POLITICAL NOTES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2120, 1 July 1907, Page 3

POLITICAL NOTES.

(Special to Times). WELLINGTON, last night, THE SURPRISE PACKET.

The proposal-to make New Zealand a- dominion is likely to bo carried without opposition. Members anef. the public seem careless about it. Only one' man, so far as I can ascertain, “dropped to” the significance of the Premier’s “surprise packet.” Many peoplo thought that'it meant at least a visit from the King.

The Post throws cold water on the project. An authority says the only change will be in the'namo from colony to dominion, and there will be no alteration in the salary or title of the Governor or of members.

Sir Joseph Ward says New Zealand is the only self-governing country that retains the name of colony. South Africa; he adds, will probably in a few years also be a “dominion” or a “confederacy.” He is sure that in the eyes of tho Englishspeaking people, tho great majority of whom know very little .about us, the result will be a considerable increase of status. It will not add to the cost of administration in any way whatever. He was perfectly certain that the colony as a whole would be favorable to the proposal.

THE GOVERNMENT WHIPS. Messrs Kidd and Colvin, last year’s Government whips, will continue to act in that capacity. Mr. Kidd’s acceptance of the position is subject to his being allowed a free hand on the land question. GOVERNMENT CAUCUS. A caucus of the Government party will lie held next week, when several matters, including the Land Bill, will be considered. CONVALESCENT MEMBERS. Mr. Hall-Jones, though still far from strong, is sufficiently recovered to think of a long sea voyage and in a week or two he will probably leave Wellington quietly, on a prolonged holiday. Mr. Wilford, M.H.R., who has been laid aside through illness lately, was on Saturday able to visit the House arid.he will now be able to resume his Parliamentary duties. Mr. Baume, another member who has been on the sick list, is much better than lie was, but will not be able to take the energetic share in debate that was his wont in former sessions.

Mr. McLacliian, the member for Ashburton, is detained in the South through illness!