WELLINGTON TOPICS.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 1 May 1917, Page 5

WELLINGTON TOPICS.

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

THE SESSION AND ITS WORK.

(Special Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON,, April 30

It is generally assumed in political circles now that Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward will return to the Dominion a fortnight or so before, the opening of Parliament, and that they will bring back with them sufficient work, more or les closely connected with the war, to keep the House and Council busy for the usual three on four months. The 'Acting-Prime Minister and the Act-ing-Minister of Finance have seized several opportunities lately to prepare the public for anothei. Loan Bill and for largely increased taxation, "out these measures arc not likley to occupy much time in passing through all their stages. There is plenty of money available, and the public is quite willing it should be employed in winning the war. Of coui/se, there will be some difference of opinion in regard to the incidence of the taxation, but it is expected the new proposals will meet mosi* of; the objections urged against the legislation of last year. DOMESTIC LEGISLATION. Though members of the House are as eager as ever to give the National Government loyal and hear,ty support in carying out their financial and military proposals, a growing number ,of them are beginning to feel that matters ot immediately associated with the war should receive some attention this year. The present Parliament has done practically nothing towards solving any of the domestic problems which were discussed during the general election held after the commencement of hostilities, and private members, except by silence and by ready acquiescence with the war proposals of the Government, have had no opportunity to justify themselves in the eyes of their .constituents. Most of them are pledged to urgent reforms which they have had scarcely any opportunity to mention -in the House and naturally they are. hot looking forward very complacently to the time when they will be asked what they have been doing during the last two years. THE MINISTRY. It was generally thought when Sir John Findlay was induced to contest the Hawk'c 's Bay seat that in the event of his election he would.be offered a seat in the Cabinet. For as Sir John's political enthusiasm had carried him in the way of personal sacrifice no one expected him to resume responsibilities that would seriously interfere with his lucrative practice at the bar, with no prospect of playing a greater pant in the administration of the affairs of the country than is assigned to a private member. But it seems now that Sir John has no desire to join the National Government, that he would prefer, indeed, to remain outside the Cabinet and to be free, while giving Ministers his most cordial support in their war measures, to offer them his advice and even criticism in regard to a number of other matters which lie thinks should be dealt with by the present Parliament. THE VACANT SEAT.

If this really is .Sir John's attitude towards the honour public opinion would have thrust upon him—and on that point there appear* to be very little doubt —the question of filling the vacant seat in the Cabinet will again become one of wide interest. Before Sir John's election the names of several members were mentioned in connection with the appointment—those of Mr G. W. Forbes, Mr T. K. Sidey, Mr W. A. Witch, Mr H. Poland, and Mr K. McCallurn among them —and immediately on his return Sir Joseph Ward, who has insisted all along on equal party representation, will have to make a selection. No salary will be attached to the office, as the law provides for only ten paid Ministers and Mr Hanan has succeeded to Dr. McNab ? s place on the Civil List, but it will carry certain allowances and perquisites which will prevent it being a serious burden to its occupant.