WORK OF SESSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22032, 12 February 1935, Page 10

WORK OF SESSION

RESUMPTION TO-MORROW NATIONAL MORTGAGE PLAN BILL PRACTICALLY READY GOVERNMENT'S PROGRAMME [Br TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Monday When tho House of Representatives meets on Wednesday afternoon after a recess of three months, tho Government hopes to be ready with its national mortgage corporation legislation. The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, said to-night that the bill was practically ready for presentation, and that it would probably bo read a first time on Wednesday afternoon. However, the Government would not proceed with tho measure immediately, but would give members time to consider tho proposals. Tho Government would carry on with tho Companies (Bondholders' Incorporation) bill, which is still at the head of tho order paper standing from the last sitting in November. Tho second part of the Government's plan to rehabihtate the farming industry would not bo placed before Parliament for a week at least. The Minister of Finance. Rt. Hon. J. G. was preparing a measure entitled the Rural Mortgagors and Tenants Final Adjustmont Bill, but there was little chance of its beiug ready for the House before noxt week at the earliest.

The Cabinet held a long meeting this afternoon to discuss the national mortgage legislation, and to-morrow morning then* will be a caucus of members of the Government Party, who have been invited to discuss legislation the Government is bringing down. There are few members in Wellington at present, but it is expected that most of them will travel from south and north to-night. Apart from the national mortgage and farmers' finance legislation, the Government is hoping to be able to secure the passage of a Broadcasting Amendment Bill, a bill based on the recommendations of the Native Affairs Commission, and a Public Works Amendment Bill. The Broadcasting Bill tvll increase the membership oi the Broadcasting Board from three to seven, the Native Bill will seek to improve the working of Maori settlement schemes, and the Public Wonts Bill will, among other things, vest in the State control of lakes created by dams at hydro-electric works. Mr. Forbes said to-rygfrfc that he had been able to make little progress with the drafting of the Native Lands Bill, but that ho hoped to have it ready for early consideration. It should be understood that there will be no formal opening of Parliament on Wednesday, as is the case at the beginning of a session, but that the House will merely sit at 2.30 p.m. and resume its ordinary business. One of the first matters for consideration, and one which should not take many minutes, will be the election of the Chairman of Committees. The previous chairman, the Hon. S. G. Smith, left the office vacant when ho was promoted to the Ministry. Only one Government member, Mr. J. A. Nash, has been nominated, and his election is assured.