THE LENGTH OF THE SESSION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 14168, 17 September 1906, Page 6

THE LENGTH OF THE SESSION.

Parliament has gone to work in such a business-like' fakhion that a tremendous amount of important work has been crowded into the last few weeks, but there are already hints that the session may he continued beyond the end of October." We have been taking it for granted that the House would rise in time to allow members to attend the opening of the Exhibition, which means, of course, that we have been regarding the Exhibition as a very important institution, but if there is work still to he done in Wellington at the beginning of November the politicians may very well assist at the opening ceremony, study tho totalisator question and the Exhibition during the following week, and go back to Wellington to complete the session’s- business. It is the prospect of a long fight over the Land Bill that inspires the prophecies of a-n extended session. The House itself, wo understand, wants to settle down to the consideration of the Bill this year, and the public, we know, will be very glad to have its fate decided. The debate on the second reading will extend, according to lobby gossip, over a couple of weeks, because other Bills cannot bo neglected and then a long struggle in committee is anticipated. Mr M’Nab has drafted his proposals with great care, but they will have to be tested as thoroughly as possible at each point, and a number of very Important amendments will be moved in committee by friends of the Government as well as by opponents. There are, of course, a score of -points open for discussion, and it is right that each clause should bo carefully considered in all its bearings. But careful consideration means long and often tedious sittings in committee, and only a rash man would promise that both Houses will have completed their review of the Land Bill and- carried other necessary legislation at the end of another six or seven weeks. At- any rate, if Parliament is anxious to conclude its labours by the end of next month and at tho same time to maintain the present admirable system of early closing. i.t will have to keep very strictly to business.