WORK OF THE SESSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16580, 2 July 1917, Page 4

WORK OF THE SESSION

MEMBERS' GRIEVANCES. TREATMENT OF SOLDIERS. [BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT 1 WELLINGTON, Sunday. Parliament is now getting into its stride, and it is possible to form a fairly good idea of the principal questions which will occupy the attention of members. The Government will do its utmost to confine the business to matters cpnnectcd with the war, but this will allow ample scope fv.r the discussion of a great variety of subjects. The Order Paper indicates that Ministers will hear much about soldiers' grievances and hardships, and the military pensions scheme is certain to be subjected to severe criticism. Mr. E. Fletcher (Wellington Centra]) has suggested that it, should be remodelled on the lines of the British scheme, but the Minister for Defence holds that, though the British scheme may be higher in one or two classes, the New Zealand soldiers and their dependants are, on the whole, more generously provided for. There is a general determination that our soldiers shall receive just and sympathetic treatment, and the Government will bo asked to give the fullest information regarding) pensions, the care of the sick and wounded, and the extent of Now Zea,land's obligations to the Empire. As regards the supply of men, the desire for information on these points is very keen, and the Government will do well to take the House and country into its confidence as far as can be reasonably expected. Members are naturally desirous of obtaining a full and authoritative statement regarding the sayings and doings 01 the Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward during their recent risit to England, and Tuesday is to be set apart for this purpose. Lengthy Debate Probable. Last session the debate on the Address-in-Reply came to an abrupt conclusion after the mover and seconder had spoken, but the debate is not likely to be so brief on this occasion. Members refrained from speaking at any length on the Imprest Supply Bill, but they have a good deal to say on many matters, and the Address-m-Reply debate provides an opportunity for general criticism, which will probably be extensive used. A reason.<.blu amount of speech-making will not be regarded with disfavour by Ministers, for it will give them a chance to get the session's programme ready, and to do whatever else is necessary to facilitate the progress of business. One of the principal topics of conversation in the lobbies is the movement in favour of the closing of hotel bars at 6 p.m. It 13 generally admitted that this demand has gained power since last session, and its supporters in Paliament are determined to make a stronger stand this year. People in a good position to form a reliable opinion state that 8 p.m. could be securea as a compromise without much difficulty, though the licensed victuallers have not officially made any such offer. The Butter-fat Levy.

The country members are formulating a plan of campaign with the object of putting an end to the butter-fat levy. It is estimated that about 36 members are specially interested in this question. Of these 21 were present at the meeting held on Friday, and about five others arc accounted for. A leading country member states that the farmers are ready to bear their full share of the sacrifices, they object to being singled out for unfair and oppressive treatment for the benefit of another section of the community. He says the butter levy is causing great hardship to many small fanners, and contends that if the Government -wants to_ provide cheaper butter for city dwellers it should buy as much as it wants and sell it again at what it considers a fair price, and any lose that may result should be borne by the taxpayers as a whole. _ The butter levy question may resolve itself into a trial of strength between the town anJ country members.

War finance will occupy a prominen; place in the session's work. Increases in taxation may be regarded as certain, but they may not be so heavy as some people seem to think. There is good authority for asserting that the excess profits tax will be continued, though it may be considerably modified with the object of removing cases of special hardship.

The vacancy in the Cabinet naturally gives rise to the usual amount of guessing. Several members are'being mentioned as probable successors to the late Dr. McNab, but no definite information is at present available. A number of vacancies in the Legislative Council have also to bo filled, but at present the Government eeems to be in no hurry to take action.