POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 364, 8 November 1898, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

(IiVTKI,i:onAI'H--SI'ECIALCOKUIiSI'ONDENT) Wellington, Last Night. MINISTERIAL MOVEM BNTS. MmiSTKES are already preparing to leave Wellington lor a little recreation after the long ami arduous .session. The Pr - inier intends leaving for (Jliristchureh in a day or two, 'iud the Minister for Lands and Public Works will shortly follow suit. The lengthy session has unmistakably told on Mr Seddon, who looks thoroughly tired out, although he informed me this morning that he never felt better in hi o life. PARLIAMENTARY BUILDINGS. The additions to the Parliamentary buildings are to be proceeded with at once, in order to have them completed hy next session. Great disappointment is felt here because the original plan of a three-storey building is not to be curried out, and that the new portion is only to consist of two storeys. The Minister for Public Works told the House last week that two storeys would be sufficient for present requirements, but that, if necessary, the roof could be lifted and a third storey added later on. I hear that lifting the roof alone would cost about £6OOO, besides the cost of building another storey in brick, which would be something considerable. It will ccrtaiuly look rather incongruous, when the new brick additions are finished, to find them not nearly as high as the old wooden portions of the buildings. THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE. Mr Ottersen, the Olerk of the House of Representatives, is applying for six months' leave of absence in order to pay a visit to England. Mr Ottersen will, of course, arrive in the colony before the next session opens. THE OPPOSITION WHIPS. Mr Massey (Franklin), the senior Opposition Whip, was presented by his party before leaving Wellington with a purse of sovereigns to purchase a memento of the session. Mr C. Lewis (Christchurch), the assistant Whip, was also presented by the Opposition with a silver cigar and cigarette cas.e. Both gentlemen have rendered the party excellent services during the session just closed.