THE COMING SESSION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8705, 20 August 1906, Page 3

THE COMING SESSION.

[From Oxtr Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, August 20. Members are arriving in driblets, in readiness for the opening of Parliament to-morrow, and the Governor's Speech, embodying ' the policy of Sir Joseph Ward's Government, is awaited with keen interest. In the meantime prophets are discreet, and having exhausted the possibilities in anticipations are preparing to say "I told you so" at three o'clock to-morrow. Ministers, experienced and inexperienoed, are overwhelmed with work, and the Premier has shielded himself in his private residence from the importunities of" members and Pressmen. The Departmental reports are all ready, and will be brought down early in the session. In view of the fact that no Ministerial pronouncement has been made in regard to the Government programme, unusual interest attaches to the prespent Speech from the Throne. This is not likely to " contain any fireworks policy, and it is probable that there will be an absence of that "padding which characterised many of theNmore recent Seddonian productions, but plenty of material is certain to be promised to afford work to keep the House fully occupied till the last week in October, which will see the prorogation. As to, the Legislative Council; I understand that, the present system is likely to be continued, but no calls are likely to be made during the present session, the strength of the Chamber being considered sufficient for immediate requirements. Tariff reform will be left over till next year, it being the intention of Ministers to go exhaustively into the question during the recess, but the reciprocity treaty with the Commonwealth will be placed before the House, simultaneously with its being presented to the Commonwealth. Parliament, at an early stage of the session. The Premier intend© that the House shall rise at a reasonable hour, and the probabilities are that sittings after midnight t will be rare. Cabinet meetings on Sunday also will be diecontinued. Messrs Flatman and Kidd will again act as Ministerial Whips. My tip for the Chairmanship of Committees is Mr Wilford.