SHORTER HOURS

Grey River Argus, 14 May 1929, Page 5

SHORTER HOURS

FOR N.Z. PARLIAMENT New Standing Orders. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, Alay 13. It is understood that the Select Committee of the House of Representatives which was set up to consider amendments to the Standing Orders, is tc recommend that the sitting hours shall be from 2.30 p.m. until 10.30 p.m., with an interval for dinner, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; and from 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.. with an interval for luncheon, on Fridays.

The effect of tbe change, if it is adopted by the House, will be that the daily sittings will commence a* the same hour as fixed at present, concluding at a reasonable hour in the evening, and that the new arrangement for Fridays will enable Afembers, if they are so disposed, to leave: that evening and spend the week-end in their constituencies.

Committees of the House will be able to sit as irual in the mornings without inconvenience except on Fridays.

As previously pointed out by the prime ATinister, the innovation would prolong the duration of the session. It is also reported tha* the Select Committee will recommend a restriction in the time limit imposed on speeches—for instance one of half-an hour, instead of an hour, for those in the Address-in-Reply debate.