THE WAR AND POLITICS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15687, 14 August 1914, Page 7

THE WAR AND POLITICS

LEGISLATORS' DIFFICULTIES.

ADJOURNMENT PROPOSED.

PROBABLY FOR TWO WEEKS. [BY TEIyEGIUPE—SrECIAI CORRESPONDENT.]

iWeiainGTOH, Thursday.

In the Houeo of Representatives to-night Sir Joseph Ward asked what course was proposed to be taken in connection with the business of the House. No member on hifi side of the House had given any consideration to the Bills that were on the Order Paper for the day.

Mr. Massey said he recognised that nembcrs could not give their attention to ordinary business just now. There were .till three small Bills, however, that would •equiro to bo dealt with as matters of urrency. These could be taken to-morrow. To then proposed to ask the House to idjourn until Tuesday week on the anlerstanding that members came-back and ■vent right on with the business of tho :ountry. There was a certain amount of ivork that must be dpno such as the Eduction Bill and the Loan Bill. There were other matters that must be dealt with before tho session came to an end. He hoped that when they met again they would go right on and put out of their minds as much as possible the crisis in the Empire's affairs. He did not think they would need to work long hours and he did not wish Parliament to deal with anything more contentious than they could help. He was quite prepared to meet members in a reasonable way.

Sir Joseph Ward said he agreed that facilities should be given for passing tho crisis Bills. Ho thought a week's adjournment was too short. Within three weeks tho men thoy were sending to tho front would have gone and they might hear of somo very decisive event in connection with the war. He suggested an adjournment for a fortnight or three weeks. They could then go on with such measures as tho Government deemed necessary. The Prime Minister had done him the courtesy of discussing tho matter with him that afternoon.

Mr. Massey said he would consider the matter further and mako a definite announcement to the House to-morrow.

The probability is that the House will adjourn for a fortnight.