POLITICAL NOTES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11249, 29 June 1922, Page 4

POLITICAL NOTES

PRESS GALLERY NEWS NEW LEADER APPOINTED IN LEGISLATIVE COCNCII#. SIR WILLIAM FRASER. Speaking at the brief sitting of tifct Legislative Council which followed the formal opening of Parliament Tester* day. Sir William Fraser said that, ow. ing to the absence of Sir Francis Bell, the Government had done him the honour of appointing him to lead the Council. He was fully awaro of the difficult task before him, seeing that he had to endeavour to follow in the footsteps of eo experienced a leader aa Sir Francis Bell. Still, with the aid of the members of the chamber, which he was sure would not be withheld from him, he could see no reason why the business could not be carried on with the decorum generally expected in the Council. He was sure the Council would be glad to learn that Sir Francis Bell had been selected to represent New Zealand at Genoa, and later at The Hague. It was not likely that Sir Francis would be back for some months, probably not during the session. CONGRATULATIONS OFFERED LOYAL SUPPORT ASSURED. The Hon. C. H. Izard congratulated Sir William Fraser on his appointment, and, as one who might bo considered to be in opposition to his party, he assured him of his loyal support at the present juncture. He was sorry this burden had fallen on Sir William; he had hoped others would have taken it up. At the present time we had no one so able to steer tho country through its present difficulties as the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. Mr Izard remarked that he would say openly that if he felt there was anyone in the country who could do it better his allegiance would be given that person. Congratulations were offered also by the Hon. Colonel Smith, the Hon. J. Barr, the Hon. H. L. Michel, and the Hon. R. Moore. M.L.C.’s TERM EXPIREB SIR WALTER BUCHANAN REAPPOINTED. The term of Sir Walter Buchanan aa a member of the Legislative Council expired last Friday. He has been reappointed, and yesterday was formally sworn in. SEATS IN THE COUNCIL DEATH CAUSES TWO VACANCIES Formal notification was given in the Legislative Council yesterday of the vacancies occasioned in the Council by the deaths of the Hon- P. J. Nerheny and the Hon. Colonel Bail lie. IMMEDIATE BUSINESS IMPREST ON FRIDAY. To-day the House of Representatives will have before it motions of oondolenoe respecting legislators who have passed away in the reoees. On Friday the Imprest will be taken, and an interesting discussion is expected. MR STATHAM MOVES TO THE BACK BENCHES. In view of the recent occurrences it was interesting to note when members assembled in the House yesterday that Mr Statham had moved to a seat on the back Liberal benches. SOLDIERS’ LAND REVALUATION WANTED. Mr W. H. Field (Otaki) gave notics yesterday to ask the Minister for Lands what he proposes to do to relieve the difficulty that returned soldier settlers are suffering from in consequence of the present high values of their holdings. Would it not be better, he queried, to face the question of revaluation at onoe and have done with it -rather than temporise further on the matter? SOLDIER SETTLEMENT MORE INFORMATION DESIRED. Mr T. K. Sidey (Dunedin South) gave notice yesterday of a number of questions relating to the areas of land purchased for soldier-settlement, the Surchase-price paid for them by the ovemment, the prices charged to the soldiers, and tlie total area of laud actually in tlie occupation of retuned soldiers. INCREASED PENSIONS URGED BY LABOUR MEMBERS. Mr P. Fraser (Wellington Cfontral) gave notice in the House of Representatives yesterday, of a number of questions dealing with the subject of pensions, and urging the necessity for the introduction of amending legislation increasing pensions during the present session. Mr W. E. Parrv (Auckland Central) gave notice to ask whether it was the intention of the Minister-in-Charge to bring down a measure providing adequate pensions for the blind. NEW BILLS NOTICES TO INTRODUCE. In the House of Representativen ye* tend ay afternoon Mr E. J. Howard gave notice to ask leave to introduce the Workers’ Compensation Amendment BiU; Mr Fraser gave notice to introduce tho Unemployed Workers’ Bill and the Hotel and Restaurant, etc., Employees’ Six-Days-a-Week Bill; and Mr Parry to introduce the Stan/ Quarries Amendment Bill. REPORTWANTED WASHINGTON CONFERENCE. Sir John P. Luke (Wellington North) gave notioe to ask the Prime Minister when the report by Sir John Salmond on the work of the Washington Conference will ho available for publication. THE PRESS GALLERY ELECTION OF OFFICERS. At the meeting of tlie Parliamentary Press Gallery held yesterday afternoon. Mr Malcolm Boss (‘Christchurch Preas” and - Otago Daily Times”) won elected chairman, and Mr A. V. O’Brmn (“X.Z. Times”) vice-chairman for the session. Mr J. R. Smith (“Evening Poet” l. the retiring chairman, was heartily thanked for his services during the previous session.