WELLINGTON NORTH SEAT.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1917, Page 2

WELLINGTON NORTH SEAT.

Mr Herdman and a Judgeship(N. Z. Times.) Among people in the city who are interested in politics there is a good deal of speculation just at present relative to the possibility of an important change in connection with one of the Wellington seats. Qa ; te recently the “ Gazette ” announced the appointment of a new returning officer for Wellington North and among well-informed people the impression prevails that this is preliminary to a by-eleotion in that constituency.

The present representative in Parliament of Wellington North is the Hon A. L. Herdman, the AttorneyGeneral, who it is very generally expected, will be appointed to a judgeship. The official announcement to this effeot is looked for almost immediately. It is freely stated that Mr Herdman is eager to exchange bis portfolio for a seat on the Supreme

Court Bench, a position he has coveted for a considerable time. It ia also asserted with conviction that the position has been promised to him by ths heads of the Government. Probably he would have attained his desire before this bad it not been that a wish was expressed by the party that be should remain in the Ministry—with the promise of a judgeship before the Government left office. There was ormerly a strong political reason why he should remain in the House of Representatives—:horaa:n{eoanc3 of the balance cf parties—Luc that was removed by the fotm-ition of the N«. tioDal Government.

Other circumstances have lately arisen which have occasioned the be* lief that Mr Herdnian'e translation will not be much longer delayed. The appointment will be made, if at all, by the existing Government ; at least, the strong probability is that if not put through now it m&y never be announced. The general impression appears to be that A. itorneyGeneral is desirous oi ■ i sure of the position while it is etiil available to him. Developments are being awaited with much iutereat.