PARLIAMENT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19203, 20 June 1924, Page 6

PARLIAMENT.

THE COMING SESSION. EARLY ELECTION IMPROBABLE. iFeou Ou.n Own Coh2espondentJ WELLINGTON, Juno 19. 7.1 io session of Parliament is to commence in a week’s time, and ihe general impression is that it will he more interesting than usual; no so much from the point of view in regard to legislation, but because of the political manoeuvring that is possible. The statement of a southern Liberal paper that there is a possibility of a new leader on the horizon to replace Mr Wilford adds piquancy to the situation. Mr Massey still has his majority of three over tho other two parties, hut it is possible that temporary pairs may have to be found for two members who are ill—Sir Heaton Rhodes and Mr T. D. Burnett. The illness of two Ministers, Sir Heaton Rhodes and (he Hon. D. K. Guthrie, will necessitate the appointment of at least one new member of the Cabinet, and as intimated some considerable time ago, the new Mai is! or will almost certainly lie Mr D. M’Lood, the well-known member for Wairarapa, who has proved himself a man of ability, character, and force, as well as a keen debater. Ho would make an excellent Minister of Hinds. Sir Heaton Rhodes, tho Hon. Mr Guthrie, and Mr L. M. Isitt have intimated their intention of retiring from the political arena, but it is hoped that the first-named will again soo his way to oiler his services to his present constituents whom for so many years ho has represented in Parliament. Various Government measures for introduction during the present session have already been announced, one of the principal Bills being that which will in some measure propose an alteration in tho incidence of taxation, and it may ho presumed also a redaction. A local .paper states that tho Prime Minister is threatened with a dissolution by his opponents in Parliament. but such is not the case. Ho himself may obtain a dissolution under certain circumstances, but the last thing his enemies wish is that ho should be granted a dissolution, for they realise that he is stronger in the country now than he was at the last election. The general opinion, however, seems to be that the session will run its ordinary course, as there is scarcely a member who wishes to have the expense of another election thrown upon him prematurely. Tl<ere will, as a matter of course, bo the usual no-confldence motions, and these may bo expected to waste a good deal of valuable time in the early days of the session.

Amongst the private Bills to be introduced is ono to incorporate the Spiritualistic Church of New Zealand.