Evening post. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1887. WASTED TIME.

Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 125, 24 November 1887, Page 2

Evening post. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1887. WASTED TIME.

The parliamentary position is really bocoming a very serious one, and is quite ¦without a precedent in tho history of this colony. The Houses have already sat for nearly 14 weeks this year, the last session of the late Parliament having lasted nearly soven wcoks, and tho present session of the now Parliament sovon weeks to-day, and yot, although nearly eight months of the financial year have gono by, the Estimates havo not been doalt with. Tho public oxpendituro is being carried on practically beyond the control of Parliament. There has not been a Public Works Statement made this year, and although we have had two Financial Statements, no financial measures have been passed, and no determination whatever has been come to on any one of the great questions whioh demanded attention when tho first session commenced in the month of April last We are now within a month of the Christmas holidays. Parliament cannot sit for pore than another threo weeks, and, judging from the experience of the past few weeks, and the manner in whioh time ib wasted on every possible pretenco, it seems hopeless to expect that ono half the matterß whioh urgently require attention can possibly be attended to within the period now available. A few measures may be rushed through, but they will not be given proper consideration if they are. The debate on tho Budget will, at the rate it has gone on heretofore, last several nights yet, and then when the Bills necessary to give effect to tho Budget proposals aro brought down, wo may expect to havo all the talk ropeated. The Public Works Statoment, always one of the most interesting and important events of tho session will on this occasion be of especial interest and importance, yot it is not likely to be made until the session, if it is to end before Christmas, will be at its last gasp. There will actually bo no time left to consider its details, or give proper attention to its proposals. The question of further borrowing is one which would of itself fairly occupy almost all the time which remains before members will beoome impatient to , depart to join their families in the ÜBiial ' seasonable festivities. Tho Railway Bill which was circulated last night might well of itself occupy fully a fortnight in its consideration. We do not see how the Houao can possibly before Christmas get through a tithe of the work urgently demanding atton1 tion, and the neglect to deal with which cannot fail to increase tho pressure of 1 hard times and deepen the depression. Such must be the result if tho Government pursues its retrenchment proposals, many of which it can give effect to without the special sanction of Parliament, and at the same time does nothing to stimulate settlement 1 and encourage tho proper sort of immigration. The present House, so far, has really done nothing of a practical character, and the Government does not appear able to keep it in hand or to force work on. Indeed Ministers have submitted very little work for the House to do. Seven weeks have been wasted, and, oxcept that a new Governmont is in office, the public business has been little, if at all, advanced. Last night time was wasted in the most scandalous manner. The Government should at once insist on the public business taking precedence of all . private business for the remainder of tho session, and use every offort to repress the loquacity of members. There are a number of matters which must bo settled before Parliament rises, or great public inconvenience will ensuo ; but unless much better use is mado of the time remaining than has . been mado of the time which is passed it is hopeless to expect that anything at all will be done. The Legislative Council will vory naturally object to have Bills rushed through it at the last moment without time being afforded for thoir fair consideration. The presont House appears muoh loss inclined to settle down to real work than tho previous House was. There aro too many young mombers inclined to Bhow off, and too many old membors willing to encourage them and show an example of tho most approvod • mothods of wasting time and obstructing 1 business.