CLOSING SCENES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2592, 14 October 1915, Page 3

CLOSING SCENES

OF A MEMORABLE SESSION

In tho closing scenes of Parliament on Tuesday night, the Primo Minister, in expressing appreciation of tlie services of tho Speaker (Mr. Lang), said that he had had the honour ot presiding over the most notable session in tho history .of the country, a.'.session that had seen the inauguration of the National Cabinet, ana the setting aside of all party differences. He also congratulated the Chairman of Committees (Mr. Malcolm) on the work he had done. It was just possible that during the recess representatives of New Zealand might be called to take part in the Council of the Empire. He did not say that our representatives would stay away for any time, but it was quite possible that something -might be done. He could say nothing definite at present. Sir Jas. Carroll said that in the formation of the National Government it' was tacitly arranged that all party differences should bo set aside,'and all their aims be for one end. Criticism had been exercised, and may have caused irritability on the. s ; de of the National Government. They had to consider, however, that the National Government was on its trial. Next session there would be a wider realisation of each other's parts and duties. Perhaps it would have been better during the session if they had left many of their little bills aside and devoted all their attention to war. measures. He thought it might-be desirable to set up a party for national purposes, to put a break on the National Council "if needed, or ,to act as a spur when necessary, and to be guarantors to the country that the National Cabinet. would carry out work in the best interests of the country.

Sir Joseph Ward spoke, in similar terms to Mr. Massey. All members and the staff, ho said, had done: everything to'assist the work of Parliament.

The Speaker (Mr. F. W.. Lang) Toturned sincere thanks for the apprecia-' tive remarks that had been made. Referring to the National Cabinet he said that throughout the country it was felt that the step was a right one. He thanked_ members for the support given him during tike session.^;He hoped-that when they 'next met the war would bo proceeding to a satisfactory end. Mr. Malcolm returned thanks, and the motion was put to adjourn • tlio House at 11.45 p.m. .•*.

A division was called amidst laughter, and the House adjourned by 27 votos to 16 till that week. ,