BEFORE THE SESSION.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1786, 26 June 1913, Page 6

BEFORE THE SESSION.

MEMBERS ASSEMBLING. A LONG SESSION PREDICTED. There was a full muster of members of tlio Reform party yesterday in readiness for tho caucus which was held in the evening, hut comparatively few members of the Opposition were to be seen about tho precincts of Parliament. B.v this evening, however, all stive a few members will be in town. All the politicians who were spoken to agreed in predicting a long session. Some optimists surest a possible termination by the middle of November, but they are in a minority. Tho end of November or nil even later date is accepted as being nearer tho mark. . ~ The fact that the Grey seat in tho House of .Representatives is vacant, owing to the death of Sir A. It Guinness oil .Tunc 10, is formally notified m a Gazette Extraordinary, dated Juno <.4. The writ for the by-election to fill vacancy was issued yesterday by Jlr. J. H.isJop (Under-Secretary for Internal Aflairs and Clerk of Writs). The writ, is returnable in 28 days. It is expected that the date of the polling day will be about July 20. • . -

MEETING OF THK PARTY. MB. LANG TO BE SPEAKEU. A meetiiig of the Government party was held iast night, and « members, the full strength of the party, were either present or accounted for. There were only one or two absentees, and these were either engaged in addressing their electors, or were unable for other reasons to reach Wellington in time. A.* general discussion took place concerning the work of tho coming session, in the course of which members had an opportunity for a full and free expression of opinion. ' ' The matter of the Speakership was under discussion, with the result that it is understood that Sir. i'. W. Lang, Chaiiman of Committees, will receive the Uovernuieut nomination. It is stated that one-other candidate for the position generously and unreservedly withdrew all idea of seeking nomination in opposition to llr. Lang. ' ' No steps were taken with regard to tile filling of the vacancy of Chairmanship of Committees, which will occur if Mr. Lang should be elected Speaker. The Absentees. The absentee.') from the meeting, who were accounted for, were: Sir Walter Buchanan (Wajrarapa), Messrs. Wilson (Tauiriaranui), Campbell (Hawke s JJa„>7, and Clarke (Chalmers). Messrs. Heed (Bay of Islands), and Rhodes (Thames) wero present. Mr. Coates (Kaipara) was not present, but it is. understood that whilst preserving an independent attitude, he will give .'i general support to the Ooveroment.

Opening Procedure. Parliament will be opened by Commission to-day, and the House will proceed to elect -a Speaker. After this the ordiii ary adjournment until the following day must tako place, atid when the Ilou.se resumes on Friday afternoon the Goyernoi •will deliver tho customary address in the Legislative Council. After this tho House will bo asked to pass the Imprest Bill, and it must go through 011 that day, or at any Tate before midnight on Alonda\. It is honed that all members in the House will unite in allowing the Imprest Bill to go through without discussion, so Unit a proper tribute of respect may be jiaid to the memory of Sir Arthur Gimme-*-After the Bill is dealt with tho Primo Minister will move a motion of appreciation of Sir Arthur Guinness's services to tlie Dominion, and of condolence with his widow, and then the House will adjourn for a full Parliamentary day, that is_ to say, the House will adjourn at its rising on Friday until Wednesday afternoon. Whether the Imprest Supply Bill will be given aii easy passage or not-must depend 011 what the Opposition, dccide to do, and as there are practically ,no_ Opposition: members in town yet, it is "impossible to karn what tho intention of the party maj

bs. • On Wednesday evening tho Address-in- ; Reply debate will prolxibly be opened. Air. C. A. Wilkinson (Egmont) is to move the customary motion, and Mr. 0. 1/. oratham (Dunedin Central) will second it. Chairmanship of Committees. Tho Chairmanship of Committees will not, it is understood, be filled for a few days. Amongst members who?© names are most freely mentioned in this connection are: Messrs. A. S. Malcolm (Clutha). E. Newman (Eangitikoi), G. J. Anderson (Mataura), £intl G. M. 'Thomson (Dunediii North), but the majority of members appear to favour the chances of Mr. A. a. Malcolm of being the succes-or to Mr. Lang as Chairman. The Upper House. It is stated that the Government intends to appoint five new members to the Legislative Council, and that the names will probably he announced oil Friday. One of the new members, it is believed, will be a member _ of the Native race, in place of Mr. AVi Pore, who forfeited his scat through absence. The four -other probable appointees are said to liave been members of the lower Bouse. One, it is expected, will lie a representative of Labour. No names have been announced, but. those of Sir Wil)v;..m Russell, Mr. John DuthHe, and Mr. C. A. C. Hardy have lately been frequently- mentioned in this connection.