RIGHTS OF PARLIAMENT

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13742, 25 May 1910, Page 7

RIGHTS OF PARLIAMENT

One of the difficulties that the Opposition had to deal with was the •usurpation by the Executive of the functions and powers which properly belonged to Parliament as a whole. Ho instanced what had been done by tho Government last year in regard to the appointment of the financial adviser in London, the Crown Suits Act, the Wellington cases of Motorman Barton, and the Farmers' Distributing Company, the failure to lay before Parliament returns which had boon ordered, and the postponement of the business of Parliament last year in order to allow the Prime Miniser to attend tho Imperial Conference' Mr Ma&sey, as , another instance of the Government'» unsatisfactory methods, alluded to Hie reversals by means of a Governor's message in tho late days of tho ?esf ions of the decision of the House as twice expressed in regard to the sinking funds of local bodies whose loans are not guaranteed by the Government. Incidents such as-these showed that it was very necessary that the calibre of Parliament should be raised.' (Applause.) If Parliament would only assert itsfJf, or if the electors would insist upon their representatives asserfcinc themselves, there would be no need of all night sittings, and thoro' would bo 'better legislation and moro satisfactory administration. (Applause*