A BUSY DAY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 134, 13 July 1914, Page 10

A BUSY DAY.

NOTES FROM PARLIAMENT.

[From our own Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, July 13.

Cabinet is sitting all this morning and afternoon, and everyone is waiting patiently to ascertain the result of the deliberations. It is generally thought that the question of the Council appointments is being finally settled. An important announcement is confidently expected to-morrow. It is clear that the Government cannot delay much further. The Reform Bill is set down for its second reading on Thursday next, and some at least of the new appointees should then be in their places.

No Bill that has been introduced during the last few years has raised such a storm of controversy as the Bible-in-Schools Referendum Bill, introduced by Mr Allen. The Prime Minister has been literally besieged by deputations, and many very strong statements have been made by different speakers. It is perfectly evident thai the feeling in the House is greatlydivided, and the chances of the Bill passing are really far from bright. The Opposition leaders go so far as to calculate that the Bill will be defeated on the motion for the second reading by the huge majority of 56 to 22. They claim to have counted heads and to be confident of the correctness of this computation. Prominent Ministerialists express the opinion that the Bill will pass the second reading stage, owing to the desire of members to placate the large body of electors .who favour the proposal. Then, when the Bill gets into Committee, a tremendous number of impossible amendments will kill the measure. Even should the Bill struggle through the House its opponents look to the Council as a last resource.