WASTED TIME IN THE HOUSE

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 31 October 1901, Page 3

WASTED TIME IN THE HOUSE

[ofit PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER ]

Wellington, This Day.

An unusual spectacle of a wasted afternoon when members on all sides are counting the hours till prorogation was witnessed to-day.

The trouble began over the introduction cf a couple of Government measures. Mr Mereduh led off by dividing the House on the Food Trusts Bill, as a protest against important Legislation being introduced at this late stage of the session.

Then the Premier somewhat unwisely entered on a labored explanation of the Worker’s Compensation for Accidents Bill, with a result that a town and country fight was raised.

In this manner nearly two hours were spent.

The Imprest Supply Bill is a vehicle for the ventilating of grievances, and Mr Pirani intercepted the usual supply motion by moving, as an amendment, that a day be set apart for the remaiug local bills on the order paper. This was eagerly seized on by supporters of the Miramar Eecreation Bill, Messrs Hutchison and Atkinson and a pronounced opponent, Mr Fisher, for discussing that measure and “divided Wellington” occupied the floor till the House rose for dinner. It was stated that the move was duo to the fact that members of the Opposition are determined that Parliament shall not close before Wednesday week, that being the date of tho Patea Election, and fear is entertained that if Parliment is prorogued, tho Premier will visit the electorate in Mr Hcslop’s behalf.