THE WORK OF PARLIAMENT

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 219, 12 August 1930, Page 6

THE WORK OF PARLIAMENT

The conclusion of the Budget debate on Friday night serves to remind us that Parliament has been in session for six weeks with very little real progress having been made in dealing with proposed legislation. The time has been very largely wasted. As Mr Forbes will be leaving for England in about a fortnight, contentious proposals are to be dealt with under pressure. It is fitting’ and desirable New Zealand should be represented at the conference of Prime Ministers by Mr Forbes even though he represents a minority party both in the House and country. Therefore, the arrangement between the opposing leaders to expedite the business of the House was imperative. This, however, means that important legislation will be rushed through during the next two weeks. Amongst the important Bills to be considered are the Customs Amendment, the Land and Income Tax Amendment, the Finance Bill, the annual taxing Bill and the Defence Amendment —all important measures which are deserving of more than passing attention from members who are not now likely to be given sufficient time to thoroughly grasp the meaning and effect of some of their provisions. Rush legislation usually results in the creation of new anomalies and sometimes causes grave injustices to those affected. It is desirable that measures affecting the people so deeply should be more carefully examined and considered. But this does not seem possible this year if' the Prime Minister is to visit England.