PARLIAMENT ENDS

Chronicle (Levin), 4 December 1948, Page 6

PARLIAMENT ENDS

Pness Association)

Interchange Of Fun And Compliments

(Per

WELLINGTON, Dee/2. Mr. Algie with his hat on, Mr. Hoiyoalte wearing a detachabie tie of flaming red, aud Mr. T. L. Macdonaid snapping ca'udid (Tamera sliots of members all added to the happy atmosphere m the House of Iiepresentatives today vvhen the second session of the 28th Parliament ended. A record liad been established this year, said the Acting Prime Minister (Mr. Nash), with the passing of 99 Bills which was the most Parliament had disposed of in the last 21 years. The only item which remained on the Order BajJer was the Watclnuakers' ' Registration Bill, a pi;odiict of the kegislative Conncil, which Mi. Bowdon descriljpd as a "winding up" Bill to replace the usual "washing up" measure. It will be carried forward to the next session which will also see the introdrtction of/ another Consolidation Bill, said Mr. Nash. Mr. Mackley: It will not be ratflways, will it? The Acting Prime Minister made no :repfy, ;$md Went on with his last Parliamentary speech this year. He went to careful lengths to pay tributes to thosewho had looked after members in the House, to Mr. Bpea'ker who, he said, had maintained the irigh standard set by previous Mr. Speakejps in controlling tho conduct and business of the 'House, to the Chairman of Oominittees, JVJr. (Hyde Carr, to the Clerk and Assistant Clerk of the House, to the general stalf oi' .,theVLegisla.tive Department, to tiie Sor-gearit at Arms, Chief Messenger, and .messenger 's ordei'lies and watchmen, the lady office cieuners, the law, draftsmen who had had a strenuous timo and had been submitted to a stram almost beyond human endurance, the (rovernment Printer and staff, the Chief Librarian and staif of the General Assemblv Library, tlje management and slnff of Bellamy 's, the press gallery, and the broadeasting officials. It would be dillicult to find auyone more willing to cooperate in the work of the House, said Mr. Nash, when he paid a tribute to Ihe Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Ilolland), the whips (Messrs. Broadfoot and T. L. Macdonald), and members of that party. He also praised the work of the (lovernment whips (Messrs. Maefarlane and Annstrong), the latter assuming the duties of Mr, Connolly while he was overseas. To the private secretaries and gardeners, Mr. Nash also ret'erred, and of the latter he said the (lovernment had to let their work go on when it knew it would be wasted — a fnir enough tip that the Government' [knew well before the announcement was made that the Royal tour would not • eventuath../ '

Mr. Nash regretted that the Prime Minister was absent on this occasion, and said that it was also a mattor for regrel tliat Ihe Royal tour had been postponed. He hojicd that the attention his Ma.jesty would receive would reinove lii.s disaliilitv and that the King. Queen and Princess Margaret would be accompanied by Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh when the tour did eventuate. v Mr.fr Holland -said eyery member of Ihe Opposition would wish to be assoidat^d- with all piat- .the Acting Prime 'Minister had said.' He did not wish to enler a competition to recall whether . anyone had been forgotten, but he wished Jt o pay tribute to the police and the post ofHce nien yho had been on duty in tli e House. 'Mr. Holland (.•ompliuienteil Mr. Nash and said he .deeply appreciated the tribute which had been paid to hiniself and the Opposition. He regarded it as a personal compliment that he sliould also on several occasions liave been asked to participate in Government welcoines to visitors to tlio coiuitry. lle extended cordial good wishes to the Prime Minister and complimented tlie whips of both parties. Mr. Holland eniphasised his and the Opposition 's regard ' for Mr. Kpeaker and the chairnian of Committees. He knew that the Acting Prime Minister was a hani workina man, but hoped he

would be able to share in the period of leisure which otlier niembers wero about to enjov. Mr. Ilolland extended Christmas and Xew Year greetings to ail in tlie House and nienlioned the great lielp Iie had received from his deputy leader (Mr. Holyoake). Mr. Bpeaker returned thanks for the tributes which had been paid to him, and said lie felt that he had had the vvholehearted cooperation of members througiiout the session.' He was greatly indebted to members for the toierance and patience shown to him. At this point there vvere 18 Government and 20 Opposition members iu the House, Mr. Carr beilig the busiest, scribbling notes to which he referred when he responded to the compliments to his choice of language when exprcssing or explaining points requiring his attention as chairnian of Committees and to ability he had shown in tlie exercise of that position. Both MesSrs. Doidge and Algie donned their liats when in accordance with custom a. division was ealled for on the inotion that the House adjourn. Amid loud laughter Messrs. McLagan and Hutherland were appointed teilers for the ayes and Messrs. MeCombs and 1 " 1 ■

Algie for the uoes. After ihe doors were iocked, Alr. Cotterill walked in to vote with the ayes, and a little lator on, with a strong air of determination, four Opposition members marclied" across tlie flLoor to tlie opposite lobby to record 'their votes for the secnd tiiue. With tho non-appearancc of the teilers, Mr. Hackett suggested they miglit want an exte#isiou of time. Mr. Ilolland 's comment was: "Angus anu Andy have fallcn in love. " :5Mr. Goosemau suggested they nnglit be settling a strike on tlie watcrt'ront while Mr. Broadfoot wanted to know I who was doing the arguing — Anguish or Andy! I Mr. Coombs, however, raiscd the bcst laugh when he said, addressing Mr. Speaker: "With all respect, Sir, 1 think oue of the teilers requircs dirt money. ' ' The teilers returned voiciug all/ gationS of dual voting. Wlien the lists were inspected, Mr. Speaker said: "The ayes are 27 and the noes are 32. The ayes have it! " Tlie doors were unlocked and the House adjourned at 3.16 after meinbers stood and sang the National Anthem.