A RIGHT ASSERTED

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 149, 28 June 1929, Page 8

A RIGHT ASSERTED

PARLIAMENT'S FORMALITY

BILL WHICH SEVER PASSES

Formalities are so stereotyped in connection with the opening of Parliament that many significant points pass without notice, but throughout the ceremonial there are reminders of former struggles between King and Commons for the privilege of legislating and having complete control over the Exchequer Fortunately the reality of' these disputes is so remote that there is no necessity for the House- of Eepresentatives to actively assert its privileges. However, though little more than routine nowadays there persists in official records the necessary safeguards. The opening business of the session is to renew monetary supplies, and this has to be done at to-day's sitting. Legislation does not commence until both branches of the Legislature have passed a respectful address in reply to His Excellency's Speech , from the Throne, but before either of these duties is undertaken Sir Joseph Ward, as Leader of the House, moves the first reading of the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill. He did so yesterday pro forma and will not be perturbed at the fact that it disappears from the Order Paper. Np vigilant member of the Opposition will inquire what has become of the first Government Bill, because everyone knows it never gets beyond the pro forma stage and cannot be found on the Statute Book. It is only an assertion Of Parliament's right to legislate, carefully recorded before proceeding to deal with many matters recommended "for attention in the Speech from the Throne.