The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, June 3, 1909. WILE PARLIAMENT ADJOURN?

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 460, 3 June 1909, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, June 3,1909. WILE PARLIAMENT ADJOURN?

As efforts are being made—quit unnecessarily, it appears to many, says the Wellington Post —to minimise the importance of the work calling for the prompt attention ot Parliament, it is well that the exact position should be clearly stated. Some of the questions demanding consideration are of an urgent nature ; and the readiest to acknowledge this is the Prime Minister himself. Many of the staunchest Government supporters —those who have intimated their intention of cordially assisting the Government in connection with their Dreadnought offer, and the adjournment of Parliament to enable Sir Joseph Ward to go to London emphasise in the strongest terms their regret at the prospects of the business of Parliament being postponed. An impartial consideration of the position can hardly fail to convince even those ■ who sympathies are naturally with the Government, ■ that the business to be put off (if 'the' session is adjourned) is such as demands immediate attention. “Our aim this session,” said Sir Joseph Ward in. his Invercargill speech,'“wiil be to place on the statute-book some important measures that, will be ot immense service to this country.” Amongst the important questions to be dealt with are — 1. Finance. 2. Retrenchment and adminis- . strative reform. 3. Defence. The urgency and importance of these subjects can hardly be questioned—especially at the present

juncture. Then, Sir Joseph Ward 'himself has stated that legislation is necessary in respect to the following subjects and measures : 4. National annuities. 5. Land Settlement Finance Bill. 6. Public Service Bill. 7. Succession Duties Bill. 8. Bankruptcy Bill. 9. False Trade Descriptions Bill. 10. Company law amendment. 11. Friendly Societies Bill. 12. Native land law amendment. 13. Hospital and Charitable Institutions Bill. 14. Teachers’ Salaries Bill. 15. Workers’ Compensation for Accidents Bill. 16. Municipal Corporations Bill. 17. Main Roads Bill. 18. Crown Forests Preservation Bill. 19. Destitute Persons Bill.

20. Habitual Drunkards’ Bill 21. Police Bill.

These are only some of the measures in the Goverment’s list. Many of them are necessary. Some are not. All that will be done in the short session—if a short session is decided upon—will be: The election of a Speaker. The passing of a Dreadnought resolution. The extension ot appropriations for some three months.

The rest of the work, including dealing with urgent financial and administrative reform matters will be put off.