KING MAY OPEN N.Z. PARLIAMENT

Grey River Argus, 8 September 1948, Page 4

KING MAY OPEN N.Z. PARLIAMENT

P.A. WELLINGTON, Sept. 7 There is every possibility of His Majesty tne King opening a special session of tne New Zealand Parliament early next year, said the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. P. Fraser in the House of Represen tatives to-night, just before the adjournment. The Prime Minister said that it might be preferable to aajourn the House earlier this year, leaving some legislation to be dealt with next year, alter Parliament had been opened by the King. If that course were followed, ht said, it would enable the House to complete it works early in the election year. Mr Eraser, in outlining the business before the House, said that he understood that there was the possibility oi the budget debate finishing on Thursday. Mr Holland: “Are not there a number of Cabinet Ministers to speak?” Mr Fraser said that all of the members were enutiea to speak, out i± there were some who did not feel it necessary to exercise their prerogative it would be helpful in the particular circumstances now obtaining. There were a number of matters which he would like discussed within the next three weeks, before he left for London, he said. There 4 was the question of the West Coast leases and tne report of the Gaming Commission. Mr Holland: “Will there be a Bill on that this session?” Mr Fraser: “Yes. We can expect a bill on that.

The Prime Minister said that the licensing question also remained to be dealt with. Mr Holland: “Will there be a bill? Mr Fraser: “I can promise a discussion, and hope for a bill.” He said that there was every possibility of His Majesty opening another session next year, and the House could not conveniently dispose of all the business this session, it might bi: desirable to adjourn, and to contine with the legislative programme after Parliament was opened by the King during his visit early next year. If that were done, it would enable the House to complete its programme in good time next year, leaving members ample time to prepare for the election campaign. Discussing the legislation pending. Mr Fraser said that a bill to come down shortly was the Servicemen’s Settlement and Lad Sales Amendment Bill. There would also be a Land Valuation Court Bill, an Electricity Amendment Bill, a Friendly Societies Amendment Bill, a Justices of the Peace Bill, and probably a Trustee Savings Bank Bill and a Railways Consolidation Bill if the latter was ready. Mr K. J. Holyoake (Nat. Pahiatua): "You will make sure that there are plenty of bills for the last week of the session.” Mr Fraser: “That is only a tradition." He said that he hoped that, by holding some business over for a special session next year, it would'be possible to avoid a last week rush this year. He named several other measures in preparation, but said that he had not detailed the full programme of legislation to come. To-morrow the House will discuss Ministerial replies to questions.