POLITICAL NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 181, 30 July 1912, Page 8

POLITICAL NOTES.

I PREPABATION FOB SESSION. PJIOiPOSAIS AND PO-gIBIL-TrES^ (By Tele_T_p_..—Special to " Star.") •VV-_r.___N this day. It is the Prime Minister himself who prophesies that the session will not be one for much legislation. It may therefore lie taken for granted that the Government will do every in its power to get through early so as to enjoy as long | a recess as possible in- preparation for , the middle session, on the results of 1 which they will in the main be judged. I Every effort is being made to "bring down the Financial Statement by August 6th, and, if the Government succeeds in doing so, it will earn credit for submitting i that, important document almost as early as if tore had been noting abnormal in politics. Sir Joseph Ward's statement 1 was presented early in September, 1911, I and his previous one on July 19th, 1910. ATTITUDE OF OPPOSITION. Members seem to take for granted that there will be no serious attempt to attack the new Government this session. Liberals generally admit that Mr Massey is entitled to have an opportunity undisturbed of showing what his policy will be, and also the nature of the newGovernment's administration. At the recent session signs of disintegration in the Liberal party were only too obvious, but already the position is hardening up. and in time there will be a thoroughly effective .fighting front. Meanwhile, Mr Massey has his opportunity. A POSSIBLE CONTEST. An interesting division is. however., bound to occur on the appointment of Chairman of Committee. The Government's nominee -will doubtless be Mr V. W. Lang (Manukau). Had the Mackenzie Government enjoyed a majority it would have placed the position in Mr T. IT. Davey's hands, for the party recognised his representations .and his experience of actual duties. He will pro-ahly bo nominated against Mr Lang, and unless a division is taken on absolute party lines he will win. Mr Massey's original solid thirty-eight could not. "of course, pull through a party nomination. The assistance of his new" adherents is necessary, and three of them may be safely counted with the Government, for they are Aueklanders. and it is an Auckland man who will be nominated. LENGTH OF SESSION. In spite of the Government's urgent desire to get through quickly the House will not he denied its usual opportunities for discussion, especially as two burning questions will form the subject of private members' hills. Amendment of the Racing Act (which Mr Guthrie will introduce on behalf of the country clubs), and Mr Malcolm's proposed Licensing Act Amendment Bill, are so well backed in the constituencies that they are sure of at least a good hearing, and will doubtless survive even the Committee stage, though they -may not get past the Upper House. It will probably .be the middle of October "before members turn their faces homeward. K_F_5T WiEEK'S WORK. Members have been promised opportunity to discuss answers to questions when the llouse resumes on Wednesday afternoon, when a statement regarding the High Commissioner will be made and an Imprest Supply Rill introduced. Thursday will be occupied with local bills a.nd private members' bills. Grey | Lynn's enterprising member eon-templates a bloodless revolution by means of 12 measures, ah-eady introduced, with more to follow, but he will not get a chance this week to show his paces, as the following bills are ahead of his first instalment: — Hon. Fisher's Sunday Labour BUI; Mr. Witty, Rand -Agents 'Registration; Mr. McCallum. Betterment BillHon. Herdman, Public Service Reform : Mr rhndmarsh, Legislative Amendment and Limitation, Distress for Rent Bills Mr. Fisher's and Mr. Herdman's bill will doubtless be withdrawn now that they enjoy Ministerial responsibility Friday will be available for Government business, and some Government bills will be -circulated immediately and be ready for consideration.