directly concerned and therefore political considerations must stand aside for the occasion.