THROUGH WOMAN'S EYES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20331, 12 August 1929, Page 15

THROUGH WOMAN'S EYES.

THE WEEK IN PARLIAMENT. DAYLIGHT SITTINGS. [m* TELECsnArir. —own correspondent.] WELLINGTON. Saturday. The revised Standing Orders have come into force. From the gallery viewpoint there is very little change. Until now, strangers have not been admitted into the galleries unli] after prayers. They waited outside the locked doors, and very cold was tho vigil when a southerly was, in full blast. This order did not apply to the ladies, who, Sir Charles Stalham said, amid laughter, are not seen by tho Speaker. So, if ever an occasion arises when the galleries arc ordered to bo cleared, tho women may sit undisturbed. Now men can take their seats when they like, except for Iho brief prayer interval. There was some reference to irrelevancy. This, of course, is for the Speaker or the Chairman to check, and a very difficult task it must be, for there seems no topic on earth that cannot be dragged into a debate provided tho member uses tho right string. Long ago, during a stonewall, when subjects bad been worn to tatters, and (he early morning sunshine was pouring through the skylights, there had been constant allusions to the lark. singing without while members were sitting in tho stuffy atmosphere of the chamber. The Chair sleepily realised that this was tedious iteration, and told tho speaker he must not dwell on that subject. Tho lark was barred as a topic. "Very well, Mr. Chairman," said tho member, cheerily, "1 will now speak about the cuckoo." And ho did, until ho was relieved by a coinrudo who took up the laic.

Standing Orders necessarily are vague about the decorum of the galleries. The word misconduct covers all varieties of breaches of etiquette. In tho old House an irate Maori lady shook her fist at a member against whom she had some grudge—l fancy regarding native lands—and shouted "Murderer." Even last session a man was led out from the public gallery by the orderly denouncing tho British flag. But these excitements arc rare. The women do not chatter as they were wont to do. In bygono days Air. Speaker has often had to expostulate with tho ladies' gallery for talking—and this when the gallery was supposed to bo outside the chamber, and invisible. The London " Mystery."

The proverbial pin could have been heard to fall in the House when Sir Joseph rose to explain his statement that Mr. Downio Stewart as late Minister of Finanue, had prevented his borrowing in London for two years. The Opposition was determined to get this cleared up, Mr. Stewart feeling ho was under an aspersion. The explanation was long in coming. And when it came it seemed far from satisfactory, for there were cries of dissent from the opposite benches. Mr. Coates, in no uncertain tones, urged the Prime .Minister to be fair. One even heard the unpleasant word dodging called out from a Reform member. There was a record attendance in the evening, overy seat in the galleries being filled and women sitting on the stairs. Mr. Downio Stewart's reply was listened to with deep attention, his slow, distinct, if rather monotonous, voice bein<j easily heard, and conveying an idea of absolute knowledgo of his subject. The Minister of Lands followed him, strong in support of his leader. Tho Government Party has been rather silent of lato and on Thursday thoro was very little sign of lifo until Mr. MacIndian's speech. It is always a healthy sign when there are interruptions. It shows, at least, that someone is listening, and every woman knows that there is nothing so trying as indifference. Certainly, there were strained cars to hear Mr. Makitanara's extraordinary speech—so staccato and so fortissimo that it was not easy lo comprehend. Even Mr. Speaker gave up the attempt when lie was explaining to tho member •'his infringement of tho Standing Orders and made him stop reading the long list of men who had been given titles during the. previous years—an instance, to tho member's mind, of spoils to tho victors. Mr. Speaker gently reminded him that the honours had been conferred by His Majesty. It. was a question of tasto to introduce such a topic, especially as the list included tho names of Sir William Herries—the friend and helper of tho Maori—and Sir Maui Pomare, who has done great work for his people and who is at present very ill. Tho rebuke Mr Wright administered in the evening was dignified and well deserved. Labour Party's Attitude.

Wo had a vigorous speech from tho Minister of Public Works, defending his department and Iho Budget. Mr. Wright, had preceded him and denied that his party were the supporters of tho wool kings, showing instead that Reform had passed most stringent legislation against aggregation. Mr. Armstrong was very downright as to the Budget, which, he said, did nothing to improve matters. He, like other Labour men, was against the Government financial policy, and it will lie interesting to sec into which lobby they will go when Mr. Coates brings his amendment down, if, as is thought, it deals with the primage duty. Rumours arc rife at present and anything may happen, Tho Labour Leader appears to be in an awkward position now that ho has nailed his colours to tho mast and announced his determination not to vote with Reform on any amendment that would put tho Opposition into power. Thoro aro many ifs that complicate- tho situation. If tho Opposition Leader moves an amendment concerning tho primago duty, and if tho Prime Minister takes it as a no-confidenco motion, and if Mr. Holland holds to his word, what will his followers, who it is said, do not all seo eyo to eyo with him on this matter, do? Ignorant Americans.

Mr. Jenkins' experiences, gained by much travel, including the climbing of many lofty mountains—which, it is said, helps to elevate the mind as well as tho body—should make him a most interesting and useful member. It was annoying to hear that many Americans are not awaro that we have summer during their winter. That is a matter that tho Publicity Department should at once romody. Mr. Jenkins pleaded for patience as regards promised legislation. "Give us time," ho said, earnestly, and a clear voice from tho Opposition benches interjected, "You deservo it." On the first morning sitting it was strange to sit in tho House in tho forenoon. The Minister of Justice, in introducing his Aviation Bill, gave a most interesting speech on a topic about which he is enthusiastic. Indeed, ono member gave Mr. Wilford the title of tho flying Minister. lie told Iho llouso that already he had had numorous applications to join tho foreo, ono Now 2ealander writing from Irak. Mr. Con lea advocated caution, but agreed in tho main with tho bill. Mr. Holland, on the otlior hand, scented daugor and urged tho Government to institute a Minister of Aviation, and not lonvo aviation to clubs and private companies. Indeed several men feared that it might become a monopoly, instead of a national matter.