ANOTHER TRY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 11 September 1924, Page 5

ANOTHER TRY.

PREMIER ON ELECTORAL

REFORM

(By Telegraph.—Special to Star). WELLINGTON, Sept. 10. On four afternoons excessive discussion, mainly from the Labour benches, has prevented the Premier from introducing his Legislative Amendment Bill. He asked permission to withdraw it from the order paper to-day with the object of substituting another measure introduced by Governor’s message. Technicalities prevented this course being taken without the approval of the House.

Mr Fraser had an amendment which he would not withdraw, , but it was placed on the bottom of the order paper, there to remain. Some amusing verbal sparring between the Premier and Labour followed the Premier’s announcement of a fresh Bill. They tried hard, by shrewd cross-examina-tion, to extract information as to the contents of the new measure, which Mr Massey said would be introduced early -next week again as a non-party measure.

“Do vo« really want the Bill?” queried Mr Parry 7 after some unsuccessful efforts to extract information. ‘‘lf I did not want it I would not have placed it on the order paper,” retorted the Premier, who added that the new Bill would have the same title, but would not be quite the same Bill as the original.- As for the differences, he counselled questioners to await it patiently when they would see. Mr Wilford: “Is the Bill drawn up yet?”

Mr Massey: “It is in type. I could it in half an hour.” Mr Wilford: Has the Prime Minister read it yet?” Mr Massey: I hope the lion, gentleman will not ask silly questions. Considering that I dictated it to the typist that passes fo-r reading it.” During further' discussion, the Premier maintained that he was keeping his promise to let the House discuss electoral reform, though it had wasted four afternoons on the subject. Mr Wilford: “Are you going to let them block it?”

Mr Massey (emphatically): “No, I am not:”

GAMING LEGISLATION

Coming after a long delay, the Gaming Amendment Bill was read a first time in the House to-day. Its introductory stage had been discussed with siicli vigour that it had to remain on the order paper for several weeks marked “interrupted debate.” However, it was slipped through this stage in a, few minutes to-day after Mr Isitt had completed an interrupted speech, which had started some time ago.

The member for Christchurch North suggested to the Premier that if a committee was set up to consider the question of permits that it be composed of representatives of all shades of opinion. Mr Massey: “I don’t think it necessary for you and I to be there.” (Laughter). He added that the committee should not have its inquiry too restricted, and the order of reference should not exclude so important a question as the moral aspect of gambling.

The Bill was read a first time without any assurance to the questioning member as to the future course of procedure.