The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, NOVEMBER 19, 1903. FAG-END LEGISLATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1051, 19 November 1903, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, NOVEMBER 19, 1903. FAG-END LEGISLATION.

The action o£ the Government in bringing in the most important measures at a time when the session should in all reasonableness have been drawing to a close may nossibJy. be justified on some grounds, such as that of political expediency ; but jwc hardly think anyone can seriously contend that it is for the country’s good to have the legislative work so carried out. The other day we hau the instance of the Licensing Bill—both sides declared, and even the 'Premier had to admit, that sucli a measure should have been brought in at an early stage of the session. It is clear from the Premier’s announcement that he will bring tlie Bill down early next Session that lie is convinced that from liis own point of view a serious tactical mistake was made. This week we have such 'important measurcs_as the t-'releren-Itifai Tariff'Bill, and, Lliej Banking; Bill submitted to the House, and while attention must be hurriedly directed to these matters, many. Bills of lesser importance, but still of much concern to tiie colony, are being allowed to pass into law without receiving the consideration that should be given to them. The Government is not to blame for much of the time wasted ; no leader can place a complete check on talkative members. But the Government is undoubtedly to blame for bolding back measures of first importiyice until the closing hours of the session. The Banking Bill is a measure of the greatest moment to tiie colony. It os not merely a question uf bargaining between the .Government am._ the Bank directors as to the condi-' tions on which the State relationship to tiie Bank shall become closer or wider. There are grave principles involved. It( seems, to us that .the Government should either seek the opportunity to convert the Bank into a Btate institution, on terms fair .to the State and fair to shareholders, or else the aim should be to leave the Bank untrammelled by State interference in the management. The object of the Bill seems to be to adopt a sort of middle course that may be deemed expedient but in the long run is not likely to please anyone. However that may be, the people are entitled to have such measures brought down in sufficient time to allow them to be fully understood and discusted before being passed into law. Then ds to the .question of preferential tariff. It is possible that the Government could not have gone into details at an earlier period ; but if that is so there is the less reason for rushing the Bill through this session. It is not likely that there will be much difference of opinion on the principle of the policy, hut there is plenty oi ground for difference as to details. It cannot be said that the measure is of any great urgency. Apparently it will take Mr Chamberlain a considerable time to get his po'.iiy accepted, and there is no need for the people of New Zealand, to rush into anything without due consideration. The truth appears to be that the Government have lapsed into a policy of “ drift,” and that it needs a forcible reminder from the people to restore things to a better basis. No Ministry should defer the most important business until towards the aid of the session.