END OF THE SESSION.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14187, 30 October 1911, Page 4

END OF THE SESSION.

CLOSING SCENES

(special to "the rnEss."l WELLINGTON, October 28. The last session .of the present Parliament closed to-night. For some considerable time during 'the afternoon the whole work of Parliament was blocked by the lion. Wi Pore, the Maori member in the Upper House, because he could not got a clause in one of tho Bills framed to his satisfaction. Tho two Houses disagreed, and it took three conferences and a good deal .of persuasion of tho representative of tho native race to effect a compromise. Just about 6 p.m. it really soemed as if the persistent Maori might keep Parliament going into next week. While tho House was waiting for the printing office to catch up with its great press of work, the Prime Minister and the Leader of tho Opposition made valedictory 'speeches in regard to those mem. bors who are voluntarily severing their connection with tho House -of Representatives. ■ * Sir William Steward and Messrs Lawry, ' Parata, Hall, Dillon, and Phillips, snoko in reply, and the House adjourned till .'lO p.m. On resuming, the usual friendly speeches by tho leaders on each side of:.the House wore made, and the usual compliments raid to. Mr Speaker, the Chairman of. Committees, and officers of the House. There was then a long delay owing to the printing office having difficulty in getting the Bills printed in time for the Governor's signature. It was midnight before tho session onded. Tho last division was taken, and "Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem were sung. The Southern steamer was delayed to enable Southern members to reach their homes expeditiously, and .for the Northern members a special train was in waiting at the North Island Main Trunk terminus. Members were all very tired, and extremely glad to get away. ■

The southern members of the House and of the Legislative Council who arrived from Wellington yesterday by the Mararoa. went-onby special train, which left Christchurch at 3.30 p.m., and was expected to reach Dunedin about 11 p.m. ' '.'..,,"