The Daily News. SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 1919. THE PARLIAMENTARY SESSION.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 August 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 1919. THE PARLIAMENTARY SESSION.

The last session of the longest Parliament in the Dominion's history has opened. The GovernorGeneral's speech was more than ever colourless. In a large measure it was retrospective. References were made to the labor unrest, coal supply and fulfilling pledges to returned soldiers. A notable omission was reference to the cost of living problem. The task of the mover and seconder of the Address-in-Reply should be a particularly easy one, but it is probable that members generally will be chiefly concerned with electoral tactics in view of the approaching contests. ■ The present session may be regarded as the parting of the ways, and the entrance upon the period of reconstruction., the prepn 'Mion for which has been sadly neglected, and it is obvious that no progress can be made until after the elections. The ratification of the peace terms and the League of Nations may be taken for granted, though over the terms in connection with the question of Nauru there may be some plain speaking. In the light of new conditions it would seem necessary to review most of the war legislation to meet the requirements of the new era. It may be assumed the soldiers' claims will occupy considerable attention during the session, and will also affect the policy of the Public Works Department. It is more than likely that the chief | centre of interest will b<s the Budget. If there is a party battle over financial matters—a not improbable event—the Government will be in an awkward position, as under any circumstances they will have to propose a heavy expenditure on roads, railways and other developmental agencies of the State. A satisfactory land policy will involve a considerable outlay, which, together with repatriation, must be faced as soon as possible. Side by side with this problem is the reorganisation of the Lands Department to enable it to deal promptly and effectively with the enormous increase in its business. A similar course is urgently needed in the case of the Health Department, while the pressing needs of Education can no longer be dallied with. The' Governor's speech dismisses the Labor question with the usual platitudes anent confidence in the "good sense and industry" of the people to counteract the spread of pernicious doctrines, but wise legislation is needed, founded on justice and equity, in order to meet the imperative world-wide demand for greater production. An equally pressing problem is the failure of the coal supply, and over that a sharp controversy may be expected, for it is seriously affecting industrial and domestic life as well as transport. The hopes and fears of the Ministry require to be transmitted into action that will bear the desired fruit. The solution of the housing and cost of living problems will doubtless be relegated to the new Parliament, and it is hardly likely that the Naval policy will be settled this session, as it is one of those questions on which the electors should express an opinion. Taking all things into consideration, it would be good policy on the part of members to expedite the passing of all noncontentious measures, and leave the others to be threshed out during the electoral campaign. Only harm will be done by obstructive tacties, unless it be to block any attempt that may unwisely be made to rush through a contentious measure. It will be difficult to keep clear of political propaganda, but the feeling of theycoun-. try is that the new Parliament should meet as early as possible, and to facilitate that course the present session should be shorn of all useless matter, so that it may give way to a new Parliament charged with the most vital work in the history of the country.