THE COMING SESSION

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1920, Page 3

THE COMING SESSION

j AN INTERESTING REVIEW, j (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 14.

The first full Cabinet meeting held for some considerable time will talw place to-day. One of the matters to be considered will be the death sentence of the murderer Dennis Gunn. A. petition lias been presented for the reprieve of Gunn. Nothing has yet been done by the Priime Minister about the appointment of another Minister. In the ■course of a few days, Sir William Fraser will be retiring, from the Ministry and this will leave a portfolio to be allocated.

J No satisfactory placing of Defence portfolio bits yet been fixed for •• 11 though Hon. J. G. Coates,, is acting, he has let it be known that lie does not consider he can do justice to the' big pointful io of Public Works and Defence as well. The appointment ol a new Minister may not be made at ! once, but it is generally understood it j will have, to be made before tile session jis far' advanced. ' Tho Presidency of the Board of j Trade is to he taken on by Hon. Lee I this week, probably to-day. j Tlie Prime Minister may possibly i e ' concerned with tlie proposals alren lv announced for the reconstruction of tho Board, but lie will no longer be its President.

The ‘coming session is generally expected to last from five to six months. Nearly every Department is in neel of an amending Bill. There is practically certain to be an 'Education Bill which is always, a difficult measure (o pilot through in a reasonable time. A Railways amendment Bill is also expected./ There will be an important Land Bill to settle many matters which created difficulties in administration. The most difficult of all wi'l be the Finance Bill, it being generally understood that Mr Massey will endeavour to remove some of the inequalities in taxation. Though he is unlikely to be able to drop any revenue, ielief to be given in, some direction.?, may have to bo compeuasted in others, i

Mr Massey has agreed to receive ,inotlier deputation from the Post 'ind Telegraph Conference which' will probably wait upon him to-day. The Minister of Education is having a regulation prepared to provide for payment of travelling bursaries to primary school teachers. For the present bursaries will only be four per annum. It is hoped the innovation will ultimately lend to the interjclnuige nf teachers between the Homeland, Canada, ’and Australia, and perhaps United States and New Zealand.