PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 April 1918, Page 8

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

THE PRELIMINARY BUSINESS. WEBB WILL PROBABLY LOSE HIS SEAT. (Special Correspondent.) Wellington, Last Xight. To-day's proceedings in I'arliament were chiefly preparatory to tlie real work of the. session. Both Houses met after the Governor made lus speech. The Council received a few notices of motion. In tlie House the Speaker read a letter from the Commandant of tlie Forces reporting the imprisonment of Webb for a military offence. No motion to grant Webb leave of absence was moved, so it appears the member for Grey will forfeit his seat. It was noticed that Dr. Thacker did not take the seat of the leader of tlie Opposition, which had been reserved in his name. There was the usual rush of questions and notices of motion. Then the House held its annual tangi over members and ex-members who died since the last sessions and adjourned until to-morrow, when Mr- Luke will move the Address-in-Reply

Two caucuses of the Reform and Liberal parties will probably be held tomorrow Ministers are still in communication with the Imperial authorities regarding reinforcements, and no mmediate statement can he made It is possible the Government's proposals when ready will •be submitted to a joint caucus. Sir Joseph Ward will make a statement' regarding the financial position when introducing his Finance Kill. This measure, in addition to voting supply until October or November, will provide for additional loan foi Avar purposes. The date of the general election is one of the matters that will have to be decided during the present session. If the present law stands the election will be held at the end of the year, and members will wish to know the intentions of the Government before the opening nf the second session in October. Mr. Massey will make a statement about shipping before the House rises, and the indications arc that he will have to reveal increasing difficulties.