THE SESSION

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1191, 28 July 1911, Page 4

THE SESSION

MR, MASSEY INTERVIEWED. GAMING LEGISLATION. "There is nothing new or startling in the political programme in iho Governor's Speech," was Mr. Massey's comment on the Spseeli from tho Throne last evening. "It is quite evident from the" indications that are apparent there and visible in other directions that tho working session will not Imj a long one, ■though in all probability we shall bo in Wellington for nearly three months." "1 see that our old friend the Local Government Bill is again promised," Mr. Mnssey remarked, "and I suppose that there is no more ehnnee of its being passed into law than there has been in any session during the last fifteen years— probably not so much. There is no,mention of any Land Bill, nor is any licensing legislation proposed, but a co'ntentious measure is promised in the shap« of an amendment to the Gaming Act. This time the Bill will b« in chargo of a private member; apparently with tho consent and tho support of tho Government. In tho present stato of public opinion, such a Bill may lead to verj important developments, and may possibly occupy more than its share of tha time of the House." Referring to other questions that will piobablv claim the attention 'of Parliament, Mr. Masscy said'that from opinions expressed during the recess he r,e< ,lieved that the Administration would receive more than the' usual amount of criticism, and the financial proposals and the financial position would bo looked into a great deal more closely than had b?en tho case for some,years past. "Tho session will undoubtedly bo an interesting one," Mr. Massoy added, "though it will be marked no doubt by the usual amount of electioneering which takes place every three years. But it the Government is at all reasonable in tiio way of supplying information and granting any inquiries that may lw asked for, there is 110 reason 1 why the session should be what Mr. Millar calls a sultry one.."