The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 1913. PARLIAMENT'S WORK AHEAD.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 41, 24 June 1913, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 1913. PARLIAMENT'S WORK AHEAD.

Just a trifle more interest in matters political is making itself felt with the near approach of the second session of the first Parliament under the present administration, and members are moving towards the capital city to take their part in the opening ceremony on Thursday next. That the session should be a pretty active one is generally anticipated, in the first place because the second session in all our triennial Parliaments is really the only one that members are free enough from the bad effects of electioneering to settle down in, to do their best work. In the first session they may be too overcome at finding themselves within the sacred precincts at all, and too anxious in the- third that they may never get back to Parliament again, and this is probably the excuse for such gallery play. The coming session, however, is the Reform Party's real chance to show its mettle, and much is expected at its hands. In Wellington some stress and storm is anticipated, but until the Liberals form into line and show some cohesion there can bo little organised opposition. The first business after the opening ceremony, which will bo by a Commission consisting of Sir C. C. Bowen (Speaker of the Legislative Council), the Hon. 11. D. Bell (Leader of the Legislative Council), the Hon. W. H. D. Baillie, and the Hon. C. J. Johnston, will lie for the House to elect a Speaker, and this will, no doubt, take place on Thursday. It seems likely that the Government nomination will be given either to Mr F. W. Lang, Chairman of Committees, or to the Hon. J. A. Millar. Both have had previous experience as Chairman of Committees, though Mr Lang has filled this office only for one session. After electing a Speaker, the House will adjourn till Friday afternoon, when the Gov-

ernor's Speech will be delivered. It is understood that the Speech from the Throne will dilate upon the prosperity prevailing in the Dominion, and to the vovx satisfactory prices which our primary products maintain in the world's markets. The desire for reform of the Upper House and an indication of the Government's inten-l iious may be given. Another promi-l nont policy measure amongst those! expected to be enumerated will be a; Laud Bill to enable lease-in-perpetuity tenants to convert their leases into the freehold. This measure will also deal with various phases of land settlement and administration and progross on lines indicated from the platform. Necessary amendments to the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act in the form of a consolidation measure are anticipated, bearing in mind that Mr Massey lias promised that the Government would! bring down a measure calculated to restore confidence and good-feeling between employer and employee " a Bill that would induce the two classes to remember that their interests were one and indivisible." The Defence Act is to be amended in some important directions, and financial measures dealing with Bank of New Zealand stock maturing next year, and to authorise the issue of notes by the Commercial Bank of Australia are expected to be introduced. Alterations in the Customs Tariff in the direction of the removal of anomalies, and also consequent upon the reciprocal arrangement with the Commonwealth are to bo expected. It i s under l ■stood that Bills will be promised providing that owners of motor cars contribute to the up-keep of main roads • local government, and a Consolidating Pensions Bill, which latter will pro! pose to reduce the qualifying age for women from 65 to 60. Further financial assistance to fruit-growers for the purpose of erecting canning factories and cool stores will r Je proposed. Administration of native lands will be the subject of another meaJ sure. The intentions of the Govern- | ment are to deal comprehensivelv with l immigration, taking due cognisance of the country's great need of people of the right sort to fill Its waste places and also of the .great competition between the various Dominions for British immigrants which grows in kenness every year, making it imperative for Aew Zealand to offer attractions at least as good as those displayed bv Canada, South 'Africa, and Australia, to draw the best type of people to these shores in sufficient numbers. The programme foreshadowed is a pretty big one, and if it i s really meant to get through it, some solid work lies ahead. Mr Massey optimistically sees no reason why the House should not observe good hours and go to bed nice and early, but we shall know J more about that -la ; ter on.