INTERESTING EVENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 August 1946, Page 4

INTERESTING EVENTS

PILGRIMAGE TO VICE-REGAL RESIDENCE

BUDGET A CLOSE SECRET ■ [SPECIAL TO STAR.]

WELLINGTON, August 5.

An interesting event during last week was the presentation of the Address-in-Reply to his Excellency the Governor-General. This is generally looked upon as an outing for the rank and file of parliamentarians, and on this occasion 26 members, mainly from the Opposition benches-, made their little pilgrimage by car to Government House. There, having formally presented their respectful addresses, which took the form of a printed document, they were introduced to his Excellency, and subsequently took tea or other refreshment with him. On their return to Parliament Buildings, as the niceties of the occasion demand, they gathered in Mr. Speaker’s apartment for the customary cup of tea or glass of sherry. Footballers Entertained.

Two other events which indicated that the Parliamentary session does not lack social flavour, were the receptions to the English Rugby League team and the Kiwi Rugby football team. These receptions were held in the social hall in the old building, which in years gone by was the Parliamentary chamber, and that to the Kiwis in particular attracted a memorable gathering of sporting personalities. On these occasions Mr. Fraser thoroughly enjoys himself. He presides with an air of benevolence and cracks hearty jokes with his political opponents, and does not mind a joke at his own expense. When welcoming the Kiwis he referred to the fact that he was present at Murrayfield when they were beaten by Scotland, and amid much good-natured raillery said that if they had to be beaten it might as well be by Scotland. ’

Mr. Nash’s Budget, which will be presented either next Thursday, or more probably the following Thursday, is now the main topic in political circles. To forecast his intentions would be mere speculation, as he guards his secrets well, but there will certainly be disappointment among the rank and file of his own party if he does not announce tax reductions sufficiently handsome to restore confidence in their election prospects. Mr. Nash Looks Jaunty.

One feature which must be gratifying to Government members is the excellent health which both Mr. Fraser and Mr. Nash now seem to be enjoying. A little more than a year ago there were disquieting reports concerning Mr. Nash, while Mr. Fraser last year looked worn and tired. To-day they both seem to be carrying their burdens lightly, and Mr. Nash, spruce and welltailored,' now looks positively jaunty.

The possibility of further developments in the Lewis case was mentioned in the lobbies last week, but nothing has so far eventuated. Meanwhile, there is keen interest in the forthcoming inquiry into the (disposal of army motor vehicles, and it is noted with interest that IJJr. W. S. Goosman has elected to participate in the inquiry as a representative of the interested public, and has briefed two well-known members of the bar to appear for him.