The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 1923. THE SESSION. Parliament reassembles to-morrow for

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 1923. THE SESSION. Parliament reassembles to-morrow for

interesting session. The slender niajoritv bv which th_ v Government holds office, tends to keep public interest in polities quite engrossed. In the two by-elections since the hist short session when tho Reform party held the Treasury benches by the grace ol two Liberals, Mr Massey lias made strenuous efforts to increase his majority. At Tauranga he was able to hold the sent hut at Oama.ru his herculean efforts could not place Mr l.eo back in the scat. Mr Massey is well versed in political campaigning, and in the two contests referred to, used all his arts and knowledge of tho political game to succeed. For the timo being tho business of tho country had to remain in abeyance. The head and front of the Government was on a personal mission, and the affairs of State were only of secondary consideration. In facing Parliament again, Mr Massey has to select a successor to Mr Lee. Mr Young is the “tip”, for ministerial office, hut it has been no easy task, as can he imagined, or the announcement would be made much earlier. Tho plain fact is that tho Reform party is lacking in individuality, and among all Mr Massey’s party colleagues there is no member with outstanding merit who can he selected. The appointment of a North Island member will be n further injustice to tho South Island, which already is at a disadvantage in regard to the distribution of the portfolios. The selection is made not for special merit or ability, but because of long and faithful service to the party, so that tho new Ministerial colleague will not be a Minister of outstanding ability, nor one who will be a useful advocate on behalf of tho Government. The Governor-General’s speech from tho Throne to-morrow will give some indication of the work for the session. During the late election contests, the Prime Minister was forced to make promises which lie will bo in duty bound required to redeem. The reduction of taxation, and tho introduction of the penny postage are to come. Doubtless there will be some defence legislation, and some domestic legislation will bo demanded. There will lie an interesting debate centred round the need fc” Mr Massey attending the Imperial Conference. He should certainly attend. but to enable him to do so lro will require to seek the indulgence of the House, which will not be able to carry on in his absence—so much beholden to his work and personality is the Reform Government of to-day. No doubt the Opposition will be prepared to give Mr Massey a safe jmr if parliament is to continue, but the Prime Minister does not seem drsposed to take that risk, and so we may expect a comparatively short session, might bo somewhat sharp, too. The Opposition is in good debating form, ond will be t»lkfttively troviMcsome.

Then there is tiie vexed licensing fp;estion—but this will not be a party question; also legislation affecting racing permits—but again the party issue will not obtrude. Yet, in both instances it will rje for the Government to give the lead in regard to the general principles to bo followed. As regards finance, that is alleged to be strong, and tiie country’s credit is good. The late flood damage will absorb an enormous sum, and limit very seriously the money available for general development work—unless a further loan can be raised. Altogether the session will have various interesting phases, and will keep public opinion fully engrossed while the proceedings aro in hand.