POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 318, 23 July 1898, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(BYTKLEGRAPH - SPECIAL COEKE.SPONDENT) WAIKAI'O HOSPITAL. Dh. McGregor reports as follows on the Waikato Hospital :—" Inspected 21st February, IS9S. This Hospital continues to deserve great credit for the energetic and progressive character of its management. I would, however, suggest that now that the kitchen has been extended and a new range added the ratepayers' pockets should get a rest, at any rate as far as further building is concerned., fhe eight hours' system of nurses' work is in operation. I think it unnecessary. It would be sufficient to get what assistance is required at specially busy times. I am convinced that in Hospitals of this size too large a staff has many serious drawbacks. I would also suggest that it might not be necessary to seud to Morrinsville every time that professional assistance is required." THE BANKING BILL. The Premier has circulated a tvhole host of amendments to the Banking Bill, the majority of which relate to the appointment of the Board of Directors. In the original Bill the Board was to consist of niue persons. That was altered last session to six - ; but the Bill got no further last session. The Bill proposed that five-directors be appointed by the Governor-in-Council, and four elected by the shareholders of the Bank. In consequence of the amendment reducing tbe number from nine to six, it was found necessary to alter these figures in the amendments circulated by the Premier tonight. It is proposed that two directors shall be. appointed' by the Governor-in-Council, two to be elected by the shareholders, one by the Legislative Council and one by the House of Representatives. The clause in the Bill providing for the abolition of the office of President remains unaltered. CABINET DIFFERENCES. According to the Post to-night the same influences are at work this session respecting the Banking Bill as were apparent last year with seme fresh complications which may cause Cabinet dissensions but aie not likely to assist the passing of the Bill. It says : " The Minister for Lands, it is understood, will strain every nerve to pass the Bill into law, and in this it is stated that he will have the support of the Hon. J. G. Ward. As the Bill proposes to deprive Mr Watson of the office of President, this is a remarkable situation, and at first sight seems inexplicable ; the situation is, however, accounted for by some who profess to know the influences at work in this way. Mr Ward is naturally desirous to he politically rehabilitated, that is, to be again invested with Cabinet rank. Mr J. McKenzie is believed to support, in the strongest way, this desire, while the Premier, with as much determination, opposes. Mr McKenzie insists upon the Banking Bill being passed, while the Premier, in vulgar phrase, "funks it," for reasons thatcanuot be here sci down. He is believed to fear the consequences, and we believe this is so far true that he has no intention that the Bill shall pass, and that it will accordingly be strangled in such a way as to avoid the appearance of premeditated destruction on the part of its author." THE AGENT-GENERALSHIP. The fact that the Agent-General's term of office expires in March next has again revived the reports that the Premier means to appoint himself to office when Mr Reeves' three years are up. One hears on the one hand that Mr Seddon has definitely decided on taking the Agent-General-ship, whilst other people who are well qualified to judge state that the Premier has no such intention at present, but that Mr Reeves' term of otHce will be exteuded for another year at least, if not for the full term. The chances arc that if Ministers manage to get a majority at the general elcetious next year the Premier might find it convenient to allow Mr Reeves to continue the AgentGeneralship for another three years. If, however, the elections go against them (which a great many people think is exceedingly likely) Mr Reeves might be asked to return to the colony to make room for Mr Seddon in Loudon. MINISTFRIA L PATRONAGE. It is generally admitted that the present sesliou has, so far, been very uneventful, but matters will become much more lively'after the Financial Statement comes down, and when the whole policy of the Government is before the House. The real fight, however, between Ministers and the Opposition will be next session, as it will then have to be decided whether the Seddon Government or their opponents will have the patronage of reappointing the twelve Legislative Councillors whose" seven years' term of office expires in October next year. It docs not follow, of course, that the same twelve gentlemen would be re-appointed for another seven years, even if Mr Seddon remains in power till October 1899. There may be several others who consider they have stronger claims on Ministers even than some of those who are at present in the Council. It is also fairly well-known tout one or two of the latter are not quite as " sound upon the goose " as they were when first called to the Council nearly seven years ago, and if this is correct, their chances of re-appoiuti»ent for another term avo somewhat remote.