THE DAY IN PARLIAMENT

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 141, 15 June 1923, Page 7

THE DAY IN PARLIAMENT

The House of Representatives sat for less than one hour yesterday, but by the end of the period many petitions had been presented and many questions had been asked. It was clear' that many members had grievances. Some of those grievances were of general interest, but most of them were tinged with parochialism. All tha questions were placed on the Order Paper, so they will be answered at the convenience of the different Ministers. Mr. Holland was the first to attempt to put a' question without notice, and almost before the Speaker could inquire, whether the subject was really urgent or not the Prime Minister announced that no questions would be answered that afternoon. Mr. Holland's question appertained to questions—those questions that were asked at the February session. He wanted to know what had become of the replies, and he was officially informed that answers were circulated just before His Excellency commenced to read the Speech from the Throne. Notice was given of the intention to introduce several private Bill.s and one public Bill, the latter being the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill. The Hon. A. J. Hanan must be given credit for raising the first laugh of this session. He accomplished this feat by giving notice of the Election of Ministers and Party Government Reform Bill. The possibilities of such a measure seemed to appeal to all sides of the House. Labour members are prepared with several measures, such as the Workers' Compensation Amendment Bill and the Unemployed Workers Bill. The Leader of the Opposition is to introduce the Agricultural Banks Bill and tha Justices of the Peace Amendment Bill. Other members have ideas that they would like the House to discuss even if the House will not endorse them. The chances are, however, that Government business will take precedence, as Government business always does. The Leader of the Opposition gave notice of an amendment to the Address-in-Reply, and he will have an opportunity of moving it on Wj^nesday. The House adjourned at 3.30 until 2.30 o'clock' this afternoon, when references will be made to deceased legislators. As a mark of respect the House will adjourn early.