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Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1927, Page 2

Paju.iamkNT is making some progress now. and the Prime Minister has kept tie' House particularly busy, Samoan affairs being the special subject creating long sittings. The Government compromised on the question ol agricultural education, and both Islands will have accredited institutions, Lincoln College for the South Island, with Government linnneial support, and Palmerston North is to he the Massey Memorial College in the North Island. This week the special subject will he the Budget which is due to be introduced by the Minister of Finance tomorrow night. The Financial Statement is of interest always, hut on this occasion the probable revision of the Customs’ duties will be indicated in •some detail, and prospective means of increased revenue indicated. Private members will soon have their privileges curtailed in regard to the introduction of legislation, and on that nceount two very much discussed subjects may he expected to come to the fore this week-—if only to clear the air by a public discussion and probably a preliminary division or ton on vital principles. The two measures likely so to lie considered are the Gaining Act Amendment Bill introduced by Sir Geo. Hunter, and the Religious Hx<-r----eises Bill sponsored in the Lower House by Mr Holland (CliristchurchV So far the latter mentioned measure has been blocked l>y a section of the House, hut in order to give the subject “a fair run” a way could he found for a second reading, and the inevitable discussion, which is likely to be prolonged. Something of I h - - same fate is likely to be in store for the Gaming Bill, si that these two suVects alone might easily occupy a week’s time in consideration. However, they are so much in the public mind that the sooner they are brought up for public discussion tile better for the general progress of the business tile Government proposes to bring forward this session. Another controversial subject looming ahead. is the Licensing Amendment Bill. This will be a Go- I

vernment increase, and on that account is certain to 'be bought before the House in duo course. Its form is still unknown—probably its complete clauses hare not been finally approved yet. For that reason it is not likely to come forward for sonic little time, but there is a. belief it will make its appearance within the next two or three weeks. Mr Coates is asserting himself in the House with pronounced decision, and may be expected to keep members steadily at work. On that account Parliament will ho 'fully and seriously occupied with legislation for some time to come.