POLITICAL NOTES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 582, 5 July 1913, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES.

The Prime Minister state 3 that the Government do not intend to introduce any legislation this session enabling a referedum to be taken on the question of Bible reading or Bible lessons in State Schools.

Under the Legislature Amendment Bill of last session, following the defeat of the Legislative Council Reform Bill by the Lords, the Government proposed three years aa the term of new appointees to the Upper Chamber, instead of the existing seven years' term. The small bill passed "The Commons," but was thrown out by "The Peerß," and the consequence is that the five new councillors will enjoy the full seven years of parliamentary office. Replying to a deputation this week, the Hon. W. H. Herries said that he hoped to be able to get a loan next year for the purpose of important railway works in Auckland, Wellington. Invercargill, and Palmerston. Big works are required at all those places, and the'only way he could see to carry them out was to pass a bill authoria ing the Government to obtain money from th« Old Country, spread over a number of years, for the purpose of carrying out the works, which were becoming an absolute necessity. A good deal of interest haß been aroused in Parliamentary circles by a proposal to increase the length of the term in office. Although he proposal has not yet been discussed officially, it has been stated that a large majority of members are in favour of increasing the term of Parliament to four years, and some members, it is stated, favour a five-year term, but these'are in a minority. It is urged in support of the extension proposal that at present, in return for the huge cost of a general election the country getß practically only one session's full work out of members. The first session serves as an I apprentice-time for young members; j in the second term the real work of j Parliament is done, and the third session is marked principally by a great amount of electioneering in the House, and the desire of the members to gain the approval of their constituents. The proposed fourth term, it is claimed, would enable the House to amend its own legislation instead of,, as at present, having its work amended by another Parliament which claims between 20 and 30 per cent, of new members. Reduced expense to the country and better work in Parlia- j ment are the principal arguments used | for the extension proposal and it is thought probable that the suggestion may take definite shape before long. A public reception is to be tendered by Wellington citizens to Sir Joseph Ward upon his return from England. A preliminary meeting to discuss the matter was well attended. It was re solved that those present— numbering over forty—form themselves into a general committee to give Sir Joseph a non-political reception when he arrives about July 23rd or 30th. A strong sub-committee was formed to bring down proposals. The Hon. W. Earnshaw, in seconding the Address-in-Reply, questioned the wisdom of giving the manager of the railways £4OOO per year, as it would lead to a general demand for increases all round. He advised the Government to go slow on the question of light railway lines. Road-making was preferable aa petrol traction was the coming power. He trusted the Govermint would not attempt to consolidate the Arbitration Act until the country had decided whether we ar« to b< govern< dby law or disorder. He favoured an elective Legislative Council, which was but a coping stone put upon the electoral reform effected by the present party which had given the country manhood suffrage, and had done all hard work to effect the female franchise. He also favoured an elective Executive.