A SHORT SESSION.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1918, Page 6

A SHORT SESSION.

MINISTERS' MOVEMENTS. (From Our Own Correspondent). Wellington, Feb. 4. Much speculation is ended and some predictions are falsified by the announcement that Mr. Masscy and .Sir Joseph Ward will he New Zealand's representatives at this year's meeting ol the War Council. They will leave here about the end of April,' and probably will be absent at least five months This arrangement will necessitate a short session of Parliament, and Mr. Massey states that the members will he called together on or about. April !). Provision will have to be made for the financial services and for another big loan. The Prime Minister says he sees no reason why the session should not be completed within a fortnight or three weeks. If this is to be done, there will have to be a severe curtailment of debate, and it is well known that some member:) have a lof of things they want to say. One of the matters to be settled when Parliament meets is the appointment of an Acting-Prime Minister for the period of Mr. Massey'?. absence. Last year Sir James Allen was the acting head of the Government. His claim to the office on ground of seniority is as strong or stronger now than it was then, but it remains to be seen whether or. not he will act again, 'if the matter is referred to a joint caucus there will be some heated discussion. The rumors that have been in circulation to the effect that Sir James Allen was going to lay down the portfolio of Defence appear to be killed by the announcement that Mr. Massey has made. since the alternative Minister for Defence was Mr Massey himself.