“MY IMPRESSIONS OF PARLIAMENT.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18157, 31 January 1921, Page 2

“MY IMPRESSIONS OF PARLIAMENT.”

ADDRE&S BY MB Ei. J. HOWARD,

Mr E J Howard, M.P. (Christchurch South), addressed a large audience at the Plaza Theatre last night on “My Impressions of Parliament. ” The speaker pointed out that if the workers of the dominion would support their own cause Labour would no longer be represented by the small band of eight that sat in the House at present. He did not want a majority. If Labour was represented by 20 members, he was confident that it would not only be respected, as it was now, but also feared.—(Applause.) Mr Howard mentioned the devotion of Mr Holland and tho remainder of the Labour Party to their work. He said they could be depended upon to be present at any session if it was m their power to be there.— (Applause.) His party always met beforehand and decided what course it would take in the next session, so that whatever an individual’s opinion of a matter was tho party must act in unison. Speaking humorously on the subject of parliamentary, ceremonies, the speaker added that he considered some necessary, others unnecessary. However, the audience was not to laugh at those ceremonies. What did they do at their lodges?—(Laughter.) In his opinion there was much room for improvement in parliamentary methods. Asked what improvements ho would suggest, Mr Howard stated that he was greatly in favour of proportional representation. A large proportion of tho population of this country consisted of workers, yet they could secure the election of only eight Labour members. In conclusion, Mr Howard stated that, as regards industrial strife, it was his belief that th© employers encouraged such .a condition of affairs. The country was overladen with everything. Thus, by striking, production was stopped, and the surplus goods could bo sold to the public. To whose benefit was this? Before the chairman called, on questions he mentioned that a deputation was going to wait upon the City Council on Wednesday evening to protest against the proposed increase in tram fares. He hoped that all those present would attend the deputation, and bnng their friends with fvem. Several questions were then answered by Mr Howard.