THE REFORM PARTY.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1921, Page 4

THE REFORM PARTY.

WORK IN PREMIER’S ABSENCES

TRIBUTE TO SIR FRANCIS BELL

By Telegraph.—Press Association.

Wellington, Last Night. A meeting of Reform members of the House of Representatives was held this morning.

An official report of the meeting was to the effect that it was held to meet Sir Francis Bell (Acting-Prime Minister), and the Hon. D. H. Guthrie, Leader of the House. Sir Francis Bell outlined a number of matters that had engaged the attention of the Government during the absence of Mr. Massey, and explained some of the proposals that would be laid before Parliament during the coming session.

Several speakers expressed their appreciation of the manner in which the Government, and especially Sir Francis Bell, had conducted the affairs of the country during Mr. Massey’s absence, and the way in which Sir Francis Bell so ably dealt with important matters that had arisen during the period. A motion expressing appreciation of Sir Francas Beil’s work was carried by acclamation. The Leader of the House (Mr. Guthrie) explained the position in which he found himself, and asked for the hearty co-operation of the party in car* rying on the business of the country until such time as Mr. Massey returned. He explained fully the necessity for the recent railway “cut,” which ex* planation was accepted as satisfactory. He also made a statement as to the business that would immediately occupy the attention of Parliament, and stated he was able to say that the legislation was so well ahead that there should be no difficulty in having ample work for Parliament to consider in the mean* time. Nine Bills would be introduced that afternoon.