FOR POTENTIAL POLITICIANS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18014, 5 March 1924, Page 9

FOR POTENTIAL POLITICIANS.

MOCK PARLIAMENT FORMED. K

With the principal object of stimulating latent political talent in the community a mock Parliament was formed H officially in Chrifltchurch at a meeting ~ held last night. The scheme was proposed by the Christchnrch Citizens' Association, and for some weeks ® , ; canvass has been made for members, and the rolL now stands at sixty-four, j Last night's meeting consisted of twenty men selected from the sixty-- : four, and Mr W. Machin presided. Thp body, which will be in charge of the Parliament will be known as the Parliamentary Association. iMr "Machinj In outlining the Assoeia*' tion's objects, said thut it was quito 1 independent of the Citizens' Association, which really had only a kindly interest in it. If the Parlii* ment's formation meant that questions of importance to the city were being discussed, then the Citizens' Assoeiation would feel that its inaugural work bad been justified. The parliament was not for Citizens' Association propaganda. It was there to give all people an opportunity to receive, training in governing their city and their country. '. ■ The Constitution of the Parliamentary- Association was adopted when put to the meeting. It was decided after discussion that all males and females over the age of twenty should.be eligible for membership, the membership being limited to eighty, as in the House of Eepresentatives. Special rules provided that the mock Parliament should be conducted in all ways according to the standing orders and books of precedents of the House of Eepresentatives of New Zealand. The following officers were elected: —President, Mr 0. T. J. Alpers; vicepresidents, Messrs H. Holland and J!. W. Hobbs; executive, Messrs W. Machin, H. P. Herbert, M. A. Eichards, J. Martin-Eennie, P. H. S. Hamilton, and C. Buchanan; treasurer, Mr -W. , Hay ward: secretary, Mr S. P. Marshall. ' The Hon. G. W. Bussell was apw pointed Speaker of the House and Chairman of Committees. The question of appointing a Prime Minister and arranging for a Speech from the Throne was left in the hands of the executive. , It was decided to hold sessions weekly, beginning in April, and to make an effort to get the Provincial Council Chambers for sittings.