The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1914. THE FINAL SESSION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 55, 26 June 1914, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1914. THE FINAL SESSION.

The final session of the present Parliament opened yesterday afternoon, and, as predicted, the Governor's Speech proved a concise statement, merely briofly and modestly indicating the Government's principal proposals. The usual review of past happenings was given, but there is very little in addition except plain and unadorned statement of the legislative work the Government proposes to deal with. The programme includes an important measure dealing with subsidies to local bodies, which is intended to provide a more equitable and satisfactory method than the existing one, and which it is hoped will secure a more careful expenditure of public moneys. Such a reform has been long needed and the Bill will be looked forward to with interest by all engaged in the administration of local bodies' affairs. A very contentious measure providing for the election of members of the Legislative Council on similar lines to the Bill of last session is to be introduced in the Legislative Council, and for the purpose of passing into law this Bill reforming the Council's constitution, further present appointments to the Council will be made. As noted in the Governor's Speech, at the commencement of the session of 1913 the Legislative Council consisted of fortytwo members. On the Ist July, 1911, if no new appointments were now made, the number of memhers of the Council would be reduced by effluxion of the terms of appointment and by death to 28, of whom seven hold appointments for life. Among the other measures to bo submitted to Parliament at an early date will be an Education Bill, dealing mainly, it i; understood, with the improvement of school staffs, and increasing the salaries of teachers; making the method of promotion easier and more equitable and effecting alterations which are oxpocted to give satisfaction to tho largo body of teachers who now feel they are suffering under disabilities. Other legislation promised is that dealing with the inspection of machinery, wstsUr* *ud apprentice*, motor r«£u-

lation and license, the iron and steel industry, the fruit preserving industry, inscription of loans, fire brigades, the laAv of libel, local authorities, local elections, rating and land laws, contractors' and workmen's liens, public surveys, superannuation, the New Zealand University, and the Victoria College Council. Two subjects on which there is much diversion of public opinion, and which may be expected to cause lengthy debate, are the amending of the present licensing laws, and the question of submitting to a referendum the matter of Bible reading in State schools. It is probable that the Licensing Bill will provide that the majority to carry National Prohibition shall be reduced from 60 to 55 per cent., an alteration which will be strongly opposed in certain quarters. On both sides of the House it is generally eoneedod that the session will be a lively one, and Party wrangling is expected to be much in evidence. The country may quite safely look forward to a strenuous Party battle, which must last till at least the end of October.