The Hastings Standard Published Daily. SATURDAY, OCT. 17, 1896. THE LAST ACT.

Hastings Standard, Issue 148, 17 October 1896, Page 2

The Hastings Standard Published Daily.

SATURDAY, OCT. 17, 1896. THE LAST ACT.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrongs that need resistance, I-~or the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

The curtain will be rung down to-day on the closing session of the 12th Parliament of New Zealand, and many members will return to their homes wondering whether they will ever have another opportunity of airing their eloquence in the Great Talkingshop. Certain it is that many of our representatives are not worthy of the support of theic constituents, and the general election should see a weeding out, with the survival of the fittest. For over 17 weeks members have held conclave on innumerable measures, but it must be confessed that the session has not been a profitable one. There is nothing to show as the result of the deliberations. Starting badly with the ex-Treasurer episode, the House has not seemed capable of lifting itself out of the slough of despond, and bitterness and vituperation have been the stock-in-trade of certain of our politicians. The recriminations which disgraced the early part of the session have been in evidence throughout ; and the bitter personal feeling that has arisen over the banking legislation will prevent the Bank of New Zealand from enjoying that repose and quietness so necessary to its health. Up to the time of the election its affairs will be paraded before the public again and again uutil all confidence in the institution is at an end. There has been far too much anxiety for members to get back to their constituents, and the banking legislation has been rushed, through with disgraceful rapidity. The Banking Uill was unquestionably a measure of great importance, It was designed to safeguard the interests of the colony —interests which represent a money value of over five millions sterling, yet • a Bill of this importance was rushed through Parliament at a single sitting. And so everything during the session

has received the same treatment. There has been far too great a tendency to slur the work of the colony, and a feverish excitement has been shown by certain members to get back to their constituents in the shortest possible time. The business of the country has been neglected, and electors should not be slow in sending certain politicians into retirement.