A RIGHT ASSERTED

Hokitika Guardian, 1 July 1929, Page 2

A RIGHT ASSERTED

A RIGHT ASSERTED. PARLIAMENT’S LITTLE FpRMALITY.. WELLINGTON, June 27. Formalities are so stereotyped in onnection with the opening of Parliament that many /significant points pass without notice, ‘ but , throughout the Ceremonial are 1 reminders of former struggles between King and Commons for the privilege of legis.ating and complete control over tho Exchequer. Fortunately, the reality of these disputes is so remote that there, is no necessity for'the House of Representatives actively to’assert its privileges. However, through little more than routine there persists iu official .records the necessary safeguards. The opening business of thesession is to renew monetary supplies and this has to be done at Friday’s sitting. Legislation does not commence until both branches of the legislature have passed a respectful Address-in-Iteply to liis Excellency’s Speech from the Throne but before either of these duties is undertaken Sir Joseph Ward as leader of the House, moves the first reading of ; the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill. He did' so to-day pro forma, and will not be perturbed at the fact that it disapepars from the order paper. ; No vigilant member of the Opposition will inquire what has become of too first Government Bill, because everyone knows it never gets beyond the pro forma stage, and cannot be found on the Statute Book. It is only an assertion of Parliament’s right to legislate carefully recorded before proceeding to deal with many matters recommended for attention in the Speech from the Throne.