The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1932. PARLIAMENTARY METHODS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1932. PARLIAMENTA RY METHODS.

With the House adjourning for tne holidays, tlieie is space to wonder wlmt Parliament has been doing these past few weeks. As a matter of fact, a casual onlooker would be disposed to think that the members have been having a good time (liddling while Rome has been burning) irrespective of the consequences. The casual one would’ recall that Parliament was called together to deal with the serious financial plight of the country, and would have expected the mem bens to take up such a pressing duty in all

earno.-tness. But there wan a sportive section in parliament (not to call (t a wrecking party) which was beat <m hampering the will of the Government. The same Government, be It noted; was returned to power and authority, by a large majority at rue late polling, yet notwithstanding this mandate given constitutionally by the people, the minority opposed to Uie Government policy, seek to checkmate the procedure at every turn. The upshot is that business is being unduly delayed, and we have the daily spectacle of the tail endeavouring to wag the dog. it would be expected that as a band of reasonable men, their purpose would be served as an Opposition in entering their protest in a quite definite manner, and then casting the onus of any action on the Government. But instead, the Opposition goes on wasting tile time of the House in futile opposition, delaying measures at greatcost, and holding off the advantage to be g.lined by the fuller operation of the Government policy designed in accordance with tln* will of the people IV.r the national good. The procedure during the present session suggests that reform within Parliament is a vital necessity. For that reason there will be a good ileal of agreement with the rcuoil. of the K-ennoinv Commission to remodel boll) hranelie.-; of tile Legislature with a reduced membership, so that at; least there will be some economy in talk, and valuable serving of time, it is not tr the prestige of t 1 ■ o count tv that jtv Parliament should become a bear garden, of which unfortunately there has been evidence whi'e the offenders bad not the manners to apologise for the disturbance created contrary to the forms of the | louse. It was a revolt against, orderly procedure, and revealed a strain of action net credit'’bio to md'Pe life. The pienalt' - enforced in this matter was quite trivial, but it r to be hoped the electors generally have n Hod the unfert iiuate- incident- and will weigh it el its true wort I '. Incidents •cr' l a llirxc are not to the credit of Parliament, and it is for the Government to take a si rone band and suppress in no uncertain way this disposition

to act against the forms of the HouseThe Government wo know has a difficult and trying task at this jimcturo in dealing with the lnisiiicv-s of the country. But the public have seen, despite the efforts of the Government, that the procedure has been long drawn out, and only a minimum of business accomplished in the time. The net result is not creditable to the choice of the people- and the public will do well to take note of the position for future guidance when selecting representatives.