The Peep Show

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 81, 27 June 1927, Page 8

The Peep Show

I PARLIAMENT IN SESSION |

Notes from the Gallery (By L.J.C.) WELLINGTON, Saturday. "JVI R ’ SPEAKER-R-R! How the Major can roll that final R. as he treads heavily into the Chamber, carrying at the slope the heavily embellished mace, and announces the advent of Mr. Speaker to open the day’s proceedings in the House with the judiciously worded prayer. The same old Major, with the same old tread, shouldering the same old Mace (but recently polished) and rolling the same old R’s. He is on us before we have time to think—much less spring to respectful attention. Then the rustle of the Speaker’s gown is the only sound that breaks the splendid ceremonial stillness of the chamber —the prayer—members waiting poised precariously on the edges of their seats—the Speaker’s voice—a rush from all sides —petitions—notices of questions—urgent questions—introduction of Bills. And the House is in working order.

VyHY should Ministers encourage voluble deputations? Well, that is a new one on me. Yet this week-end we had a deputation to the Minister for education, Hon R. A. Wright, and after six speakers had given a long outline of the requirements of the particular

cause, the member for Christchurch South suggested that there were two more speakers, if they would be heard. Well, the Minister heard them, of course, and held himself up, at the same time breaking practically no fresh ground. An entirely different type of deputation approached the Minister for Labour some little while ago. One man walked timidly up to the door. Then:

The Secretary: Is there a deputation coming? The Caller: Oh yes. The Secretary: Where are they? The Caller: I’m it.

■ynHO will gainsay that the New Zealander has been educated to lean on the State in times of stress. On the first day of the new session, there was evidence of this in a bundle of petitions from all parts of the Dominion, and from those who have been approaching the highest tribunal in the land for the past decade —all going to show the temperament of our people so far as their expectancy of State aid is concerned. Shopkeepers want to fix their own hours of closing, friendly societies want greater recognition from the Government, institutions ask for—and expect—financial contributions greater than hitherto. With the Treasury purse showing an unusual tightness, the job of the Minister is not going to be a pleasant one.

npHE Prime Minister has effectively avoided committing himself on the licensing issue—so far—and while neither party is satisfied, and each section thinks that the Bill is going in its favour, each interest is keeping a weather eye on the authorities lest they should again shelve the measure. Quite a good idea for the’ miner on the east coast of the North Island and west coast of the South Island to be able to have his daily drink up to nine o’clock at night, as suggested, but what would the wife say to the head of the house who conceived the nightly habit of leaving the happy home and spending the evening with his elbow on the bar counter, and his foot on the brass rail, when perhaps he should be reading the paper or good books. That, is not higher education, of course. Perhaps hours do not matter so much on the west coast of the South.

'V’OT much of the country’s business has yet been done in the House. But that will come, for there is every indication that much will occupy the minds of members during the next few months. Already chestnuts of the longago are being dragged to light almost groaning with dust, to be polished up and thrown into the vortex of House debate.