A WEEK'S PROGRAMME.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 12584, 14 October 1911, Page 2

A WEEK'S PROGRAMME.

CONDENSED OPTIMISM

(Prom Our Parliamentary Importer.) WKiiilil'NU I UN, tins day. The list of Bills which ihe. Prime Minister yesterday announced his intention of seeing through this session, not to mention the local lii Us it is proposed to jkiss, took members somewhat aback, especially m view of his cheerful announcement m the next breath that he expected to see the business of Parliament completed by to-morrow week. The list includes nine Bills which have not even been introduced yet, two other new ones which' Sir Joseph intimated would be proceeded with no further 'than the second reading; three or four which are at present before committees, and half a score or more of measures which are before the House m all stages of undress. These, together with the Public Works debate and sundry ' other debates that are hanging more or leas imminent on the near horizon, will be a i fair week's work.

In answer to expressions ' of doubt from this and that member as to the chaiice of closing up at the time indicated on the programme mentioned, the Prime Minister remarked pleasantly that he had every confidence about being able to finish, and include also the settlement of the local Bills. If it could not be done then the time must be extended m order to put the work through, said Sir Joseph, and both sides laughed. 'T am prepared," he continued, "to give an opportunity . to local Bills." Mr Herries : The right hon. gentleman has not mentioned. the Aid to Public Works and Trust Settlement Bill m his Avorking list.

Sir Joseph Ward :. Well, I thought there vras no necessity to mention the Loan Bill, as my friends of the Opposition would not be content to disperse without it. (Laughter).