Notes From The Gallery

New Zealand Listener, Volume 1, Issue 16, 13 October 1939, Page 27

Notes From The Gallery

(By

Our Special Representative

Co-operation + "Wurts" To Mr. Nash + Mr. Mason Makes An Offer + Barren Fields

lately has been the strong let’s-get-together spirit shown:on both sides of the House, with the Opposition, of course, reserving its right to voice any honest objections it might have. At regular intervals the Opposition has been telling the Government how willing it is to co-operate and the Government has been telling the Opposition how nice it is of the Opposition to be so friendly, and during these moments the white flag of political truce has been flapping vigorously. So far, however, nothing practical seems to have resulted. In some instances the Opposition has waived its perogative of talking itself tired on contentious topics, but for the most part pretty sentiment has been forgotten in the whirl of party strife which has continued sometimes until the early hours of the morning. | FEATURE of the political scene

Check Indeed, the co-operative movement very nearly came unstuck the other night when a decidedly hostile note was sounded by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, Opposition member for Kaipara, and a former Minister of Finance, who, in one of his most out-spoken’ utterances, attacked the present Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash). The Acting Prime Minister (the Hon. P. Fraser) jumped to his feet and declared that co-operation was too big a price to pay if any Government member was to be singled out for attack. By the time the air had cleared . co-operation seemed a little farther away. Contradiction of Terms Mr. Fraser some time later tried to restore harmony by pointing out the helpfulness of a reasonable attitude on the part of the Opposition. He told them he did not mind their discussing controversial subjects, though he would like them to do it in a friendly way without sinking their conscientious opinions. S. G. Holland, Opposition member for Christchurch North, raised his eyebrows, and remarked with a simulated surprise: "Why, he is even being matey!" Mr. Fraser smiled. In the meantime members of the Opposition were trying to work out just exactly what the Acting Prime Minister expected them to do. A Practical Gesture A. E. Jull, Opposition member for Waipawa, made the most practical contribution towards co-operation, when Mr. Nash sought some information about the funny-looking little word " worts," which has something to do with the process of fermentation of beer and which appeared in the Customs regulations. Mr. Jull, being interested in the brewing business, was the logical source of information. He was, however, rather reticent. "It is pronounced ‘ wurts,’" he said. "Will you explain what it means?" asked Mr. Nash.

" Certainly," replied the obliging Mr. Jull. "Let’s go and have a spot together." Perhaps he didn’t want to give away a trade secret. Reaction Prison conditions caused the House considerable scope for argument and for | difference of opinion, so much so that Mr. Mason explained by way of reply to the discussion that any member of Parliament, likewise any Justice of the Peace, may "go into prison" and see for himself how the prisons are being conducted. The reaction to this statement was reminiscent of those rare occasions when the teacher asked the class an easy one-and all the bright boys knew the answer. In this case at least ten thought of the same idea simultaneously, and sang in chorus: "Can he get out again?" Putting it Baldly It is noteworthy that the subject of bald-headed men is usually raised by bald-headed men. For instance the Minister of Labour (the Hon. P. CGC Webb), who has less hair than anyone in the House (except, perhaps, the Rev. A. H. Nordmeyer), has been known publicly and proudly to boast of the way his hair is "parted in the middle.". Mr. Jull recently drew attention to his own vanished crop, and in doing so dragged in the Minister of Housing (the Hon. H. T. Armstrong). Mr. Jull was: talking about the taxing of voluntary | luxuries, and remarked that it might be a voluntary luxury for him or the Minister of Housing to go and get a hair-cut, but they did it. At this point the Minister of Finance, who has one of the finest heads of hair in politics, surprised the House by retorting: "It wouldn’t be a luxury; it would be a miracle!" Touche A ready wit makes Mr. Nordmeyer, Government member for Oamaru, one of the least vulnerable members of the House when it comes to interjection. He halted suddenly in a speech to allow W. J. Polson, Opposition member for Stratford, to remark that "a lot of wellmeaning people are responsible for a lot of trouble." Like a flash, the member for Camara shot back: " Yes; the member for Stratford may speak for himself!" All Square Pee However, the member for Stratford obtained compensation a little while ‘after, though not at Mr. Nordmeyer’s expense. The Attorney-General (the Hon. H. G. R. Mason) was quoting from a periodical words to the effect that "a good kick is better than a gentle pat." This was too good a chance to overlook, and Mr. Polson evened the score by interjecting: "That would apply to the Labour Party."