POLITICAL JOTTINGS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 29 June 1926, Page 5

POLITICAL JOTTINGS

NOTES FROM THE HOUSE. PLENTY OF BILLS LICENSING LEGISLATION. (By Telegraph.—Special to the Star). WELLINGTON, June ?S. There is not the same keen unxietj among members to discuss the Addre'ss-m-Rhplv motion now that the Opposition forces are down to small proportions, and it may bo taken for granted that the debate- will end this week. The Nationalists left most of the balking from the Opposition side to the Labourites, while Mr Holland’s amendment ua-s before the House, but. they propose to take a- hand on Tuesday, when the Leader of the party (Mr G. W. Forbes) is likely to speak. It is also possible that Mr'Holland’.s ainejndment will come to a division then. It- will not receive support outside his own partyas the remaining Opposition is against- raising a no-confidence issue of a- general character a.s a mere hopeless gesture. The introduction. of Nationalist speeches will mean turning the discussion more upon subjects which are of immediate and practical interest. Hairy control, the motor-bus regulations, and agricultural banks will be questions raised, and some views may te expressed regarding the Bank of New Zealand’s latest proposal, for the estnb’ishment of a long-dated -loan department. '

The nearness of the end of the debate will be signalised by Ministers giving notice to introduce Bills, of which there are many ready. They include some of the Government’s important policy measures mentioned in the Governor-General’s Speech. Inquiries regarding the -position of the Licensing Bill show that it is not likely to appear for some* time. Though a non-party measure, it will be in charge of the Prime Minister, who has suggested that the principal interests concerned should confer, with, a view to coming to an agreement on points where agreement is possible. The rest of the measure would doubtless be left to tlie Government to suggest, having in: mind the recommendations of the delect committee which reported on licensing legislation to last Parliament.