LIFE OF PARLIAMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 50, 28 August 1934, Page 5

LIFE OF PARLIAMENT

EXTENSION OPPOSED

PETONE COUNCIL ATTITUDE

Tho Petouo Borough Council last evening considered the following motion which was carried at a recent meeting of tho Westport Borough Council: — "That in view of the fact that tho extension of the life of Parliament was not an issue at tho last General Election, this council protests against tho 'extension decided upon by the Government, and requests that a General Election" be held at tho conclusion of the three years' term as prescribed." Tho Potone Council's support of tho protest was requested. Mr. G. London said it was exceeding the duty of the council to express an opinion on the matter. It would be a wise move if the council, as a local bod}-, kept out of polities. He moved to that effect.

Mr. E. T. E. Hogg endorsed Mr. London 's remarks, and seconded the motion. Mr. J. Cumming, in moving an amendment, said he supported tho letter from Weslport. No ■ Government should extend its own life. Today Parliament was practically nothing less than a dictatorship by two men, representing their parties Tho extension was a usurpation of the right of the people when the Constitution provided for three-year Parliaments.

In seconding tho amendment Mr. A. Seholefield said it was all right to say that the council should keep clear of polities, but they were interwoven with Government and political control, in the way of administering Acts of Parliament as regards unemployment, etc. Some were not satisfied with the Government, and did not think its life should be extended. He thought that if the matter were taken to the Privy Council it would be proved that Parliament had not tho power to extend its own life. '

Mr. X C. Burns said that. whilo possibly ho might agree as a citizen with the remarks of Messrs. Cumming and Seh'olcneld, it had to bp remembered that the council represented 12,000 people, of -widely diversified views. It was not in .tho scope of the council to take action in the matter.

Mr. E. N. Campbell stated that even people who had supported tho Government had changed their opinions, and they should be given au opportunity to have an election. The present Parliament was not representing tho people. Parliament, by extending its own life, had practically become dictators. Mr. W. H. Edwards said that Parliament had exceeded its right in extending its life by a year.

Tho Mayor (Mr. D. McKcnzic) !>upported the amendment.

Tho amendment was carried by five, votes-to four, those supporting no action being Messrs. 'London, Hogg, Burns, and V. A. Noble.