THE POLITICAL CALM.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 December 1921, Page 5

THE POLITICAL CALM.

SOON TO DISAPPEAR. WORK FOR PARLIAMENT. Just at present everything is very quiet in political circles. Christmas has ousted the politicians. So complete has been the rout that to-day there is hardly a Minister or a member, with the exception of the local representatives, left in Wellington. However, in less than a fortnight life will be restored within the big unfinished meet-ing-place of the Dominion’s law-makers, and there will ensue several weeks of strenuous work. There is a fair amount oi legislation yet to be put through, and though some think the session should finish by the end of January, the probability is that it will run into February. The head of the Government has said, on several occasions, that he cannot complain thaf the Opposition has unnecessarily impeded the progress of the House, but it cannot be overlooked that some of the legislation yet to be dealt with is sure to give rise to considerable discussion. The Government, however, with its big majority, that works excellently as a team, is unlikely to court any prolongation of the session, and the pace will be solid to the end. ECONOMY PROPOSALS. Among the business yet to come is Cabinet’s economy proposals. Beyond the statement that there is to be economy by way of retrenchment and reduction, no detailed announcement has been made by Mr. Massey as to what will be proposed to the House, but the general impression is that the proposals will set members—even Government members—talking at considerable length. Another big subject is that of the meat pool. The Prime Minister made his general announcement respecting the scheme before the House adjourned, but there are details yet to come, and it may be found that legislation is necessary. Interested parties have the pool scheme under consideration, and there will be a meeting of producers’ representatives in Wellington just before the House resumes, which indicates that shortly after the re-opening of Parliament representations will be made by these people’ to the Prime Minister, and that a little later the subject will again be under discussion by members. FINANCIAL LEGISLATION. | It is understood that Mr. Massey has ! further financial proposals to bring down, 1 and these, too, may take time to dispose of. The Legislative Council is due to meet on January 10, and the House on January 11. One thing that may hasten the session is the fact that the coming year is election year, and members may not feel disposed to be in Wellington too long. They have still another session and an election to go through before the end of next year, and few will care to leave their electorates to the tender care of the opposing candidates.