EARLY SESSION PROSPECTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1923, Page 2

EARLY SESSION PROSPECTS.

- PENSION* AND LAND. (Special Corn spoiulc'H.' WELLINGTON. October 23. Although tho last "Hansard,” roJelling the proceedings of I lie IC.-ent session, has not yet. left t:li<; printing press, the possibilities of an early session next veai arc being discussed in political circles. As vet, of course, the whole subject is a matter of conjecture. but it i- stated that there is sufficient legislative work in sight to warrant Parliament being called together before June, in order that members may settle down in a good working srssinn. Among important! questions likely to come forward next year are pensions, licensing and gaming matters. and it: may also he found that further amendments may be required to the soldier settlement legislation. The Minister of Pensions stated in the. House last session that during the recess lie would go into the whole question of pensions with a view to removing ancmiilies. and that it time permitted be. would bring in legislation next session to this end. It is understood that the Minister is new at work on the .subject.

There is al-o a possibility of something being done next year in connection with the workers’ compensation law, anomalies in which have been pointed out-. This is a matter which the Minister has stated will receive Inattention alter the new year.

The land laus. ii is stated. rc(|iiire something in the natnre of eonsolidalion, and there is said to he a possibility i.f this matter being tackled when parliament next meets. Anything pertaining to the land question alwavs is productive of contention in the House, aifd for this rea-ou alone it is held that if laud legislation is to lio brought down it will be necessary to call Parliament together early enough to allow full discussion, as well as leave sufficient time to deal with other important, questions. ■Whether Parliament will meet earlier than usual may depend largely u{ on whether anything done at the Impelial Conference will require speedy rutilication after the return of the Prime Minister. Taking this and more immediate matters of domestic concern into consideration, it is suggested that a session early in May is not at all improbable.