POLITICAL NOTES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2627, 8 October 1909, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES.

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM. [ Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, October 7. The opening ceremony of Parliament to-day was tame, largely because His Excellency’s speech had been anticipated, and also because the limited accommodation prevented the customary gorgeous display of uniformed Consular officers and elegantly-robed ladies 'on the floor of the Chamber and in the galleries. There is very little floor space in the Council Chamber, and onlv a small press gallery. His Excellency, when handed the specially-prepared copy of the speech, printed" on huge sheets, bumped his head into it and rolled off the contents with rapid and almost inaudible enunciation, and the session was formally started. In neither House was any real business done, but there were indications, not only in the limuber, but in the importance of the notices of questions given, that members are not likely to allow matters of moment to pass without due consideration. The political air is very still at present, but it is the stillness that precedes the storm. Ministers themselves admit that they expect a lively session.

A LITTLE TROUBLE AHEAD

One little trouble ahead of the Premier is the selection of a colleague to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Mr. Hogg, or, perhaps, the vacancy caused by the promotion to full Cabinet rank of Mr. T. Mackenzie, ;n the place of Mr. Hogg. There is_ an unconfirmed report that this appointment has been decided upon. Of course there is no real necessity to fill the gap, but the position having been created, it would be difficult to dispense with it, in view of the demand of certain supporters for “‘consideration,'’ and it is understood that the Cabinet is to be kept up to its recent full strength. The trouble for the Premier is that he is suffering from an embarras de richesse. There are at least a dosen aspirants to be placated; and there is some danger of defection to he anticipated on the part of some of the disappointed aspirants to office. Possibly the trouble may be staved off by the Premier holding the appointment in abeyance. If a North Island member is selected, it. is believed that Mr. Field or Mr. Wilford will have a good chance, but Mr. Baume would be likely to be troublesome if his claims were overlooked. . . The Government and the Opposition have each to appoint a second whip, but so far neither side has definitely decided upon its man. A notable omission from the Governor’s speech is any reference to the death duties, regarding which Dr. Findlay spoke so emphatically during the recess. The Address-in-Reply is to commence in both Houses on Tuesday. In the House of Representatives tomorrow, sessional committees will be sot up. and prohablv an Imprest Supply Bill will be brought forward.