Prospects of the Session.

Manawatu Herald, 24 June 1899, Page 3

Prospects of the Session.

The prospects of the coming session are being discussed with lively interest, and it is generally considered that it has every likelihood of being the most momentous in the history of the Party now in power — not that there is much prospect of any practical work being done, but because of its probable effect upon the general election which looms so near, and which seems likely to be so keenly contested. There is very little doubt that the Government has a trying time in front of it. The Opposition is full of fight, and has plenty of material to work on, and the Left Wingers are not likely to keep in the background. Many hold the opinion that the Premier will angle for an early dissolution, on the supposition that the electorates are now more inclined to favour him than they will be five or six months hence. His recent activity in moving, about the country canvassing the electors of the different constituencies has given rise to a ■ feeling that unless the elections were close at hand Mr Seddon would not so palpably neglect the preparation of the work of the session for the sake of making speeches, the effect of which, in all probability, will have worn off should the general election come in the ordinary course of events at the end ot the year. Against this it Is argued that the Premier could not get a dissolution even if he wanted it. This seems an open question. If

Messrs T. Thompson and C adman were to resign their seats — and it would only be anticipating their announced intention by a few months — Mr Seddon might be able to state an arguable claim for dissolution. However, with the Marine scandal and other matters hanging over them, and fresh in the minds of the public, Ministers may desire to postpone the day when they will have to face the elect irs on the hustings, and judging from the opinions of members and general indications, the present Parliament will run its full period ot three years. Of course there is no knowing what may crop up in the heat of the sessional struggle to change the current of events, but a shcr^ session of twelve or thirteen weeks is a favourite tip. — Post.