POLITICAL NOTES.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 474, 15 August 1899, Page 2

POLITICAL NOTES.

[by telegraph.—own correspondent]. Wellington, Last Night. AN IMPORTANT RULING. It was the general impression here that the Premier had scored by putting up his supporters to talk out the motion for layins; on the table the report of the Petitions Committee in the Wrigg case, The idea was that as the report had not been laid on the table members could not discuss it any further, unless Mr Seddon graciously allowed an opportunity for doing so by setting opart a special day for its consideration. Capt. Russell indignantly protested at the time against the Premier trying to stifle discussion on the report, and he characterised the whole proceedings us contemptible. Mr Guinness, however, was in the chair on Friday, and when some member of the Government side referred to the Wrigg case Mr Scobie Mackenzie asked the Actingspeaker for a ruling as to whether or not the report could be Mr Guinness ruled that there was nothing to prevent members discussing the report, as it had been presented to the House. Mr Mackenzie replied significantly, "Thank you, sir," and as this ruling allows members who have not spokeu in the financial debate to refer to the whole business, Mr Geo. Hutchison, Mr Scobie Mackenzie and others will no doubt give full expression to their views on the Wrigg scandal before the debate closes. WELLINGTON SUBURBS SEAT.

An interesting contest is expected over the Suburbs seat, now held by Mr Chas. Wilsou, who does not intend to seek reelection. Mr Wilford and Mr R. C. Kirk are both announced iu the Government interest, and Dr. Newman intends to contest the seat as an Oppositionist. Up to the present both Ministerialist candidates express their intention of going to the poll. Mr Wilford considers he has a prior claim to the seat and says he intends pressing his candidature. Mr Kirk also authorises the Post to say that he has not altered his determination to stand for the Suburbs seat, aud he says there is no foundation for the report that he will be a candidate for the Wellington City. Your readers will doubtless recollect that Mr Kirk was badly beaten by Mr Duthie at the bye-election for the Wellington City, caused by Sir Robert Stout's resignation, and he is not likely to risk the chance of a still greater defeat for the City at the next coutest. If both Ministerial candidates go to the poll Dr. Newman's election is, of course, a certainty, but probably the usual compromise may be made by promising one of the two aspirants for political honours a seat in the Upper House. Dr. Newman seems to regard his chance in any case as being of a most hopeful character.