THE HOUSE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1904, 12 November 1913, Page 10

THE HOUSE.

The House of Representatives sat at 2.-30 p.m. - '

BUSINESS TO BE DONE,

GOVERNMENT'S PROGRAMME;

possible end of session,

SIR JOSEPH WARD asked the Prune Minister to make a statement about the business of tho session. Tho Hon. W. I<\ MASSEY said that he was not in a position to mako tlie statement. Since ho had indicated that he would make the statement that day, serious obstruction to 0110 of tho Government's important Bills had taken place, and until that obstruction came to aa eiwMie did not know whether it had ended—lie caul-el not make a statement. Ho could say, however, that itwas proposed to proceed with every Government Bill 011 the Order Paper, with tiro exception cf one or two. There were also soifao 33i11s before 'tees, including tho Native Land Bill, the Rating Amendment Bill, ami the Reserves Disposal Bill, "which would be Sf. ne yM- I" addition, there were other Bills, which had Hot yet been wit]/ would be proceeded

JSit -Joseph Ward: Are 'we to have the Naval Bill?

Mr. Massey: Yes, that will be brought down in a few davs.

Tariff B^lP 11 Wai!d: A " d th ° o,lstoTna

Mr. Massey: I am not able to answer that question now. As a result of what has taken place during tlio past two or three Weeks there has been a serious disturbance in connection with the ro venue <»f tho country, And that must-be considered..

Mr., Witty (Rieeartoji): What about the Licensing Bill? Mr. Massey: That will he proceeded with as far as I know. ■

Mr. Witty; What Bills trill be taken off the Order Paper?

Sir. Masses': I cannot satisfy the honourable gentleman's curiosity except to say that the Cook Islands Government Amendment Bill will not- be proceeded with. (laughter.)

Sir Joseph Ward: iff as the Government made up its mind as to what it proposes to substitute for the second ballot in the Second Ballot Repeal Bill?

Mr,Massey: The Government has made up'its mind, and the House will be informed of its decision ill duo course.

■ Sir Joseph Ward said Hint, so far liis t>a.rtr had only subjected the Rill to •intelligent criticism', and that it was prepared to continue tliat- - Mr. Massey (laurrliing): If what has taken place. is intelligent criticism God help the B<nse when unintelligent criticism comes alem?! Tf t-licro is'no obstruction wo can finish the business easily in three weeks, but if there is Abstraction I cannot say wlion tlie session is going to end'.

Sir Joseph Ward: Members on this side of tho House are anxious to assist the Government to put through the business, hut if it is going to submit legislation involving great constitutional changes the Prime Minister must know that they are liablft to be strongly opposed. There will be no obstruction at al! if the Government will take tho House into its confidence and say what it -proposes to substitute for the secant! ballot. Mr. Massey: The House must havo an opportunity of saying what- legislation sliail or shall not go on- tho Statute 'Book.