BILL PASSED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 October 1941, Page 4

BILL PASSED

EXTENDING THE LIFE OF PARLIAMENT

CORDIAL ATMOSPHERE IN HOUSE. NEED OF STANDING TOGETHER. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Following on the Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday that it had been decided to extend the life of Parliament by one year, a Bill to give legislative effect to the decision was introduced in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon. It was entitled the Prolongation of Parliament Bill, and consisted of two brief clauses. The first was merely the short title, and the other extended the duration of Parliament for one year. The operative clause stated that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 2 of the Electoral Amendment Act, 1937, the House as existing at the passing of the Bill, should, unless the General Assembly was sooner dissolved, continue till November 1, 1942, and no longer. The Bill was passed in the evening in an atmosphere of co-operation and the utmost cordiality. Speeches were made by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, and the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland. Both emphasised the need for standing together in the critical days ahead. Speeches in support were also made*by Mr Wilkinson (Independent, Egmont) and Mr Lee (Democratic Labour, Grey Lynn).