THE SESSION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144714, 24 June 1915, Page 2

THE SESSION.

TO-DAY’S OPENING. BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT. WELLINGTON, June 23. Parliament will be opened by a commission on Thursday consisting of Sir Francis 801 l (Leader of the Legislative Council), Sir Charles Bowen (the retiring Speaker of the Legislative Council), and the Hon. Dr. Collins, M.L.C. It is expected that most of the members of the House of Representatives will be in attendance to-morrow. The Hon. A. T. Ngata (Eastern Maori) and Mr. W. T. Jennings (Taumamnui) will not be present for the opening. LENGTH OP THE SESSION. One of the most indefinite things in connection with the session is its length. Many speculations have been made as to how long members will probably be required to stay in Wellington. The view expressed a few days ago to the effect that the session wogld probably not extend beyond six or eight weeks is regarded by many as an optimistic one. Some members suggest three months or even longer as the probable extent of the work of the Legislature this year, whilst others think that the end may be reached in a lesser time. Of course if the suggestion of a coalition came to fruition it might have a bearing on the duration of the session, but the idea of such a combination does not appear to be receiving much attention from the members who have so far arrived in Wellington. OPPOSITION CAUCUS. Owing to the non-arrival of several members the Opposition caucus fixed for to-day was not held. It will be held to-morrow. LATE MB. SEDDON’S STATUE. The statue of the lata Bight Hon. B. J. Seddon, which has been erected in Parliament House grounds, will be unveiled on Saturday afternoon next by his Excellency the Governor. THE LANDS DEPARTMENT. Mr. T, N. Brodrick, Commissioner of Crown Lands at Wellington, has been appointed Under-Secretary for Crown Lands, to succeed Mr. James Mackenzie, who retires .on superannuation. The appointment is_ made by the Public Service Commissioner. NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS Tire appointment of Sir Walter Buchanan and the Hon. J, A, Millar to the Legislative Council, which was announced to-night, brings the strength of the Council up to 39 members, the number bn last session’s roll. During the recess the term of the Hon. Csas. Louisson (Canterbury) expired and tie Hon. E. 0. J. Stevens died. There were thus two vacancies, which have now been filled. The present Council consists of 33 members appointed for terms of seven years, and six life members. The latter are the Hon. Captain Baillia (Marlborough), Sir Charles Bowen (Canterbury), the Hon. O. J. Johnston (Wellington), Sir George M'Loan (Otago), Sir Henry Miller (Otago), and tho Hon. J. D. Ormond (Hawke’s Bay). ■ . The second term of Sir Charles Bowen as Speaker of the Council will expire early in July.