SESSION OPENED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 May 1943, Page 3

SESSION OPENED

SECRET SITTING OF HOUSE TONIGHT YESTERDAY’S PROCEEDINGS. TRIBUTE TO LATE MR PAIKEA. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. A secret silting of the House of Representatives to discuss the war situation is to be held tonight. This was announced by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, before the adjournment of the sitting- yesterday afternoon. He also announced that the Budget would definitely be presented on the night ofThursday, May 27. The s’ession was resumed at 2,30 p.m. when formal business was dealt with, and after adopting, a motion of sympathy with the relatives of the late Hon. P. K. Paikea, Minister in Charge of the Maori War Effort, the House adjourned as a mark of respect at 3.45 p.m. til 7.30 tonight. The Prime Minister said that no secret session was held during the previous session in March last, and it was proposed to ask the House to go into one when it resumed tonight. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland, said he concurred in that preposal. He hoped, however, that only matters which could not be openly discussed would be considered, as there was a feeling among the public that they were unnecessarily locked out from important affairs. Some assurance to the public that only secret matters would be discussed should be given by the Prime Minister.

“I can fully assure the public that that is the intention, but I cannot control the vagaries of members,'’ replied the Prime Minister. He added that in the past matters, had been openly discussed after the House had dealt with them in secret sittings, the manpower question being an instance. It was desirable that there be some prelimary examination and discussion by the House before taking open debates. Asked by Mr Holland to indicate the legislative programme, the Prime Minister said a Bill would be introduced tonight for the setting up of an External Affairs Department for the amalgamation of the administration of the Cook and Samoan Islands. That would make it a real department. There was also a report of considerable interest to be- presented from the Committee on Lands. ,

Mr Holland: “Is any major legislation indicated?”

The Prime Minister: “There may be after the Budget is brought down.” He added that he would accept the wishes of the House in regard to any adjournment from tomorrow to which day the secret session might extend and would also discuss proposals with the Leader of the Opposition.