POLITICAL NOTES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2380, 9 July 1892, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

The resignation of Mr .Richmond has reduced the Legislative Council to .'};"), of whom three are absent from the colony and two are unable to attend through illness, while Mr Vt'hyte can hardly have the assurance to take his seat again. This reduces the Council to 28.' Perhaps after all the Government are aiming at letting them die out. Mr Scobie Mackenzie violently attacked the Ministers, for taking part in the Bruce election, but lie himself went to llangitikei to assist Mr Bruce. Evidently what is sauce for the goose is not sauce for the gander with Mr Scobie Mackenzie. Mr Bryce is also canvassing very hard for Mr Bruce. Sir George Grey is recovering and will probably take his seat in the

House before the end of the session, ' but there is a possibility that he will go to Australia to oppose the introduction of colored labor. A deputation of iron workers waited on Mr Seddon, and requested that protection should be given them so as to enable them to make in the colony several articles which were at present imported. Mr Seddon said nothing in that direction would be done this year. Mr Shera has introduced a bill so as to stop mortgagees from selling any estate for interest due to them. The mortgagee may sell an estate for the principal due to him, but not for the interest. The land for settlement bill has been introduced, This is a bill for buying large estates for settlement purposes. The Land Bill provides for issuing licenses for 21 years at 5 per cent, on the capital value of the land. After twelve years the licensee may buy his land for cash, or convert it into a perpetual lease. The Land Bill is otherwise much the same as that which was mutilated in the Legislative Council last year. The ±se\x Zealand Times says ; Many names have been suggested of members of the Legislative Council who are fit to succeed to the vacant Speaker's chair. The Council affirmed last year that it should have the choice in its own Speakership, as it possessed many members fully qualified for the position. The plea was allowed, and very pioperly so. The opportunity for making the choice has occurred sooner than any one imagined. Perhaps the Council will permit us to make a suggestion. The lion. Lancelot Walker possesses the necessary combination of qualities in a very high degree. He has independence of mind, his courtesy is perfect, his judgment is sound, and his experience of public affairs was ripe before he became a member of the Council, seven years ago. He has besides a great command of polished diction, and he is remarkably ready of resource. There are several men in the Council quite fit to take the chair with credit. There is not one who can maintain the high traditions of the Speaker's office better than Mr Walker.