The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1933. THE LATE SESSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 December 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1933. THE LATE SESSION.

Parliament rose a little in advance of Christmas after a session not remarkable for .great developments. -Although the average sitting was nearly seven hours a day, much of the earlier stages was occupied with windy speeches, the Labour members taking up much valuable time, which provoked the usual rush stage towards the close, when an exhausted House passed bills as quickly as the draughtsman and printer could produce them. Of the making of laws there is no end, and the late session was responsible for a high proportion. Policy measures excepting for the Reserve Bank Bill, were not remarkable. The measure referred to was one which had a mixed welcome, but the Government despite criticism in high places, held on its way and secured the passage of the bill, which for good or ill, will soon function in connection with tiio banking and financial interests of the Dominion. There was no fresh taxation proposal and before the House the Minister of Finance was able to announce that revenue was up and expenditure down, thus giving promise of a lessening deficit, for which relief much thanks. There was the usual crop of what is now regarded as meddlesome bills, giving authority to the Government or hoards to enforce ye-

"illations affecting ■ pric:s and trading in legat'd to various matters and commodities. Tin’s class of legislation nas grown of lata, and it cannot bo said it is popular, but there is a demand for it due to the changing conditions, and the Government feels impelled to meet the wishes of various sections, despite protests fron organised quarters where the practice of interference in business is resented. The Labour party as the official Opposition was critical along the usual lines, but the Independents who have grown somewhat in strength, were not so prominent in debate. This may suggest that the Government followed the line of least resistance, but was unable to escape the Opposition criticism because it is the business of that side of the House to so engage itself in season and out of season. It cannot be laid to the door of Labour f.hat it neglected its opportunities. 'The close of the session came very close to the end of the year, and it is remarkable that so little serious change has occurred over the period. Though matters may not be brighter tangibly, there is from one cause or another, a feeling that better times are in sight. It cannot be said that Parliament has helped greatly towards that end, though it has not sought to retard the coming of better times. The Government has sought to help where it could, and will take Softie credit to itself that the Dominion hag weather* ed <1 trying year as well us it has. Just now there is a buoyant feeling because wool is up. Some of the industries are showing greater promise. The dairy industry is the most serious concern, but hopes are high always, and the price level may' soon rise. Each advance will be all to the good, and there, is room for the improvement. If that came to pass many things in Parliament would be regarded more lightly, but as it is, there is not any outburst of condemnation. Probably the feeling is that all things considered, matters might be worse. There will now be a respite from legislation for which we should be gratified and we hope that in the interim the country will continue to recuperate by natural means.