PARLIAMENT'S TIME

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 77, 27 September 1924, Page 6

PARLIAMENT'S TIME

...-. There can be no doubt that Parliamentary methods of doing business are badly in need of revision. Mr. Holland's advocacy of daylight sittings brought the subject briefly under review on Thursday, but with no definite result. It must be conceded by any reasonable' person as strange that the House of Representatives should find it necessary, not occasionally upon an emergency , but as a set practice, to sit in the evenings and to transact most of its important business at that time. But if a change is to be made, it rests with members of Parliament to demonstrate that this .is workable. The abolition or .shortening of night sessions would be greatly appreciated, and we hope that Mr., Holland will support his advocacy of an alteration by practical aid. He admits that for effective time-savng revision of the Standing Orders is essential. We heartily agree with*him, and we suggest that, as a step towards daylight sittings, he should join with the Prime Minister in devising amendments which will check time-wasting. As a beginning, an amendment that would prevent the stonewalling of Bills upon their introduction would be worth consideration. A considerable part of three afternoons, has been wasted by such obstruction this session.' For the benefit of 'people with short memories, we may add that this was daylight time and the ob-' struction was the work of Mr. Holland's party;