THE FORTHCOMING SESSION.

Franklin Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 98, 23 August 1933, Page 4

THE FORTHCOMING SESSION.

TO transact essential husincss as quickly as possible and then adjourn should he, the aim of both Government and members in the session of Parliament which is to commence a few weeks hence. The puhlic is still in no mood lo tolerate political small talk, nor will it welcome a miscellaneous collection of legislation such as has been accumulating in the departments owing to lhe pressure of more urgent husincss. Parliament cannot afford to ignore the serious mood of the electorate, points out the "Dominion." There is a general feeling thai while the emergency conditions persist, there should be no letting up.

The present is no time Tor empty political gestures. Parliament lias certain necessary work 1.0 <lo. The-pub-lic says-, let it be done With dispatch and efficiency, and with the minimum of disturbance to trade and industry and community life. It docs not require a long memory to recall the definite damage to business psychology caused by some recent sessions, and particularly the last which concluded early I Ins year. Public com-

ment was made on the fact at the time and the Prime .Minister spoke in endorsement of the complaint. in addition there are organisations all over the country which are casting critical eyes on the administrative and legislative machine. The opening of Parliament usually takes piaeo on a Thursday and this practice has been followed on the present occasion. II is a practice which has its disadvantages. .Members will assemble from all parts of the Dominion for the opening, go

through a few forms and on the Friday evening must, of them will disperse to their homes until the following Tuesday. If a beginning were made earlier in the week, there might be something to show for the travelling expenses of some 80 or 9!) members. Following upon that will come the Address-in-Reply debate which usually drags its slow length over weeks. In Great Britain the debate is generally disposed of in one or two sitting days, and through brevity gains much in effectiveness. New Zealand could with advantage follow the example of the Mother Of Parliaments. It may be hoped that a serious attempt will be made to dam the endless spate of words which usually marks and mars the debate. Members will have their opportunity, and something definite to discuss, 'on the presentation of the Budget. Generally Parliament should seek to tighten up its own procedure. Democratic institutions are being challenged on so many points that members should be insistent to reform and preserve, one that has been placed in their keeping. it would be folly to undermine ancient foundations by the dreary drip of words. And if members should show themselves ready to be more business-like, the Government should be beforehand with its programme—the bare minimum of essentials —go that there will be no excuse for marking time.