THE SESSION’S WORK

Hokitika Guardian, 6 September 1927, Page 2

THE SESSION’S WORK

IMPORTANT MEASURES COAXING. WELLINGTON, September 4. Last session ended on September 11, but it is agreed generally by Ministers and members that the present .session is not more than half completed. The practical programme has hardly begun, tha.efore legislators are now facing the prospect of long settings and the early appearance of important measures. The programme which the Prime Alinistcr is expected to introduce i.s so important, .some of its featuios so content' ions, that present estimates of the session’s duration mention the first or second week of November. The House has so far passed only one important measure, that' relating to Samoa, and has made some progress on the Land and Income Tax Bills, sufficient to indicate their highly contentious nature. The Estimates are under consideration, and excellent work was done on Friday. The chief item expected during the coming week is the tariff resolutions, which must he adopted immediately, though the Hoti-e will in greater leisure proceed to amend the tariff, and any alterations from the original will he given effect- by refunds if they are required. An amendment of the Arbitration Act also i.s expected this week and is hound to prove a difficult subject, as Government members are not by any means agreed upon how far at present

system would be changed, a substantial number being anxious to go much further than the Minister of Labour who is preparing the Bill. There are no signs of a Licensing Bill. It is outside the party programme, and as the Government is anxious not to conclude the session without substantial additions to its legislative achievement there is a prospect of this problem being left until

the late stages. It may even transpire finally that the Prime Minister, who is personally taking charge of the measure, will be content to introduce and explain it this session with the intention of securing a general discussion in the country and making an early start on its provisions next session. Air Sidey’s Summer Time Bill has a guarantee of further consideration. This also applies to Mr H. Holland’s Religious Exercises in Schools Bill, and the Gaming Bill under Sir George Hunter’s charge. The latter’s prospects have greatly improved as a consequence of the amicable arrangement with regard to the Waikato Racing dub and Hunt Club dispute over the Labour Day permit. It is anticipated that the Government will commence to put pressure on the Parliamentary machine after the coming week, which is probably the last in which private members will he entitled to a day for discussion of their Bills However, the three mentioned above will get special days at a suitable opportunity.