CHANGES IN SEATS IN THE HOUSE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 29 August 1919, Page 5

CHANGES IN SEATS IN THE HOUSE.

(By Telegraph—Special to Star.)

WELLINGTON, Aug. 28. The holding 01 party caucuses and the extraordinary interest attaching to tho political situation, accounted for practically full benches when the House ir.et for the opening session. In the new reservation of seats consequent on the retirement of Sir Joseph Ward and his Liberal colleagues from Ministerial benches, it was noticeable that the Reform members just filled the benches to the right of Mr Speaker, while the left was similarly filled by Liberal and Labor members.

In the place of Sir Joseph Ward the Premier now has Sfcr James Ailen as his bench ni ate, while the leader of the Opposition has his first lieutenant, Mr MaeDonald, beside him, with Mr Wilford on one wing and Mr Myers on the other. Mr Russell i& now to be found among the seats from which he was kept busy with questions last session, Mr Holland sitting behind and Mr V'-itch before him, whale with him is one of the staunch old supporters of the liberal party, "Uncle" Colvin. Mr Hanan, who was late in the hunt for n«w seats, now camps alone fit the end of Labor. It is significant that Mr Am, the Maori Independent frjm the South Island, has taken his quarters in the midst of the Reformers, with Tau rlenare as his bench partner. Two new members were sworn in, J. A. Nash, the new manner for Palmer ston North, and Mr Semple, who represents Wellington South m place of the old Ifcader of the Labor gioup l the late Mr Hind marsh. DISTINGUISHED VISITORS. The ceremonia 1 share of Parliament's new session had. additional interest from, the; fact that among the visitors were Admiral Viscount Jellicoe, Lady Jellicoe, and officers from H.M.S. New Zealand; also because the new Council Chamber was put into temporary commission for the purposes of the function. This necessitated a good deal of decorative arrangements to cover the nakedness of the new Chamber, besides a complete shifting of the furniture for the fleeting ocea&ion. Pomp and circumstance still holds a certain sway, how-aver, and everything passed off with befitting dignity and impressiveness, though a decided inclination to become restive and humorously critical is now noticeable among members of the popular assembly when display threatens to become tedious. Both, Houses adjourned at an early hour till to-morrow. COST OF LIVING. The present session is bound to be prolific- in comments and enquiries about the; rising cost of living, and one or two questions on the subject were put on the Order Paper to-day. Dr. Newman opened up a big field i by asking the Premier if the Govern-1 ment would pass legislation to check profiteering and so do something to lessen the high cost of living. J Is it true, asked Mr Field, of Otaki, that the cost of boots has been increas- j ed 25 per cent, the last few weeks?; What is the reason, and will the Government bring down a measure to en- j sure that all necessaries are sold at a' reasonable price? ELECTORAL REFORM. The Government showed promptitude in dealing with the Premier's promise that women shall have the right to sit in Parliament, Mr Massey giving notice of the introduction of a Women's Parl--liamentary Rights Extension. Bill. Though he was serious, tho rest of the | House greeted the announcement with ! laughter. Mr Statham subsequently gave notive to ask the Government if it proposes to revise the whole electoral laws this session, bringing in some form of proportional representation.