The Daily News. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1919. THE SESSION.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 November 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1919. THE SESSION.

The last session of what may be temedj the Dominion's War Parliament came quietly to an end on Wednesday night. It was a record Parliament in every sense of the word, for it was prolonged to cover almost five years, and the main portion of its work was devoted to legislation connected with the greatest war in history, and not until the session which has just terminated was attention given to the urgent matters affecting the welfare of the country and its people. The commencement of the session was marked by the disappearance of the National Government, on whom had devolved the onerous task of meeting the exigencies of the war, and party government was resumed. It may justly be ' claimed that, in spite of the near approach of the General Election, members on both sides of the House set to work with good purpose to endeavor to solve the urgent problems that awaited legislation, and they are to be commended for the good results achieved.. Under the circumstances whereby Mr. Massey faced the duties of the session, after a long absence of both leaders i'rom the country, considerable arrears of ordinary legislation, the pressure of the new problems, and finally the termination of the Coalition, it is not surprising that in the early days of the session there was an unreadiness to submit important legislation to the House, but when once the Cabinet was rearranged and the Government got into its stride there ensued a most commendable activity in sub-1 mitting measures which will make notable additions to the Statute Book. It cannot be denied that the Opposition played- the game, not only by, not harassing the Government with hostile tactics, but in giving it assistance to improve and facilitate the passing of useful legislation. The fly in the ointment was represented by the numerically insignificant extreme Laborites who stand for Social Democracy, and the vials of their wrath were mostly emptied on the Liberals, whom they evidently regard as deadly enemies, while Independent Labor members sho"\ cl clearly they had Labor's best interests at heart, and were doing more towards the realisation of Labor's aspirations than were the extremists. The session lasted only ten weeks, but in that time it passed fifty-five Acts, twenty-two local Acts and one private Act, while forty-seven public Bills and three local were dropped. It is only fair to the Premier to give him credit for displaying to advantage the qualities of leadership in a time of adversity and unusual difficulty, whilst it must also be acknowledged that the Leader of the Opposition was not in. the least behind Mr. Massey in vigor and constructive ability. The important measures passed are the first instalment of legislation to meet the requirements of the time. The platforms of the two parties are nearly alike in many rspects, consequent on their reflecting the expressed demands of the people, hence it was only natural progressive legislation should be to the fore. The disorganised railway service and labor troubles have been disturbing elements during the session, but they are, it is to be hoped, merely passing phases. A square deal has been given to the returned soldiers as to gratuities, settlement on the land, and vocational training. A commencement has been made to solve the housing problem, and an honest attempt made' to deal with other important matters affecting the people. A moderate programme of public works has been laid down, and probably as much as eould possible be expected with the limited finances available has been provided for without increasing taxation. The work 1 Rf the gesaion Jvill pave the way

for a more important programme by the new Parliament, and with this the people must be content for the time being.