PREPARING FOR THE SESSION

Taranaki Daily News, 22 October 1918, Page 4

PREPARING FOR THE SESSION

CHIEF ITEMS OF BUSINESS.

By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent. Wellington, Last Night, Members are beginning to reach Wellington in readiness for the opening of the session on Thursday. Ministers, who are busy preparing tl.e session's work, appear to be hopeful of seeing members back again before Christmas, but fey are not confident on this point. There are indications already that the by-elections, the passing of the crisis of the war, and other factors, are «oin>r U. make for increased freedom of during this session.

The general election issue need not arise, for the Jifo of tbq present, Parliament h,is been extended until the end of next year, and there will be another so* sion before then; but the Labor memlx,,are going to demand a gonernl election very loudly, and tlioy will rewlvo kodio verbal support in other parrs of thrHouse. Mr. Massey has stated that a majority of the members iisk for a general election early next }es.r tW can have it, but the "older atv not expecting criticism to take thil concrete form.

The liquor issue is going to lorusi '.urge The supporters of the eflicienev ;ofer. oiidum have secuud a favorabio nfcaixs ment from Sir .Jo»eph Ward, « Minister of Financ: might have 1 formidable obstacle in their pal!: Stveral other Ministers have also ii.„..\;od that they will support the roiVr;*;,,!v.l proposed by the Rfflrlrnry lioar.l , m liv question ol' immediate prohibition wit.b compensation. Indications thaj the referendum will bo aiiUiorisi*! byParliament this session

Among the TSiHs in hand b & C«pa The Minister of Lands is known to fmvan improvement in the machinery ,-,f State purchase, with the objeet of socur ing more land for-settlement without inflation of \nlups., but it ia not ooriitiia that ho will bp able to put forward his proposals in this direction during present session. The ban against cautentioua party legislation may stand is the way.