OPENS TO-MORROW

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 270, 28 August 1935, Page 2

OPENS TO-MORROW

FINAL SESSION OF PARLIAMENT.

BILLS READY FOR CABINET.

(Special to the “Guardian.”) WELLINGTON, August 27

The fourth and final session of the 24th Parliament of New Zealand will be opened on Thursday afternoon by his Excellency the Governor-General (Viscount Galway). The Prime Alinister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes) and the Minister for Finance (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) were both away from Wellington to-day, and few, members have made their appearance in. Parliament Buildings, but most are expected to arrive in Wellington to-mor-row or on Thursday morning. The Government’s legislative plans are still incomplete, although most Ministers have Bills prepared for submission to the Cabinet. It is expected that these will be examined and sorted out this week at the latest, and that a working programme will be evolved without delay. Government departments, assisted by the late beginning of the annual reports and statements, and it is probable that once the session is fairly launched there will be plenty of work to keep the House of Representatives busy. The approach of the general election will make the session a short one, and the general prediction is that the House will rise within nine or ten weeks. The First Days. The first few days of the session are not days for serious work, marked as they are by formalities and preparations rather than by the introduction of important business. The Address-in-Reply debate will probably begin on the first sitting day next week, and, provided the Labour Party does not repeat i,ts non-pairticifpant policy of last session, will occupy the House of Representatives for ten days or a fortnight. Last year Labour sprang a surprise on the Government by refusing to take part in the debate, but it is thought that a repetition of this attitude this year would defeat rather than advance the interests of the Government’s critics. Besides, this year, unlike last, the Government is ready to go on with the ordinary business of the session. The Address-in-Reply debate will be introduced by the Hon. A. D. McLeod, who will move the motion, and All F. Lye, who will second it.