THE SPEAKERSHIP.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14015, 24 June 1913, Page 5

THE SPEAKERSHIP.

WHO WILL BE CHOSEN.

(By Telegraph.—Special to HbbAld.)

WELLINGTON, June 23. It is clear that Mr Lang, the presei Chairman of Committees, has the optioi if he cares, of taking the still more one: ous and responsible post of Speaker the House of Representatives. There . a good deal of speculation here as to his intentions, mainly for the reason that he is regarded as a litle lacking in ' perience of the duties.

The Government organ in Wellington has referred to .this, but it must not be forgotten that it is twenty years since Mr La.ng commenced to have practical association with Parliamentary procedure. He was a member for twelve years before be* ing defeated by Mr Greenslade for tbi Waikato seat, but he regained a scat the following year as the representative of Manakau.

The Prime Minister,when questioned today, after a meeting of the Cabinet, plainly indicated that the Government will back Mr Lang’s undoubted claim if he wants the honour. Nothing had been decided at the Cabinet meeting, said Mr Massey, but he added that Mr Lang hod an undoubted right to nomination for the position, and it would be unfair to refuse him. that right. Another fancied candidate, presuming Mr Lang’s retirement,, ia the Hon. J. AMillar, whose long and excellent probation in the Chairmanship of Committees, suggests his suitability. His health was an anxiety until lately, but Mr Millar tells me he has quite recovered his old form, and would be in attendance at tbs opening of Parliament. Regarding tbs Speakership he had nothing to say, except that the newspapers had been speculating a good deal, and he was not in » position to say who would' be selected.