Parliamentary Notes.

Manawatu Herald, 13 August 1904, Page 2

Parliamentary Notes.

The dreary discussion on the Budget ias at length come to an end, after marly every member in the House ms had something to say about it; md now that it is over, our legislaors will no doubt settle down to the ■eal business of the Session. It is ugh time that they did so. Six reeks have passed since the opening if Parliament, and the binning [uestions of licensing reform and ’and tenure have scarcely been touched upon. The colofiy is expectantly awaiting the result of hese matters, but “ Hope long deferred maketh the heart sick.” The country does not wish to have a repetition of the last session of 1903, vben almost the whole time was spent in aimless discussion, while an important measure like the Preferential and Reciprocal Trade Act, that required careful consideration, was passed at the tail end of the session forty-eight hours after its introduction. We note that on Tuesday Mr Seddon gave notice, of ids intention to move a resolution regretting the'importacion of Chinese cheap labour into South Africa without the sanction of the white inhabitants being first obtained. While recognising that the Premier is to be commended for his firm attitude over the Chinese question, it is an unwise step at this juncture to arouse a further controversy that can be productive of no good. The matter has been definitely decided by the British Government—to their discredit be it said but however repugnant their action may be to us, their decision must be considered final. Let Mr Seddon deal with the more pressing affairs of the colony, and the electors will be content. There are plenty of reforms required at home, before the Premier need take upon his shoulders the burdens of the Empire,