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Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 91, 26 April 1901, Page 1

Premier Seddon would certainly be a power for good in the Federal House of Representatives. He may have done many things to which the constitutional party in Victoria or New South Wales takes exception, but he must be regarded as a successful statesman, and one of the most powerful personalities in Australasian politics.—Melbourne Punch. - Something like a conspiracy of silence appears to have spread over Maoriland. Up to the present Messrs Fowlds, E. M. Smith, and Hornsby are the only North Island members who have spoken since the prorogation in October ; while Mr G. W. Russell is (so far as we are aware) the only South Island M.H.R. who has reviewed last session’s work and dealt with the political position.—Christchurch Spectator.] Under the heading “ AVasted Energy,” Christchurch Truth thus deals with the Trades and Labor Council :—“ What an unfortunate thing it is that the business of the country cannot be despatched with the same celerity that has marked the proceedings of the Trades and Labor Congress in Dunedin. A whole session of Parliament at the same rate would not occupy more than a single day, and the saving in expense to the country would be quite wonderful to contemplate. Tile Trades and Labor Council has apparently discussed and settled questions in the space of an hour which have proved insurmountably difficult to the great thinkers of the world for generations. Within the last few days it has dealt with a list of subjects covering the widest possible range of ground. It has discussed questions such as the nationalisation of coal mines and the setting up of a boycott against the non-Union-made tobacco, together xyith the ipumcipalisation of trams, lighting, etc., and the amendment of the Health Act-. It has passed resolutions dealing with the judiciary, and demanded abolition of grand juries. It has affirmed the undesirability of the selling of Crown lands by the Government, and supported the amendment ofltHe Representation Act in the direction oftehabling the cities to send four additionahmembers to Parliament, and it has dealt with defence and State fire insurance. It is difficult, in fact, to find a question on which the conference has not made up its mind after fifteen minutes’ discussion,"