THE NEXT SESSION

Hokitika Guardian, 28 July 1933, Page 3

THE NEXT SESSION

DEPENDENT ON*THE PREMIER

GOVERNMENT PROGRAMME

WELLINGTON, July 25,

The Prime Minister's plans for returning to New Zealand are, it is understood; of a tentative nature and might possibly be changed. They 1 have an important tearing - ofi the ■ Tesslion arid Cabinet does not intend to - make art immediate decision regarding the date of the. opening. - ■ - It is thought possible that under the present conditions members iniay be called together fairly early in-September with-the object-of getting some, prelitninarlleg completed in readiness for haridl. iihg l -the Government programme when the Prime Minister takes his place-, in jthe House.

A factor which may ihfluehce Mr Forbes’ movements is the possibility' l of conducting .••negotiations..-..with.'-over-seas 'bondholders, in accordance. -.with his statement piflor to leaving the Dominion that New Zealand holders, by their example in connection with the' internal debt conversion, had created the right atmosphere fo r making proposals in respect of' a large proportion of our indebtedness which is domiciled overseas. “This question,” added Sir Forbes, ‘involving the rights of investors overseas,-, .requires careful apr proach and can in the last; resort be favourably settled only by direct negotiation with representatives of the interests concerned.” . No information is avilable here-regarding this important aspect of the New Zealand . delegation’s visit. . 1 . .

Ab for the Government programme, there are several important questions ready for Parliament, an outstanding one being the- Australian trade treaty which awaits ratification by, the Parliaments of the respective countries. Tbe wider tariff issues raised by the Ottawa Conference- c-r,not- it i 6 ' believed, be finally handled in the coming session as the Government must first secure the report of file-Commission whose investigations were delayed at the express request of the British Manufacturers’ Association.

It is already evident that,, the C°in'mission cannot complete its work by the date specified in - the order, of reference, September 30, - but the Government anticipates being able, to deal, with the preliminary tariff schedule, covering' some' phases of British preference during the coming scission. A complete tariff Overhaul'' would be impossible this year.

Among urgent Bills being prepared is that dealing wi h local body .securities held ovea’seass .to clear the position of holders who "are regarded es -having a moral, if not jwesenL _ .a*,'.legal right, to the payment of their interest in'English currency. .Central . Banking legislation will be ■ proceeded with.

The- Government proposes to prorogue Parliament for fortnightly inteTyals, but if the present intention's, continue the session is quite ; six : weeks., away-.-. ' 1 An Import vnt, but, no-: heavy, pograjnme is planned which should be .completed ■before the end of the year. - A