LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22064, 21 September 1933, Page 6

LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME

NO RODS, IN PICKLE STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER. (From Oor Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, September 20. An intimation that the Government was anxious to proceed to the real business of the session as speedily as possible was given by the Prime Minister (Mr G. W. Forties) when interviewed this evenin". Mr Forbes confirmed the impression that no legislation of an unexpected nature would be brought down. He said the legislative programme contained no rods in pickle for the country. The Minister of Finance (Mr J. G. Coates) has already indicated broadly the nature of the financial measures he will be sponsoring. Supplementing this list, Mr Forbes said the Select Committee which was hearing evidence on the Superannuation Funds Bill last session would be reappointed to enable it to complete its task, and the Government would consider the position in the light of the committee’s report. It is expected that a number of comparatively minor Bills “ shelved ” after their introduction last session will appear again this session.

In view of the facetious reception accorded the Poultry Amendment Bill last session it was somewhat surprising to learn from Mr Forbes that the Government will make another attempt this session to place the Bill on the Statute ' Book. It was rend a third time by the House on the last day of the hist session, but was killed by the Legislative Council a few hours later.

Another Bill on the stocks from last session is the measure seeking to extend the life of Parliament from three years to four. By a clause in the Finance Act passed last year the life of this Parliament has thus been extended. The object of the subsequent Bill is to make that change permanent. However, as this Parliament will not normally expire until the end of 1935 Mr Forbes is in no hurry to proceed with the more comprehensive measure which, he said this evening might or might not be put through all its stages this session. All preparations are now completed for the opening of the session to-morrow, and a large crowd, including the officers and men from H.M.A.S. Canberra, is expected to attend.