POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Argus, Volume III, Issue 213, 23 November 1897, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(11Y TELEGRAPH. —SIMIOIAL REI'OKTEK.) Wellington, Last Nipht. OLD AGE PENSIONS.

The Premier, contrary to expectations, seems determined to put through the Old Age Pension Bill this session, and he has gone so far as lo threaten a dissolution if any obstruction is offered to the Bill in committee. This is of course an empty threat, as Mr Seddon knows perfectly well he would not he entitled to an appeal to the country till the House is exhausted. I have before stated that as the present Government were in office when Miis Parliament was elected they could not constitutionally claim a dissolution, the country having already pronounced in favour of Ministers by giving them a fresh lease of power at the last election. In case of the defeat of the Government, however, and the possibility that their successors might not be able to carry on business, the House would therefore be exhausted and the new Ministry could fairly claim a dissolution in order to put their policy before the country. With respect to the old age pension scheme, very few members naturally object, to the principle of the Bill, but strong exception is taken to the details on the ground that they are of a most precarious nature, ami that the Premier's scheme inevitably means additional heavy taxation which the poorer classes will have to pay as well as their wealthier neighbours. It is true that Mr Seddon declares he can spare £120,000 for old age pensions out of this year's surplus, but in case of a bad harvest or a serious decline in the mining industry the revenue for next year may possibly be unable to bear the strain, and that would upset the whole scheme. The second reading of the Bill was certainly carried by a large majority as affirming the principle, but it is doubtful whether or not it will survive the third reading without material alteration. THE THREATENED DISSOLUTION.

Me-nbera generally ridicule the Premier's threat of a dissolution, and opponents of the Government fervently wish that it may come about as they believe that the country would at the present juncture speak with no uncertain sound against the continuance of Seddonism. It is surmissed that Mr Seddon's object is to harden up those of his supporters who are not particularly " sound on the goose," so that the Pensions Bill might pass in such a shape as to ensute its rejection by the Legislative Council. Your readers are probably aware that as it is a Money Bill the Council cannot alter it, and must either accept the measure, as it passed the House or reject it altogether. OPPOSITION CAUCUS.

A caucus of the Opposition is to be held to-morrow to discuss the political situation generally, and to arrange a programme for the rest of the session. The Old Age Pensions Bill will also he considered and certain amendments discussed by the party. THE BANKING BILL. I hear on good authority to-day that the Banking Bill is coming down after all, and that Ministers are considering how far the Bill should go. Nobody outside the Cabinet appears to have the slightest idea of the scope of the measure. PROLONGING THE SESSION. It is not absolutely certain yet that the session will close before Christmas. The Premier today declared that unless the Opposition allowed Ctrtain measures to pass he wouhl bring members back after the Christmas holidays, as the country expected to sec some tangible results from the session.