OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22200, 29 August 1935, Page 10

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

Parliament meets to-day under more normal auspices than at any previous time in the last five years. There is no call for critical decisions or upsetting legislation. The liquidation of the depression is proceeding and seems likely to accomplish itself without further drastic measures. It is to be hoped that Parliament and the Government have sensed the country's desire to be let alone. The period of convalescence will be passed the more quickly, and full and confident health the sooner restored, if the body politic is allowed to recuperate without the application of wellintentioned but irritating legislative plasters. If the average citizen were consulted, he would suggest a short session, a minimum of talk, an early Budget embracing tax relief, an early adjournment and an early election, so that he could be done with politics for a time and turn his undisturbed attention to his business of production or trade. He is particularly anxious that electioneering should not detract from and interfere with the growing momentum of business in the weeks before Christmas. The Government, having had to ask so much of the country in forbearance and sacrifice, should spond to this suggestion by reducing the sessional programme to essentials. Ministers should be on their guard against the many legislative hobby horses that are likely to be trotted out by the departments, now that they think to find opportunity in the armistice on larger issues. The public is weary of bureaucratic pin-pricking and hostile to any proposals for fresh regulation. It is to be hoped, also, that members will not exploit the session as a means for electioneering in advance. Verbosity in the House is a hindrance rather than a help to the membpr. as well as to the despatch of thp country's business. Every elector will have enough, and more than enough, of politics before the year is out. The chief interest in the session resides in the Budget. Rome relief is expected and is justified, especially in the weight of wages and income , taxes. Apart from that there is little business that cannot be postponed in favour of an early prorogation and an early election.