PARLIAMENT

Nelson Evening Mail, 7 August 1916, Page 3

PARLIAMENT

FIXE SPEECH BY SIR FRANCIS BELL.

(By Telegraph.—-Own Correspondent.)

* WELLINGTON, This Day. The Legislative Council passed the Parliamentary Elections Postponement Bill. " . _ „ In the course of a speech Sir F. D. Bell remarked that in at least four electorates, where representatives had enlisted, there could be no real contest. He himself, if he could be of use, would go on every platform in Westland to secure the return of his former political opponent. Then again, possible candidates, who were not sitting members, might be at the front. The possible absence of the leaders at a conference was another reason for the postponement of the elections till the leaders could go to the country, not as, the administrators only, but as "political leaders. If peace came earlier tha.n was expected, this Bill could be repealed next session. It might be necessary to hold an_ early session next year since, since if Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward were to represent the feeling of the country •properly, they might have to consult Parliament oil their return from England.

The House of Representatives .passed the Factories A mendment. Bill, whioh for heating of factories on the same principles as shops. It also passed t-hft Legislative Council Amendment Bill, which provides for the postnone;ment pf the operation' of the Legislative Council -Act (providing- for the election of Councillors)' until 1920.. In the course of discussion the Prime Minister said that when, tho Act was passed in 1914. he had promised that members would be given an opportunity of reviewing the Act before it came ipto operation. The present time of crisis was not a- suitable time to review it. Mr Wilford' asked who would make tho new appointment that were to be made -under the present scheme. Mr Massev said that any new appointments would be made by the National Government.

The Bill was passed without amendment.

Tlie House rose at 5.40 p.m .until 10 a.m. to-day.

" The session is expected' to close todav. ;

As already stated', Mr Witty' 9 prorosed amendment to the 'Orchard Tax Bill to make the branding of fruit casesconmulson' was lost.

The poiv€i- to make provision for branding, by regulation, however, elreadv exists, and it is- under stood this will 'be done.