EARLY SESSIONS OF PARLIAMENT.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 8932, 24 October 1894, Page 5

EARLY SESSIONS OF PARLIAMENT.

Wise old Nestor to-day moved an amendment during the second reading of the Appropriation Act, the object of which was to compel the Government to call the House together in May of eaoh year instead of June and prorogue in September. " When," said Mr Saunders, who is the father of the Assembly, " tbe House had control of the Government instead of tbe Government controlling the House, as now, it was the custom to meet in April, and country members engaged upon the land could get back to their homes to attend to the important September work." The Treasurer objected that there would not be time to adjust accounts in time for the Financial Statement, but this statement was denied by such staunch supporters as Messrs Meredith and Duccan, who as farmers complained bitterly of losses they had sustained by the protracted session. If the Government desired to create the professional carpet bagger politician they would persist in late and prolonged sessions, but if they desired the settlers of - the country to take part in its representation then Parliament should sit earlier and for a shorter period in the year. Though many of the Government following voted with Mr Saunders the proposed reform was rejected by 31 to 25.