POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 340, 13 September 1898, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(by telegraph—special coekespondent) Wellington, Last Night. HOIS. JOHN BRYCE. There is a possibility that the Hon. John Bryce may be induced to contest a seat in the Opposition interest at the general election next year. Your readers may recollect that Mr Bryce occupied the position of Native Minister in the Hall-Atkinson Administration several years ago, and he was Leader of the Opposition when the Ballance-Seddon Ministry came into power in IS9O. The cause ot Mr Bryce's retirement from politics is now a matter of history, but it is, perhaps, as well to state that he seriously weakened his party by resigning the leadership owing to a difference of opinion with the late Mr Ballance. Mr Bryce's offence consisted merely in stating that Mr Ballance (who was an old colleague of his in the representation of VVanganui) ought to be ashamed of himself for relying on a technicality. The then I'remier, however, insisted on the words being taken down, and Mr Bryce felt this so keenly, coming from his old friend, that he left the House, and has never returned to it since. It happened that Major Steward was Speaker at that time, and it has frequently been remarked that if Sir Maurice O'Rorke had not been defeated by Mr Buck land in 1890. Mr Bryce would still be in Parliament Strong efforts are being made to induce him to come forward at the General Election. JOTTINGS. The Minister for Lands is much better to-day, and is expected to be in the House to-morrow afternoon. The session is expected to close about the end of October. 1 understand that a proposal will be submitted to Parliament by Ministers for the expenditure of £7OOO on electriclighting and drainage at Kotorua. The Auckland members intend to wait on the Premier shortly on the subject of liquor being sold at the Auckland Exhibition.