THE END IN SIGHT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23886, 14 August 1939, Page 10

THE END IN SIGHT

WORK OF THE SESSION COMPLETION BY END OF SEPTEMBER MR SAVAGE'S RAPID RECOVERY (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) ' WELLINGTON, Aug. 13. The prospects for the remainder of thjs parliamentary session are unchanged. So far as is known, nothing in the way of major legislation is proposed, and the general expectation is that, barring unexpected developments which may cause a prolongation, the whole of the business will have been completed by the end of September. The almost furious legislative pace of the Government's first term of office has apparently left it with little to do now. New life was infused into the financial debate, which was falling very flat last week when the Opposition launched its amendment calling on the Government, following the speech made by Mr J. A. Lee on Wednesday night, to declare itself unequivocally against any suggestion of repudiation of the Dominion's overseas debt. Government members accused the Opposition of playing a party trick, but the aim of the amendment was nevertheless served by the statement it drew from the Acting Prime Minister (Mr P. Frasery that debt obligations would be honoured in full. Although there can now be no doubt where the Government stands, Mr Lee, in a speech on Friday, was completely unrepentant. In fact, his whole bearing in the House during the ".repudiation" debate was that of a man who was in no way dissatisfied with what he had done. It is expected that the financial debate will end during the coming week, probably on Wednesday. The House will probably turn then to consideration of the Estimates. Usually these contsitute about a parliamentary week's work, so that shortly it will be necessary for the Government to cast about for some coal to stoke the legislative fires. A Taxing Bill, a Transport Bill, and a • Bill dealing with apprenticeships are likely to be the most important brought forward. It now seems possible that .the Prime Minister (Mr Savage) will be back in his place in the House before the end of the session, although of necessity he will not undertake any of the more strenuous duties of his position. Mr Savage's colleagues are astounded and delighted at the rapid progress he has made since he underwent a serious abdominal operation last Friday week, for he is now reported to be eating fairly hearty meals, and there is even talk of his being able to return to his home in Northland, a Wellington hillside suburb, by next Thursday. Messages of sympathy with Mr Savage in his illness continue to pour into his office in hundreds, a notable feature being the number which are addressed in the handwriting of children. • The Minister of Labour (Mr P. C. Webb), who is in hospital with an eye affliction, is also reported to be progressing well. It seems that it will not be long before he is back at his office at Parliament House. A CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT

(Pw» United Press Association) WELLINGTON, Aug. 13. The condition of the Prime Minister (Mr M. J. Savages) continues to be satisfactory. It was reported tonight that Mr Savage had made good progress over the week-end.