WORK OF THE SESSION.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 November 1918, Page 2

WORK OF THE SESSION.

THE LICENSING BILL.

THE LEADERS' MOVEMENTS.

(Our Special Correspondent.) Wellington, Nov. 21,

The Licensing Bill lias been printed, but has not yet received the final approval of Cabinet. The Bill is a long one of many clauses, and opinion in the lobbies is that it eiumot possibly be put through at high speed. Members have ceased to regard the referendum as a war measure, and they have many and diverse views on the liquor issue. The Kill cannot reach the Statute Book without being diacuased at considerable length. Two tilings seem certain now. One is that the New Zealand delegates or delegate to the peace conference must leave for London early in December; the other ia that the necessary work of the present session cannot be completed by that time. It may be taken for granted that the delegation will consist of Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward, or one of them, since these two Ministers are acquainted with the discussions that have already taken place at the Imperial gatherings, and, moreover, are the heads of the National Govern incut. The business of the session is far too extensive and important to be put through in a, week or ten days. In addition to the Licensing Bill, there must be a Loan Bill, a Budget, estimates, Public Works statement and estimates, and an Appropriation Bill. Members have been promised a chance to discuss the report of the Defence Commission. Some amendments to the land laws are required in order to facilitate the settlement of returned soldier?, and the Minister of Public Health is likely to ask for si :ne legislation found to bo necessary during the recent epidemic. There is a contentious War Legislation Bill on the order paper already. The work of the Soldiers' financial Assistance Board ia practically at an end, though the grants already made will have to bo paid until the discharge of the soldiers concerned. The latest report of the board shows that up to the end of October the board dealt with 18.019 applications, comprising 15,965> new eases and 2730 reconsidered cases Assistnace was granted in 8828 cases, representing an annual expenditure of £207,374.