IN THE HOUSE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 233, 30 August 1935, Page 8

IN THE HOUSE

bright opening ceremony. ataiosphere of elections. (By Telegraph.—Special to Standard.) y y WELLINGTON, Aug. 29. Though cynics usually, have good grounds for their suggestion that the heavens weep when parliament opens, to-day s ceremony, with its mteres mg open-air spectacle, was favoured U ■d bright afternoon winch was lIIUC appreciated by a very large crowd ol spectators. , , The Legislative Council presented a bright- picture with naval and nnlitaiy uniforms and the inclusion among the guests surrounding the dais ol a number of ladies. , His Excellency the Governor-General read the Speech from the Throne in verv clear tones, and although many of those associated with this ceremony were participating for the .first time it went off without the slightest difficulty. , , The atmosphere of the coming elections was clearly evident when tho House of Representatives assembled to commence business. Questions to the Government came in fast front all sides, conveying requests for increased pensions, Public AVorks, higher rates for the unemployed and many other benefits which, no doubt, the Government would be glad to distribute if it had no responsibility for raising the required cash. „ URGENT QUESTIONS. Alost of the members were content to place these questions on tho ordei paper, but Alr.Av'. E. Parry made two of them urgent in the hope of securing an instant verbal answer. Did the Prime Alinister, lie asked, confer with the Imperial authorities on the subject of arranging reciprocal pensions? If so, wliat were the results. “Put the question on tho order paper,” answered Ah- Forbes. Undeterred, Air Parry suggested, also by way of an urgent question, that, in view' of the Finance Alinister s statement regarding the satisfactory condition of the finances, the Prime Alinister should undertake this session to restore all pensions to their former level. , “I will ask you to place that on the order paper,” said Air korbes genially. “You are making a joke of it,” retorted Air Parry angrily, and was called to order by Air Speaker. TO-DAY’S BUSINESS. AVhen the House meets on Friday afternoon it will be mainly for the purpose of passing motions of condolence in respect of the deaths of Airs AlcOombs, Air G. V. Pearce (a former member for Patea), and Hon. J. Craigie (Timaru). The Address-in-Ilepl.v debate will he initiated by Air A. D. AlcLcod on Tuesday, the seconder being Air F. Lye. The Opposition amendment of wh : ch notice has been given by Air AI. J. Savage is in formal terms, so that the main lines of attack are not disclosed. THE ARB L'TRATION ACT. Among tiie questions put to the Government was one from Air J. AV. Alunro, asking that this session there should ho an amendment of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act so as to restore the former provision which gave the right to either party in a dispute to refer such dispute to the Court of Arbitration. At present tliis is only possible by mutual agreement.