POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Argus, Volume III, Issue 210, 16 November 1897, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(J'.Y TICtiEOHAPIt. — SPECIAL HEPOETEE.) Wklunoton, Last Night. DEFENCE OE MR MITCHELSON. On Friday night Oapt. Russell, in speaking on Mr Meredith's amendment, defended Mr Mitchelaon in vigorous terms from the charges brought against him by Mr F. La wry, that the late member tor Eden had beci a traitor to Auckland. He said Mr Mitchelson A'as not only a trusted colleague of his in the Atkinson Ministry, but he was also a peisonal friend, and he (Capt. Russell) did not know a more honourable man or one who was less likely to betray anybody than Mr Mitchelson. Capt. Russell then twitted Mr La wry with having himself proved traitorous to his party, and said lie had been elected to support the Atkinson Ministry, as well as the pre sent Defence Minister (Mr Thompson) and the present Colonial Secretary (Mr Carroll). Mr Thompson denied this, upon which Capt. Russell asked " Will the lion, gentleman deny that he voted with us for several years," but Mr Thompson did not reply. Capt. Russell went on to say that Mr La wry should bo the last man to accuse other men of traitorous conduct, as he had deserted the Atkinson party when they were going down, and gave as his reason that Mr Mitchelson (whom he now referred to as a traitor) was badly trcitcd by that party in not having been elected Leader of the party after Sir Harry was appointed to the Speakership of the Legislative Council. Mr Lawry : " You have got hold of the wrong end of the stick." He was perfectly certain he was correct. Mr Bollard : " He told mc the same thing." " Oh, of course," said Captain Russell, " He told everybody," and he proceeded to speak on other matters. Mr Lawry explained that he had said in general terms that Mr Mitchelson was a traitor to the be3t interest of Auckland by his action over a certain railway in the. North. THE TAUPO SANATORIUM

The Public Petitions Committee reported to-day on the petition presented by Mr Douglas McLean from Mr A. Davidson and 243 others of Taupo, praying that the Government may take over the Terraces Hotel and the grounds at Taupo, as a Government sanatorium. The Committee report that the site referred to in the petition is well suited for a Government sanatorium, and they recommend the prayer of the petition to the favourable consideration of the Go vernment. THE POLITICAL SITUATION. The current political gossip is decidedly interesting at present, and as the unexpected generally happens in politics, it is quite on the cards that some un-looked-for developments may transpire even before the session closes. In the first place it is now recognised on all bauds that the glamour of Mr Seddon has at length passed away, aud that some faithful supporters of the Government are dismayed and disheartened at the turn which events have taken. One hears it frequently stated that if the Premier takes Mr Ward back into the Cabinet as C'olouial Trtasurer the Government would not live a day, aud that if the Horowhcnua Bill comes down in the shape originally threatened by the Minister for Lands, a few of their most obedient followers will vote dead against them. On the other hand some members think it unlikely that Mr Ward will put in an appearance at all this session, and that the Horowhenua Pill will be conspicuous by its absence. The Old Age Pension Pill is also predicted already as a " slaughtered innocent," as well as many others which were promised in the Financial .Statement. Altogether the political outlook for Ministers is decidedly black, and if they should happen to be defeated on an important policy Bill they could not hope to get a dissolution, as the present Government were in power when the general elections were held, and would consequently not be entitled to an appeal to the country. PARLIAMENTARY PENALTIES.

The question of the penalties incurred by Mr Ward tor prolonged absence from bis party duties is about to be raised in the House, and the discussion on it will be of an interesting character. It is understood that the only way by which the Speaker can absolve a member from fines for nonattencinnce is by a medical certificate to the effect that ;hc honourable gentleman is unable to attend the House, and if this is correct it follows that the late Colonial Treasurer is liable to considerable penalties. Mr Ward would probably plead " urgent private affairs" as a reason for his absence, but I am assured that would not free him from the penalties for nonattendance. THE ESTIMATES. A report is afloat to-day that the Premier intends to force the remaining classes of the Estimates through atone sitting, and that the House will, therefore, sit continuously from Tuesday to Thursday. If this is the case, there is no reason why the House should not sit right up to Saturday, as there is no guarantee that the Estimates would be finished by Thursday or Thursday week. It is scarcely likely, therefore, that the proposal for a continuous sitting would receive much support. As nobody expected any business to be done this session, there would consequently be no justification at all for forcing the votes through at such a ridiculous rate, especially as three all-night sittings have already taken place this session. The most debatable clauses are, of course, those of police and defence, both of which will be criticised at great length, and the Opposition are determined to get all possible information before they allow them to pass. THE LENGTH OF THE SESSION.

The general opinion is that the session will close about the 20th or 2:2nd December, but some well-informed inembcis consider it will be a very tight squeeze to finish before Christmas.