PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1812, 11 April 1918, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

The, fourth session of the Nineteenth Parliament opened on Tuesday afternoon, with the usual ceremony. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. The speech took but a few minutes in reading. The Legislative Council resumed at 2.50 p.m., when messages were received from his Excellency the Governor-General, notifying the deaths of Sir C. C. Elowen, Hons. A. T. Maginnity, and AV, Morgan, and also that Major Harris’ term hud expired and he had been re-appoint-ed. Major Harris was introduced and sworn in. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The. House met at 2.30 p.m,, most of the members being in their places. The Speaker announced that during the recess the following seats became vacant: Grey, by the resignation of Mr P. C. AA r ebb, AA rellington North, by the resignation of the Hon. A. L. Herdraan,, and the Southern Maori by the death of Mr C. Parata. Mr J. P. Luke and Mr AA T . Uru, the newly-elected members for AA’ellington North and the Southern Maori respectively, then took the oath, and were conducted to their seats by their sponsors. The Speaker announced that he had received a communication from the Commandant of Forces, stating that Private P. C. AA'ebb, membei; for Grey, was now serving a term of two years’ imprisonment for disobeying the lawful commands of his superior officer. Leave of absence was granted to Hon. H. Heaton Rhodes on the grounds of urgent public, business, andto Mr Downie Stewart, on the grounds of illness.

Dr. Newman gave notice of his intention to introduce the Temporary 'Employees’ Bill. Mi’ Vigor Brown (Napier) gave notice of his intention to introduce a Naturalised Subjects’ Franchise, and the Napier High 'School Empowering Bills. Mr Luke gave notice that he would move next sitting day that the respectful address he presented to In's Excellency the GovernorGeneral, in reply to (lie speech delivered to both Houses. MOTIONS OF CONDOLENCE. Mr Massey moved the customary motion of condolence with the widow and family of the late Mr C. Parata. Similar motions were passed in connection with the dcceasc’of the late Sir C. C. Bowen, Sir Henry Miller, Hon. A. T. Mnginity and W. Morgan, former members of the Legislative Council, and the late Professor Bedford. No motion to grant P. C. Webb leave of absence was moved, so it appears 'that the member for Grey will forfeit his seat. Two caucuses —Reform and Liberal—were held. Ministers are still in communicattion with the Imperial authorities regarding reinforcements, and no immediate statement can be made. It is possible that the Government’s proposals when ready will be submitted to a joint caucus. Sir Joseph Ward will make a statement regarding the financial position, when introducing his Finance Bill. This measure, in addition to voting supply until October or November, will provide for an additional loan for war purposes. The date of the general election is one of the matters that have to be decided during the session. Mr Massey will make a statement about shipping before the House rises, and the indications are that; he will have to reveal increasing difficulties.