MR. COATES' DEPARTURE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19416, 26 August 1926, Page 8

MR. COATES' DEPARTURE

DATE NOT YET KNOWN.

PROGRESS OF PARLIAMENT:

WORK YET TO BE DONE.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday.

There are persistent rumours that the Prime Minister will not leave New Zealand by the Niagara on Tuesday, but will take the Makura from Wellington on September 14. On the other hand, the Government seems to be forcing the pace in a genuine effoft to- clear up all the important Parliamentary business by Monday next.

Early this morning, before the House rose, Mr. Coates stated that he would call the House together on Saturday to deal with the Public Works Estimates and that he would take the promised Imperial affairs debate on Monday. Jf there wei'e another fortnight in hand, a Saturday sitting would scarcely be needed. The really important items of Government business have been much reduced in the past week or so. The Select Committee on rural credits has yet to report and legislation on that subject has still to be brought down. The committee on the motor omnibus regulations has also to make its report. There are altogether 20 Government bills in hand, but a number of these arc either non-contentious or measures that can bo postponed. Those of most importance are the Land Laws Amendment Bill, the Rent Restriction Bill and th'e Licensing Amendment Bill. Of these, tho last is not expected to go beyond tho second reading stage, if so far. The two "Washing Up" Bills, the Supplementary Estimates and other end of session matters can probably bo left until after Mr. Coates has left. It is reported that a Reform Party dinner in his honour is to be held on Saturday evening. He is to be entertained by the Returned Soldiers' Association on Friday. Doubtless all will depend on how the House behaves in the next day or two and how much Mr. Coates, with his large majority, is prepared to . let Parliament do in his absence