The Hokitika Guardian MONDAY, JUNE 12th, 1922. THE SESSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 June 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian MONDAY, JUNE 12th, 1922. THE SESSION.

Tub pari innicntury session is ill awing near, and tile sessional work on the eve of a general election is sure to be interesting. As regards a survey of prospects, u political correspondent points out the coming session, as the last of a I’nrlinment, is not likely to be prolong, ed. A statute book of over 600 pages was the product of last session, when the Government got through most of its big policy measures, although a certain amount was left over to l.e dealt with during the coming months. However, Ministers are always inclined to to provide an easy programme for the election session, because they have to deal with a restive house. Mend ers hear °f the activities of their opponents in the constituencies, and they begrudge too much time in Wellington, while others ore tilling the electoral field. Members utilise the session for election activities, and as a consequence, it has come to be recognised that we are about to enter on the ‘‘talking session.” Mr Massey does not. ■

predict a long session nor an ovci busy one, and talks ol the progress being "decently and in order." Con- . solid:,ting meu.sui.es affecting the Land Laws. Labor .Acts nml Stamp Duties Acts .ire in , nui. up and will help to make tic statute book bulky. Of special interest: will be the measure relating to taxation—the Land and Income lax Bill. There is pressure being brought oil all sides tu.effect a reduction- h is conceivable that the Faruicis' Country Party, non being formed in Auckland Province lias its eye on tbo main chance—the reduction of taxation. Various classes have asked and will l>e expecting concessions, and if all requests are to be favorably dealt with Hot only most there be a genetnl deduction in departmental expenditure all round, but there will be less money fill' other activities and the wheels of progress will be hampered. It will not be possible ti’i rediiqb taxation and go Oil spending at the old date. Last year there was a drop of. six millions in the revenue and the normal drop this year will be considerable also. It is imperative therefore to retrench, and this will put the real sincerity of the Government to the fullest- test. The Taxation Commission now sitting will report while the session is in progress hut it is believed that the Government will maintain a very cautious attitude upon the subject doelipintr to iliakc changes v bile there i> sci h a difficulty Hi balancing ret chuc and expenditure. Hon ever the Cninm issinii’s report will be a guide for future improvements and Ilie removal of anomalies, and will certainly give useful pabulum for election purposes. The Select Committee of members of the House which was appointed to investigate the lii ensing laws is reported to he in favour of some drastic recommendations for better regulation of the liquor trade, and the abolition of the tied house s.Vsteill. Help again, the Government. \Vhieh is hot bound by liny Select Committee's, report, will adopt the cautious attitude, lienee it i s highly improbable that there will b ( . any licensing legislation during the coming session. The presentation of the leport. almost on tlio eve of another licensing poll, will, however, bo an important parliamentary event. The work of tills committee will become useful for licensing law amendments, when the icsult of the poll is known to a new Parliament. At an early stage of the sesum the Government will introduce resolutions dealing with the position of tile Australian Common wealth on tiie Customs tariff'. The agi cement negotiated by tiie Hon. W. Downie Stcwait with the. Federal auhorities will then be approved or otherwise, and the tesult, if favourable will release the flow ol trade between the two countries which has been seriously hampered for over six months. An amendment of the Hospitals and Chnriable Institutions Act introduced bv the Minister of Hospitals last, session encountered sufficient opposition to cause it to be bold oyer. It Will be rehived lids siifisioii, with its clauses providing for tiie registration and control of private hospifc. tals, and tor the better eontiol ol the linniice of Hospital Boards. Although tiie subject of control and maintenance ol arterial roads is difficult to deal with, owing to the many interests involved, it is hoped to solve this urgent problem (lining the session. Tin' object of the recent conference of interested authorities was to endeavour to find a workable arrangement. and to make clear the difficulties ot the problem just at the moment w hen members will be considering their tasks lor the session, ft is believed that motorists will secure a more generous treatment, than appealed in he proposed schedule of licensing and registration fees appearing in the Bill of J last session. No further legislation ap- j pears in be needed to carry out the re- | treneliment plans of the Government, but the subject is sure to loom largely !U an early stage in view of the second cut timed for July.