"MORE WORK AND LESS TALK"

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 304, 19 September 1919, Page 8

"MORE WORK AND LESS TALK"

PARLIAMENT'S PROGRESS

MR; MASSEY'S SUGGESTIONS

Before . tho Houso of Representatives rose last night the Prime Minister, had something to say to members regarding wasto of time. The House had spent a portion of the afternoon and most of tho evening on the discussion of tho annual. Land and Incomo Tax Bill, a measure that usually receives merely formal consideration. Tho time was nearly 10 p.m. before this. Bill passed its final stage. Mr. Massey said ho was going to move the adjournment, but he hoped that during tho rest of the session thero would bo more work and less talk. The session was being held under exceptional conditions. Tnno was 6hort owing to tho approach of the election. But the country expected legislation and ought to get it. The House could do tho work if it got down to business. But it would never complete the work of the session if the procedure of the last three days was followed.

Sir Joseph Ward, Leador of the Oppo- ; sition, objected to tho suggestion that tliere had been waste of time. Tho members, ho said, had discussed the Board 'of Trado Bill and tho report of the industries. Committee, both important matters that demanded serious attention. Members d'd not want to be told that they wei'o wasting time. They had rights and were going to exercise them. 'I hey woro not going to give silent votes. Mr. Massey: Nobody is asking you to glvo silent votes. ' Sir Joseph Ward insisted thero had been no waste of time. Mr. H. Holland (Grey) rose to speak. The Speaker said there was no question before the House. The member could speak only by the indulenco of members. It was usual to grant indulgence to the leader of the Opposition, but not to other members. •' Mr. Holland said he asked indulgenco as the Leader of the Labour Party. • The Speaker put to the House the question whethor Mr. Holland should be granted indulgence. No voice was raised in the negative. Mr. Massey: Is the honourable gentleman going to speak for half an hour or only five minutes?

Holland: "I shall nor speak as long as the Prime Minister, or anything like it." Mr. Holland proceoded to deny that- there had been waste of time, and to insist upon his right to discuss mattors of public importance. What did tho .Prime Minister mean by asking ft r more work and less talk? Members could worTt onlv by discussing the measures placed bVfore' them by the Government. Was Mr. Massey inviting them to abandon talk and proceed to direct action ? Mr. Massey explained that the. time of Parliament just at present was mo're important than ever before. Yet moro time nad been 6pont on tho annual taxation Bill than in any other year. Mr. J. M'Combs: It is time our taxation was reformed. . Mr. Massey: Who will suggest it can be reformed this year? Mr. M'Combs: I will. Mr. Massey: "It is an absolutely absurd suggestion." He admitted the system of taxation required reform. It was unfair and inequitable. But reform 'would occupy Parliament for six weeks or two months., and the timo vt.s cot -available this session. The Board of Trado Bill, was on top of the > Ordor Paper, and members woro delaying its passago, although the country wanted it urgently. The House then adjourned;