THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

New Zealand Graphic, 27 June 1906, Page 29

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

As soon as the House met after the election, it plunged at -once into fierce controversy. Here, again, we may take advantage of the admirable summary of the position lately set forth in the columns of the “Lyttelton Times”: — “Although the general election of 1879 swept the country like a great storm, it did not clear the atmosphere. Both parties claimed a victory, and each believed that a trial of strength would see it triumphant. The attention of the whole colony was centred in the House of Representatives in Wellington. Its actions were watched by crowded galleries, and spectators looked down upon the contest with keen interest. Not a move was missed, not a word of the heated debate fell upon deaf ears.

“Sir John Hall, at the head of his battalions of Opposition members, lost no time whatever in beginning the attack. On the second business day of the session he gave notice that he would move a direct no-confidence motion as soon as the debate on the Address-in-Reply began.

“Four days later the House was in the thick of the discussion. No sooner had the Address been moved and seconded than the Opposition leader rose and brought forth his charges. “In his first session Mr. Seddon had an excellent opportunity for getting an insight into the most approved methods of advancing upon a party in power; and there is no doubt that he treasured in his mind memories of those stirring event* when he, as a soldier in the ranks, saw leaders of parties fight on the floor of th* House, meeting move by move and attack by attack.” It was under these inspiring but difficult circumstances that the member for Hokitika rose to deliver his first speech in Parliament.