THE COMING SESSION

Otago Witness, Issue 3523, 20 September 1921, Page 51

THE COMING SESSION

A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME. (Fbom Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, September 18. Quite a number of members of Parliament, some undoubtedly attracted hitner at an earlier date than usual by toe big football match, are already in Wellington. In the present financial and commercial condition of the country, when economy and not expenditure must be the watchword, there does not seem to be the same necessity as formerly for a bulky Statute Book, and the idea is gaining ground that the session will, after a!), end on the eve of Christmas or at least the New Year holidays. Ihe great majority of members are not at all anxious that it should be continued into the new year. There are quite a number of Government measures already drafted or in process of incubation. Chief amongst these in point of public interest is tne Tariff Bill; but it. is generally conceded that it is unnecessary to force this through in one session. 'i iiere is -lately to be more than usual attention devoted to matters of finance, but so. few of the members of the House are experts in finance that the criticism is not likely to be unduly prolonged. A reduction in the income tax has been promised, but it is now not very easy to see how the ' Government can accomplish this. If there is any reduction in one direction there is"' almost certain to be an increase in some older direction. Some modification in regard to the taxation of companies may, however, be looked for. Possibly more revenue may be raised from further taxation on amusements that ai present are not taxed. 'this will not be greatly obto, as an amusement tax is generally regarded in present circumstances as a fai r mark for the Treasury to aim at. There will probably be an amendment of the Mortgages Extension Act in the direction of minimising its present effects, and a gradual extinction of the present law. A statement from Mr Massey in regard to shipping facilities and rates will ' be 1 awaited with interest; but it may be ; doubted if the time is opportune for the establishment of new shipping lines. i , There will of course be a Land Bill, and I the policy of the oresent Government, which I has met with the approval of the country, ' induces one lo the belief that there may '• be some further proposals in regard to tlie ! freehold principle. There must be some 1 amended legislation in regard to soldier ' : The Hon - J- G. Coates will intro- 1 duce a Iligaways Bill, the main manciples ' of which have already been made public. J lie amendments in the Education Act 1 uili not bo of verv great importance in view of the scarcity of moneys available 1 in this as in other directions. Public health P pensions, and external affairs are likely to * engage the attention of members, and in * regard to the last-named it will be left to c Parliament to decide. With regard to the burning question of f hquor or no liquor in Samoa, it is unlikely C that the House will go back on prohibi- ! tion for tiicse islands. 1 There is a likelihod that there may be legislation providing for a reduction in the salaries in the Public Service, and if this 1 is agreed to it follows that a reduction in salaries of Ministers and members of boih Houses must also be provided. "the report of the Racing Commission will lead to keen debate. Members generally think that the report of the Commission will not be agreed to by Parliament. A 1 I.a hour Bill will be introduced, but the c chances of the passing of any contprelien- 1 S've measure on this subject in a session X commencing so late as this one are not 1 at all assured. The Committee of the n House that took evidence some time ago did not report., and the question will have 1 to be resubmitted to the Labour Bills 11 Committee before the Bill can come before c the House for its second reading b