Political Notes and Comments

Southland Times, Issue 13504, 22 July 1896, Page 2

Political Notes and Comments

[By Telegraph.] (from our own correspondent.) Wellington, July 21. The attitude of the Premier upon the Banking Committee this afternoon in opposing a motion for the production of evidence to show clearly the relations of the Ward Farmers Association and Mr Ward with the Colonial Bank and the Bank of New Zealand has given rise to much comment. It seems clear, however, that although ho on this occasion carried the subcommittee with him, Mr Seddon cannot hope to do anything but temporarily defer an investigation of these matters. It is understood that the Committea of Enquiry will not ask further questions as to individual accounts written off until the examination of the bank’s witnesses on other subjects is completed. If thin is so there is hope of the enquiry proceeding steadily forward, excepting for occasional jars between the Prem’er and Mr G. Hutchison, who is a veritable thorn in the side of Mr Seddon. In connection with this banking matter the financial debate to-night fell very flat, all interest apparently being centred in the banking enquiry. Tho 'speeches on the whole were time, that of the leader of the Opposition being hardly up to the standard, while that of the Minister of Public Works was a very poor effort. The general opinion seems to be that the debate is wasted time.