POLITICAL TOPICS.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16748, 15 March 1926, Page 6

POLITICAL TOPICS.

VACANT AUCKLAND SEAT. SYMPATHY FOR MISS MELVILLE. (Times Correspondent.') WELLINGTON. Saturday. The filling of the Eden scat in the House of representatives shortly to be vacated by Sir .lames Parr, in order that ho may introduce some of his initiative and vigour into the High Commissioner's Office, rests with the electors of the constituency. Sir James Gunson, who has been coquetting with national politics for many years, and in 1919 actually took part in the fourcornered contest for the Roskill seat, has been given the imprimatur of the Reform organisation and the blessing of Ihe Prime Minister, and Mr. 11. G. Mason, who contested the seat against Sir James Parr in 1922 and again in 1925 has received the Labour nomination. There is, however, a widespread feeling in Wellington, where the political view, perhaps, is a little broader than it is in any other centre of the Dominion, that Miss E. Melville, who put up a very gallent fight against the sitting member, Mr P. N. Bertram, in Grey Lynn last November and was prepared lo take the field in Eden, has been badly treated by her political party. More than this, it is being predicted by people who recently have had opportunities lo feel the political pulse of the "Queen City" that Sir. .lames Gunson's chances of election to the vacant scat are not nearly so rosy as those of Miss Melville with the Government backing would have been. But the Government of course is in a position to take risks. The Westland Seat. The judicial proceedings in connection with the Westland seat did not arouse a great deal of interest here, the Government's big majority making it of little consequence, in the view of most people, which way the decision went. Among his wide circle of personal friends Mr. Seddon's confirmation in the seal was heartily welcomed, but had Mr. O'Brien been successful the members of his party would have found equal ground for congratulation. As a matter of fact the late member by his frank, unassuming manner, his assiduous application to work and his ability to see both sides of a question, had made him good In the House ana had earned the personal regard of many of his political opponents. Mr. Seddou will come back to the House with a new and enlarged opportunity. Though the career of the younger Pitt may be quoted to the contrary, it is not good for a young man to enter Parliament at twenty-one. Youth is counted on as a reproach in Hie counsels of the nation. But Mr. Seddon is now over forty, with all his political experience behind him and all his real political responsibilities before him. The country wilt look on with interest to the development of his opportunity. One of his distinguished father's closest friends observed to-day that his greatest need was a rougher tongue to assist him in making political enemies. Reconstructing the Ministry. The local papers are busy with the reconstruction of the Ministry. It is the big gooseberry season in local journalism, and the intentions of the Premier Of a fruitful source of speculation. Sir Francis Bell and Sir James Parr will be laying down their portfolios in the course of the next day or two and a dozen eager aspirants and as many faithful followers of the party's fortunes are being placed in the line of succession. It is semi-otllcially announced, however, that no additional appointments will be made until after the end of the llnancial year, a fortnight hence, when the Hon. W. Nosworthy will hand over the portfolio of Finance; to the Hon. Downie Stewart preparatory, so it is said, to divesting himself of his other Cabinet encumbrances, and resume the role of a private member. This part of the story, however, must lie accepted with some reservation, since the member for Ashburlon is not the man to be easily deposed and in many respects is one of tlie best informed of the occupants of the Treasury Benches. Whether Mr. Hockley will be elected for the Chairmanship of Committees or for a seat in tlie Cabinet is still a moot question, but It seems fairly certain that if the member for Rotorua lias aspirations In either direction they will be gratified The gossips have ceased removing Mr. Statham from the Speakership.