POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 307, 28 June 1898, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH -:SPECIAL COEKESPONDENT) "Wellington, Last Night, THE POLITICAL SITUATION. It is extremely difficult at this early stage of the session to predict) the course of events, but I am strongly inclined to the opinion that there will he no dissolution of Parliament this year at nnyrate, unless somo extraordinary contingency arises. The Premier will, of course, hold the dissolution bogey over the heads of the mere independent section of his followers in order to keep them in the straight path, bat the firm conviction of those who ought to know something about it is that Mr Scddon will not precipitate a general election unless lie is absolutely driven to take this course, and even then it is by no means certain that Lord Raufurly would grant him a dissolution till the House is exhausted, that is till other men have had an opportunity of forming a Ministry. The Premier is extremely fortunate, inasmuch as ho will not this session have to confront two such capable critics as Sir Robert Stout aud the Hon. G. F. Richardson, The temporary absence of Mr Rolleston, Mr Duthie, Mr James Allen and Mr Pirani will also play into Mr Seddon's hands for the next week or two ; but when the Opposition benches are fuller, he will have an uncommonly lively time, and it is already predicted that Ministers will be so utterly discredited this session that the general election will drive the great Liberal party into the cold shades of Opposition. A STORMY SESSION. There 13 every appearance of a lengthy and stormy session. In the natural course of things, the middle session of a triennial Parliament is always regarded as the working one, as during the first session of a new house members take a considerable time to make themselves acquainted with the forms, standing orders, etc., and the next 3sssion being the last one of the present Parliament will, of course, be occupied mainly with speeches intended for members' con« atituents, in order to prepare for tho general election in December, 1899. GOVERNMENT CAUCUS.

A meeting of the Government party was held this morning, and lasted over two hours. Members who attended it refused to give any information further than it was a very harmonious meeting and the Premier had been authorised to give an " Official" account to the press correspondents. The following is Mr Seddon's version of what transpired at the meeting:—" All members of the party (41) were present or accounted for. The Premier strongly impressed on members the desirability of furthering the practical work of the session, and that if the progress of business was prevented or obstructed to let the responsibility rest upon those blocking it. He asked those prcseut to give their opinion upon the Governor's speech, with the result that without touching on details there was a general concensus of opinion on the policy contained therein. Several questions concerning matters of administration were asked by members present, satisfactory replies being elicited from Ministers representing the various departments. In replying to a question as to the order of business, there was a general wish and strong feeling in the party that the Old Age Pensions Bill should become law, and that tho Reform of Local Government should take i prominent position amongst tho other Bills introduced. In respect of the Technical Education Bill, the Premier referred to what he hid stated on the public platform during the recess. The Bill would provide for Education Boards having the power to negative the establishment of technical classes where they would militate against those already established, or to be established, by the Boards. It was "unanimously decided that members of the party would give pairs -only through the Whips. .There was a general feeling of confidence and good-will, and the Premier expressed his great pleasure at feeling that the party was never stronger or more united, and that it stood better than ever in the country. The meeting in caucus was most beneficial, and during the session he intended to ask the party to meet Ministers every Monday morning. The Opposition would be always on the alert, but, working as the Government party were, shoulder to shoulder they would, he hoped, be able to pass such legislation this session as would be most beneficial to the people of the colony. No programme was submitted and no resolutions passed. THE LEFT WING. I understand Mr Taylor was not invited to the Government caucus this morning. Mr Montgomery and Mr G. J. ."Smith were asked, I hear, whether they would accept an invitation to the caucus, but they both declined aDd subsequently did not attend. Mr McNab was present at the meeting. ADVANCES TO SETTLERS. It appears from a return laid before the House that since the Advances to Settlers' Department was established the loans have been distributed as follows : Aucklaud,£27l,B3o; Taranaki, £198,515; Hawke's Bay, £123,195 ; Wellington, £474,758 ; Marlborough, £60,485 ; Nelson, £30,320 ; Canterbury, £125,080 ; Westland, £10,535 ; Otago and Southland, £420,487.