THE COMING SESSION

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXV, Issue 3304, 16 May 1931, Page 5

THE COMING SESSION

PREPARATIONS IN HAND. EARLY ELECTION POSSIBLE. With the ordinary session of Parliament little more than a month away, the Government is faced with the necessity of preparing its legislative programme (states the Wellington Post). In view of the Reform Party’s rejection of the suggested National Government, Mr. Forbes is not likely to lose any time in seeking a vote of the House on some vital question of policy, and taxation measures are likely to be the first to be introduced.

Mr. Coates has slated that the Reform Party will be prepared to assist Mr. Forbes to place on the Statute Book any measures which they consider to be for the welfare of the country as a whole, so the fate of the Government is likely to rest on Reform’s interpretation of the Government’s taxation proposals. Should Reform decide to vote against any of the proposals the fate of the Government would no doubt be sealed, for the Labour Party has made it plain that it will take advantage of any opportunity of placing Mr. Forbes and his Government out of office. The first few weeks of the session are likely to be pregnant with possibilities, and an early election may result. Taxation proposals are naturally kept a close secret, especially insofar as they affect the Customs tariff. Mr. Forbes has already indicated that it will be necessai-y to further increase direct and indirect taxation, so that in addition to the annual taxing Bills (dealing with land and income tax) next session will almost certainly see a revision of the tariff, although not necessarily a general one. Suggestions have been made that the Government might make another “cut” in the salaries of Civil servants, but when this matter was mentioned to the Prime Minister he said it had not been considered by the Government. There was no foundation, he said, for statements that the Government intended to call on Civil servants to make further sacrifices. Amendments to the banking law, as recommended by Sir Otto’s report is now in theHxands of the Government, but so far as can be ascertained it has not received full consideration.

In addition to its legislative programme, the Government is also faced with the necessity for reaching decisions oh other important matters. Notable amongst these in the selection of the five gentlemen who are to constitute the Railways Board. Numerous applications for appointment have been received by the Government, and it is expected that Cabinet will reach a decision shortly. The board is to commence operations on Ist June.

The Hauraki by-election is another matter that is interesting the Government, particularly in view of recent happenings in the political arena. It is the intention of the Prime Minister to enter into the fight, and he will speak in the electorate some time next week.