JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1920, Page 2

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

(Our Parliamentary Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, This Day. TO-DAY’S BUSINESS. The business of the Session will begin in earnest to-day, when an Imprest Supply Bill will he introduced- in the House and probably will he passed at one sitting, though there is a day to spare before the end of the month. RUMOURED LABOR MOVE. It is rumoured in the lobby that the Labor Party having been forestalled by the Liberal leader in moving a want of confidence motion on the Address-in-Reply intends to divide the House or an amendment to the Imprest Bill. If the rumour is well founded the tactics are not good, since the necessarily curtailed debate on a Supply Bill will not provide a good opportunity for attack on the Government, BILLS READY. Bills are ready and will be before the House quickly. NEW COUNCILLORS. The appointment of some new Legislative Councillors will be announced today. The names mentioned in the lobby are Hon E. Mitcliellson and W. P. G. Herheny, (Auckland), and Mr R. Scott, formerly member for Central Otago. THE INDEPENDENTS. Mr Statham, (Dunedin Central), who has given notice of an amendment to the Address-in-Reply favouring an elective executive, is now one of the Independent members of the House. The Independents have held a meeting and though they quote no figures tbey-claim that their strength is greater than has been supposed. The known Independents are Messrs Craigie, Kellett, Mit. chell, S. G. Smith, Veitcli, and Statham, but there are several others whose : party connections are frail. |

Mr MacDonald’s want of confidence motion is intended to put these men on side, but it need not have that result since “'it is obviously mere party skirmishing.