Wellington Notes.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 47, 24 August 1896, Page 2

Wellington Notes.

fI'HOM OUU OWN 7 CORRESPONDENT.] YYA> T Ttfl) CANDIDATES. The problem that is troubling the Seddonites in the city just now is the selection of candidates, not but what there arc enough aud to spare of patriots williug to sacrifice their time and talents for the £20 per month, but there are so many other conditions to comply with, foremost aruoug these being Mr Seddon's approval. That is the first considera tion and every cam is takeu in both the masculine and faminine leagues to keep this before the members, for, under instructions the following questions are now asked of all candidates for member-ships-(1) Are you in favor ot the Seddon Government; and (2) Do you belong to an Opposition Society. The various uuions and associations aro each permitted to nominate a candidato aud all the names are submitted to a Supreme Council known as the Electoral League. This body issued a circular last week and this disclosed that it did not advocate any policy, its only plank being tho continuance of the Seddon Government — only that and nothing more. THE ESTIMATES. Ministers had a bad time of it when the Colonial Secretary's departmental estimates came on for discussion. First of all came the question of his salary. Mr Carroll is a member of the Executive Council representing tbe Maori race, and bis salary as such is £400 a year. It was pointed out, however, that be represents a European electorate — Waiapu — and that it was rather straining a point to call him a Native representative. But a more serious point was raised. He is also Colonial Secretary and Commissioner of Stamps and these carry full Ministerial salary under tbe Civil Service Act. Therefore the Ministers are guilty of sweating in paying one of themselves half rates and all others full allowances. As one member tersely put it, " If fit pay him, if not get someone else." Of course there is another phase of the question, Mr Carroll is allowed £100 a year for house and travelling expenses, and allowances are no mean items, for last year he drew £1307 under that head. And it is somewhat curious that in that sum was travelling expenses for 404 days in one year at 30s per day, and Parliament sat 136 days in that year. So that, after all, if the salary is limited the extras are superb.