AN EARLY SESSION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 17 January 1931, Page 5

AN EARLY SESSION

REMOTE POSSIBILITY

IDEA NOT ALTOGETHER DISCARDED

Although tlie prospects for an early session of Parliament are somewhat remote at the moment, a- proclamation issued by the Governor-General in a Special “Gazette” indicates that the Government has not altogether discarded the possibility. It is generally known that the question of summoning Parliament before the ordinary date next June has been reserved for the final decision of the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. , Forbes, upon his return from the Im- ; perial Conference (reports the Wellington correspondent of the “Press”). It is usual for Parliament to be prorogued j until shortly after the close of a session, ! and this is kept in force from time to j time by Governor-General's proclama- | tion. Parliament was originally prorogued until sth November, and then again by formal proclamation until 22nd January. A further proclamation issued this week prorogued the. General Assembly until 26th March. Tt is somewhat significant that in previous years Parliament, has at this time been prorogued until June, when it would meet in the ordinary course of events. There is understood to be no special reason behind the present deviation from practice, apart from the fact that the Government has been strongly urged to call a special session, and that Mr B'orbes is not in New Zealand to .make a. final decision. The question will be considered by him on his return, the fixing of the date at 26th March giving the Government the opportunity of calling a session if that course seems desirable. It is understood that there is still a disinclination on the part of members of the Government to hold an early session, the opinion being held that little good could be done by taking this course. SOME VITAL QUESTIONS At the present time. Cabinet has under consideration various questions of vital importance from both an economic and social viewpoint. Many issues await the Prime Minister’s final consideration. Although he has kept himself fully acquainted with affairs in the Dominion during his absence, the whole position will be placed before him on his return, and it is expected that he will decide in the near future whether he will take advantage of the further formal prorogation of Parliament until an early date.