Comment from the Capital

Press, 19 July 1976, Page 16

Comment from the Capital

Parliament. Suddenly, the atmosphere has been unpleasant. Senior members of Parliament have attacked each other across the floor of the House with a savavery not often seen or heard before. A surprising amount of time has been lost in what, to ears not yet attuned to Parliamentaiy bickering, is needless objection and arugment over minuscule points. The older members also sense a difference, an end of the days in which members of opposing parties, aft :: clashing noisily in the House, could be the best of friends outside. The new factor, or at least part of it, involves some deep personal antagonisms. There has been a polarisation of party feelings to personality, to mannerism, to ways of viewing and doing. To the new National members. young and not-so-young, this simply will not do. To the eager candidate Parliament is a great goal. To achieve that goal at a time when the Parliamentary image is being seriously tarnished is a bitter accomplishment. What seems to be different in this group of new members is that it contains some mature citizens who are not prepared to accept things as the; are. The National Party newcomers have acted first. New members such as Mr W. R. Fenton (Hastings), Mr M. J. Minogue (Hamilton West) and others have formed the so-called ‘‘99 Club”, dedicated to the betterment •'f Parliamentary behaviour.

The good news is that they have no objection to Labour members jointing. It would not be surprising if their slogan, borrowed from another place, turns out to be: “Parliament — the way you want it.” The first weeks of the session provide opportunities for new members to distinguish themselves. The A d d re s s-in-Reply debate always offers new members their chance, but in 1976 there are so many new members that some have had to miss out, and others have had to accept some unflattering times to speak. Among the new National members, potentially valuable Parliamentarians are beginning to show up. These would include the three South Islanders, Miss C. E. Dewe (Lyttelton). Mr D. F. Quigley (Rangiora) and Mr J. H. Elworthy (Oamaru). Others are Mr J. K. McLay (Birkenhead), Mr Minogue, Miss Marilyn Waring (Raglan), Mr A. G. Malcolm (Eden), and Mr B. E. Brill (Kapiti). Newcomers in the Labour ranks are having an unrivalled opportunity this year. Labour is accepting at every opportunity the Opposition's right to oppose. This has given the new Labour members a chance which was not open to the large new Labour contingent in 1973. As well as the usual Address-in-Replv opportunity open to new members, the new ones have been busy lodging notices of mo-

tion, asking questions of Ministers, and taking part in snap debates. Top of the new Labour members is Mr R. Prebble (Auckland Central), a lawyer aged 27. His Address-in-Reply speech was most effective, and he has lost few chances since. His manner in the House is mature and effective — as if he had been there for a iong time. Hardly less effective is the new member for Nelson (Mr M. Courteney), who continues to surprise with his balance and his eagerness to get into whatever batle is proceeding. One has to mention Mr N. J. Kirk, who has matured in debate, and who is clearly happier in Opposition that he seemed to be on a Government back-bench. Mr F. Rogers (Onehunga) is also going weli, if cautiously. We shall hear more of him later in the session. The most interesting question still is. however, whether any of these, or any other Labour members, will respond to the invitation and join the “99 Club.” They could do worse.