PARLIAMENT SUMMONED.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2534, 25 January 1923, Page 3

PARLIAMENT SUMMONED.

TO MEET ON FEBRBUARY 7

PRIME MINISTER’S ANNOUNCE. MENT. Wellington, January 24. The Prime Minister made the following announcement this afternoon “Cabinet has recommended his Excellency the Governor-General to fix the date for the opening of Parliament for the short session of Parliament as February 7, this day fortnight. “The idea has got about,” added Mr Massey, “that it was not intended to hold the session until after the election petitions had been disposed of, but this might mean delay until April. Consulting with my colleagues we came to the conclusion that the sooner the short session was held the better. Wo had in mind the 14th, and with that object had prorogued Parliament until the 12th, but on eonsultinf the authorities it was found that there was no reason why Parliament should not meet earlier than the date of prorogation. Parliament is convened by the Sovereign or the Sovereign’s representative, and can be fixed for any date which is thought most suitable.” The Hon. J. G. Coates, Postmas-ter-General, questioned on the cri-„ tieisxn to the ‘ proposed telephone charges, stated the question was left to various organisations and the people as a whole for decision. No regulations were being prepared. The Minister hinted he had messages showing a considerable section of Ihe public was not antagonistic.