PARLIAMENT

Evening Star, Issue 21099, 11 May 1932, Page 2

PARLIAMENT

THE CLOSING SCENES LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL [Ter United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, May 10. The Legislative Council resumed at 2.30 p.m. Continuing the discussion on the second reading of the Finance Bill, Colonel G. J. Smith supported the extension of the life of Parliament, and said the only question was whether a Parliament should extend its own life. He expressed the opinion that the legislators should bo the custodians of each other’s honour. Public men were being slandered in New Zealand, and members of the Legislature should refute such slanders. Replying, Sir James Parr said that all decent people would reprehend the vilification of public men. There was too much idle gossip going on in Now Zealand about a certain man, and lie hoped it would cease. He said that three-year Parliaments were most wasteful, and the proposed extension was very necessary in order to enable the Government to put its legislation through. The second reading was agreed to. In committee Sir Thomas Sidey called for a division on the clause fixing the school commencing ago at six, but it was retained by 12 votes to 1. On the clause providing for the extension of the life of Parliament Sir Francis Bell said he must oppose it. Ho was as much in favour of a fouryear term as anyone, but the Government was doing an improper thing in including such a provision in the socalled Finance Bill. No Parliament had the right to extend its own lifo without first going to the electors, and no such action had been taken since the “ Rump ” Parliament. By adopting the clause they would ho establishing a most dangerous precedent. Sir_ Francis 801 l said ho proposed to divide the Council, but the Chairman, supported by the Speaker, ruled that the Council could not deal with tho clause, and it was then adopted on the voices. Tho Bill was put through committee, read a third time, and passed. The Council agreed to amendments in tho National Expenditure Adjustment Bill, and adjourned until the ringing of the bells. The Legislative Council met at 7.30 n.m., and after the usual valedictory references rose at 8 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The House of Representatives resumed at 2.30 p.m. , Replying to Mr R. A. Wright (Wellington Suburbs), tho Prime Minister (the Right Hon. G. W. Forbes) said it was hoped an opportunity would be afforded the Ottawa Conference to discuss the question of subsidised American steamships which wore competing in the intercolonial trade. Amendments to the National Expenditure Adjustment Bill wore introduced by Governor-General’s Message, and those relating to pensions and ground rentals were explained by tho Prime Minister. Mr J. M'Comhs (Lyttelton) expressed disappointment at the position in regard to pensions. He said it was apparent the Government had not repented of the double reduction made by the Bill, but had simply decided to impose it gradually, because once the current certificates had expired the pensioners would become liable to a reduction as originally imposed. The Leader of the Opposition said the House was placed in an awkward position by the introduction of amendments at the last moment, and ho suggested that there should be'an adjournment until to-morrow to enable -members to examine tho effect of the changes proposed. Mr Forbes said he could give an assurance that there were no new principles involved in the amendments. They were merely to remedy anomalies and meet cases of hardship. Tho amendments were adopted, and the House adjourned at 3.55 p.m. until the ringing of the bells. The announcement by the Speaker that Royal assent had been given to the session’s legislation was made when the House of Representatives resumed at 7.30 p.m. Tho Prime Minister, moving the adjournment of the House, made tho customary valedictory references to tho Speaker, the Chairman of Committees, the Leader of the Opposition, and members generally, as well as to the officials and staff at, Parliament Buildings. The Leader of tho Opposition endorsed the valedictory sentiments expressed by Mr Forbes, and similar compliments wore paid by Mr M'Combs and Mr Fraser. Sir Charles Statham and the Chairman of Committees (Mr S. G. Smith) expressed thanks for the _ references which had been made to their services. Tim customary division was taken on the motion to adjourn, and the session ended at 8 p.m. with members singing tho National Anthem.