SECRET SESSION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 July 1940, Page 4

SECRET SESSION

PREMIER REVIEWS WAR DEVELOPMENTS. PROCEEDINGS TO CONTINUE TODAY. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The second secret session of the House, of Representatives since Parliament assembled late in May was held last night, arrangements having been made in advance following a statement in the House last week by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser. As was the case when a secret session was held last month, Mr Fraser formally drew the attention of the Speaker, Mi Barnard, to the presence of "strangers,” and a motion requiring them to withdraw was passed. There was no formal business before the House when it sat at 7.30 o clock last night, and the public galleries were completely empty. The only ■'strangers” present were members of the Press Gallery and messengers, who left immediately the motion had been submitted to the House. Arrangements similar to those made last month to ensure complete secrecy were adopted. All doors were locked and guarded by an unusually large staff of messengers or police officers. The House adjourned at 12.3 a.m. till 2.30 p.m. today, when the secret session will be continued. With the conclusion of last night's sitting the following official report was issued under the authority of the Speaker:— "The Prime Minister reviewed the latest developments in the war and other reactions to the international situation. The steps taken in New Zealand in regard to defence and supply were also outlined and discussed.” Six other speakers took part in the discussion.