Parliamentary Matters.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 10 September 1913, Page 3

Parliamentary Matters.

A caucus of the Reform Party was held on Saturday, at which all the members of the party were present or accounted for.

The Prime Minister explained the provisions of the new Land Bill, which was received by members with great satisfaction. Confidence was expressed that the Bill, on its introduction to the House this week^would meet with the approval of the country generally. > x

The1 programme for the session was outlined, and it is understood that the party is determined that the various policy measures shall receive full consideration, even though it may mean prolongation of the session. The Government has distinctly made up its mind on this point, and~it is stated that all matters of importance must be dealt with before Parliament adjourns.

Licensing legislation was among the policy matters discussed.

There is a strong probability of a Licensing Bill being introduced this session, so that a vote may be taken upon the majority question in connection with licensing polls! ■ .

The caucus expressed the opinion, it is understood, that the present time was not opportune for the introduction of a Bill dealing with the question of Bible Reading in Schools.

The committee of the Legislative Council which is discussing the reform of the constitution of that chamber will meet on Tuesday- morning to start the drafting of the new Bill which their investigations have led them to favour

" There never was a , greater boon conferred upon the people of New Zealand than the passage of the Public Service Act," said the Hon. A. L. Herdman when the Justice Estimates were under consideration, in reply to certain queries from Oppositionists. " And," he continued, "as soon as the* classification list is finally fixed up and the service settles down to work steadily the service will itself recognise that there never was —" Here Mr Malcolm, Chairman of Committes, called the Minister to order for trending towards a general discussion, but Mr Herdman had made his point.