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Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1930, Page 4

Although Parliament is nearing the close of the present session, progress is slow and uncertain. It lias been given out that the House will rise early in October, but if so, a good deal of work considered urgent, will have to be put aside. Last week railway matters were to the lore, and many of the speeches no doubt will be repeated when the Railway Commission's report comes down. It cad hardly be delayed much longer now. This discussion will have an important bearing on the subject, thougn behind it is still the Select Committee of the House to consider railway lines in course of construction. The steady loss on the railways lifts the subject into special prominence, and the House can well afford to deliberate on the (subject 'in the endeavour to end the serious financial drift, The Legislative Council is now dealing with the Unemployment Bill, and there is the suggestion its passage may 'be held up this session. II so, the Government will be in a difficult position to provide ways and means for giving the required relief to unemployment, The Upper House will take, on its shoulders a serious responsibility in delaying the measure, which is limited in its operation in any case. Important legislation has been forecasted regarding transport matters, but has not made its appearance yet. The session may extend longer than is expected, parti-1 cularly if. Mr Forbes lias hopes of, making headway with Canada, a step which might .require special legislation while the New Zealand Parliament is in session. Outside of the House, the Acting Prime Minister is having his hands iulT with the request of numerous deputations. The battle of the film tax must be taking up considerable time, and the end ‘is not in sight, the Government stand T ing firm in its desire to levy the money it considers necessary. The matter of coal production is another vexed matter. The Coast is specially identified in this subject, and will follow with interest the work of the Grey mouth district deputation now in Wellington. All the political parties are observing the friendly party arrangements not to seriously rebuff the Government, and generally members are playing the game. The bye-elec-tions in a fortnight’s time will provide an interesting interlude, as Reform in particular will be fighting hard to retain the two seats it has held hitherto.