SLOW PROGRESS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 285, 30 October 1933, Page 6

SLOW PROGRESS

WORK OF PARLIAMENT. MUCH TO BE ACCOMPLISHED. WELLINGTON, Oct.'3o. Evidence of the Government’s desire to expedite the work of Parliament was seen on several occasions in the House of Representatives during the past week, and for the first time this session members were asked to sit longer hours. From remarks made by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. AV. Forbes, it is apparent that he is not tty any means satisfied with the present rate of progress. After indicating on Friday that several more legislative measures had 3 T et to make their appearance, Mr Forbes made it clear that unless more co-operation was shown in disposing of the business it would be impracticable to finish the session by the end of the year. The second reading debate on the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Bill, winch commenced on Tuesday, is still unfinished. Discussion was side-tracked on several occasions, chiefly by the ratification on AVednesday evening of the trade treaty between Australia and New Zealand, and the appearance on Thursda3’ of an Imprest Supply Bill granting the necessary financial provision for State services in anticipation of the passing of the votes on the Estimates. On an Imprest Supply Bill members are at liberty to discuss any subject they wish, and the opportunity was taken by Labour members to criticise the administration of unemployment relief. Incidentals, the debate was responsible for the first all-night sitting of the session. Mr Forbes is of opinion that the general principles of the Reserve Bank Bill have been already well threshed out by those who have spoken on the second reading, and Mat it is time a start was maue with the committee stage. This he considers should really be the long stage. There are 52 clauses in the Bill, and if it is to be put through the remaining, stages without an adjournment it seems that a long sitting is in prospect. Until the measure is out of the way, Mr Forbes is unable to indicate definitely the programme before the House. Several more Bills are likely to bo introduced at an early date, but they are expected to be of a relatively minor character, some of them having been denied an opportunity for presentation sooner owing to the preoccupation of Parliament with more serious questions. AVlien Cabinet rose on Saturday afternoon the Prime Minister said that they had been considering departmental business only. Asked whether anything had been fixed up regarding the tenders for the Wellington railway station, Mr Forbes said that so far nothing had been finalised, but he hoped to make an announcement shortly.