A Statement by Mr Seddon.

Manawatu Herald, 28 January 1897, Page 2

A Statement by Mr Seddon.

Mr Seddon was interviewed by the Dunedin Star's Parliamentary reporter, and said he expected to return to Wellington, via Sydney, in the first week in March. Parliament will ba summoned as usual in June. At the first Cabinet meeting after his return the petitions for the release of Chemis and Flaonigan will be finally dealt with. He and Lord Glasgow had parted eta the very best and most friendly terms, and with mutual good wishes for their iuture happiness and prosperity. The Agent-General had been requested to communicate with the Colonial Office asking that the New Zealand Government be communicated with prior to the selection of the next Governor, but nothing would be done till Lord Glasgow had left the Colony. There was no foundation for the rumour a<? to the reconstruction of the Cabinet. Sir Maurice O'Rorke would be the Government nominee for the Speakership, but no decision would be come to concerning the Chairman of Committees till it was* seen who the candidates for the position were. The Cabinet bad decided to fill up the position of Stipendiary Magistrate in "Wellington forthwith, and effect would be given to the recommendation of the GoldnVlds Committee by a moving round of all the Stipendiary Magis* trates. The Government hoped before the session began to have acquired land for workmen's villages adjacent to the four large centres. Speaking as to finances, Mr Seddon said the financial position as disclosed by the Budget would be the best for the last decade. He anticipated that the surplus would .be from £280,000 to £300,000. Despite the concessions granted during the year,,

i ' ' — — ■ — ■ — ■ the railway 3 would show an increase of £100,000 at least. Mr Seddon defended the sale of the Bußhby Park estate, which, like other properties sold by the Realisa» tion Board during the recess, bad brought a price in excess of the last valuation.