POLITICAL NOTES.

Mataura Ensign, 21 July 1914, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES.

important measures. I BUSY WEEK EXPECTED. BY TELEGRAPH. FROM OXJR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. AV ELLINGTON, July 21. Both Houses are likely to be busily engaged this week. In tho House of Representatives the Licensing Bill will be the first big item of business to claim, attention. Tho second reading debate will begin to-day, bill it will not be finished, as the sitting will bo interrupted until Friday as private members and local Bills will claim the intervening days.

I-EGISLATIVH COUNCIL. The Legislative Council wTTI to-day set up sessional committees and will u'i forwards proceed to debate tho legislative Council Dill which gives effect to tlio Government's policy of making the Upper House an elective body. THE LICENSING BILL. Much difference of opinion exists in regard to the fate ol the Licensing Hill, hut if mom bors carry out iheir pledges it will he carried by a small majority. On© prominent politician told a reporter yesterday that lie believed the Bill would pass its second reading but would bo amended in committee to provide for the abolition of voting on the local option issue. Those favoring this course will lie prepared to let the present majority remain operative ill districts which have -already carried nolicense. Thus, if these members have their way tho effective majority for the national prohibition poll will be reduced to 5-5 per cent, and the. local option issue will be eliminated, while a 60' per cent, majority will snllice t:> carry restoration in existing no-license areas.

THE LAND BILL,

The Land Bill Ill's year will he a nm:h less pretentious measure than tho big pol'ey Hills wliicJu were passed last reason and in 191*2 and will (leal principally with minor deiaiis. It i.s at present undergoing revision but will not be finally .approved until the report ol the Tenures C'omni which is now pursuing its investigation in the Auckland district, has been received. Tt- is considered that the Bill will probably be p:c,seiltnl to the Home about three weeks hence.

NO DEFEN'CE BILL.

• J.hnt there will be no Defence Hill this sie i tatvm has be.en exnreswd in -seine (juar-V> ten; that leg'slat : on . will bo brought down this cession to grant a, further concession to -conscientious religious ol>jeeters' to fompulsory military training, but it is stated <m good authority that the Gbvevnmeiit does not intend to br'i)cc down any defence legislation this session.