THE SPECIAL SESSION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 118, 20 April 1931, Page 7

THE SPECIAL SESSION

MAY END THIS WEEK. WORK STILL AHEAD. FINANCE AND EARTHQUAKE BILLS. (By Telegraph—Special to Standard.) ' WELLINGTON, April 20. The emergency session which was optimistically expected to end w-ithin three weeks enters on its seventh week on Thursday with much important work still to be done. The Select Committee on the Earthquake Relief Bill is deliberating and will report the amended measure during the week, this being the principal matter for the order paper and all parties being anxious that the Adjustment Commission should commence work.

The House adjourns this afternoon out of respect to the late member for Hauraki, Mr A. W. Hall, and meets this evening to finally pass the Railways Amendment Bill, which has already undergone such important changes that its operation will have a bearing on this year’s Public Works policy, the new railway directorate being empowered to make recommendations respecting lines still under construction in addition to those suspended. The Fnance Bill No. 2, wdth its further series of economies, is the only other important measure remaining for consideration. The Trading Coupon Bill, if not dropped, will probably be curtailed to one clause covering coupon companies which wind up without provision for the redemption of coupons. The Auckland members are anxious for the passage of a private Bill empowering the construction of a harbour bridge, but its chances are extremely limited. The Government has not yet decided whether the annual taxation Bill will be submitted this session. If this is deferred. Ministers consider it possible to complete the session during the week.