The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, JULY 3, 1008. THE PARLIAMENTARY SESSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2233, 3 July 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, JULY 3, 1008. THE PARLIAMENTARY SESSION.

There will he a general feeling of relief amongst those who follow the course of Parliamentary happenings to note that the debate on the Ad-dress-in-Reply in the House of Representatives has. been concluded with comparatively little waste of time. If the Government is responsible for this celerity in disposing of a useless feature in our legislative routine then Sir Joseph Ward can he congratulated upon his exhibition of commonsenso. Short though it was, the debate was of ample length to demonstrate its superlbionsness. Dr. Chappie used it as the means of “firing off’’’ his maiden speech, the Premier •and the Leader of the Opposition had a few exchanges on the lines of numerous recent speeches, whilst a small minority of ordinary members insisted upon raising their voices for no very good reason that is apparent ill the reports of their speeches. The Governor’s .Speech was a milk and watery document of the most harmloss description, so co’orlers ami muicommital as scarcely to warrant the expenditure of pen and ink upon it. and tile debate which succeeded it can claim no more by way of commend it inn. Ther<>fore, it is eminently Kiitisfactoy tint the discussion has been allowed to drop and members may be expected to get to work upon some real business. The Premier has promised to bring down his proposed amendments to the labor laws on Tuesday. and these will doubtless occupy the 'attention of the House for some time to come.