WITHIN THREE WEEKS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18256, 27 November 1933, Page 5

WITHIN THREE WEEKS

end of the session RESUMPTION IN MARCH MUCH WORK TO BE DONE (Parliamentary Reporter.) ■' M WELLINGTON, this day. There is little doubt but that the present session of Parliament will end within the next three weeks. In that time much legislation will he passed, and a good deal more is likely to be jettisoned. Some of that- which will go overboard on this occasion may be revived next session, but that will largely depend on the public reaction and representations made between now and next March, liic principal business a>, that time will be the new customs tariff, and when that is disposed of ordinary legislation for the year will be put through, thus restoring the system of winter sessions which lias prevailed for so long. Both the Government and the public are tired of having two sessions a year, with their disturbing effect on trade and commerce, and high hopes are entertained of returning to- the old order next year.

LENGTHY FINANCE BILL Wide interest will oe taken in the Finance Bill, winch will'matte its appearance within the next fortnight, it will

contain a fairly largo number of clauses, including an amendment to the Income A Tax Act providing for wider exemptions and provision to ensure that tne southland Power Board pays its London interest in sterling. Other clauses not of a ■ financial nature, but of general interest, will be included, for although legislation of this nature is entitled ‘‘Finance Act,” it is really more of a Government washing-up bill, and takes the place of a number of small individual measures. Its effects are usually wide reaching, however, for it is common practice to amend other legislation by means of a clause in this bill. The ordinary washing-up bills, one dealing with local body affairs and the other dealing with lands, have yet to be introduced, and the Summer Time Amendment Bill, extending the period oi daylight saving, will probably come down this week. It was the intention of the Government to introduce a measure completely overhauling the Poisons Act this session so that its effects could be publicly discussed ; then, if there was a general wish for changes to be made in the proposals, these -could be dealt- with during the recess, and the bill reintroduced and put through next session. OLD NEW ZEALAND ACT

It is understood that the bill is now ready for introduction, but that fresh information concerning changes in British legislation dealing with the same subject has just been received, and that in the light of this the whole bill is being considered de novo. The present New Zealand Act is 40 years old, and is very much out of date. It has frequently been criticised by coroners and others who have found that newly-discovered deadly poisons are not covered by the Act. The changes which it was proposed to make were based on the English Act of a few years ago, but working experience showed the L~ British law-makers that there was need A for a further amendment, which has just taken place. Friday of last week saw a start made on consideration of the estimates for the current year, and another day will be devoted to them to-morrow. Even allowing for pressure bv the Government to expedite their passu- they will require another four or five days, indicating that there will he all-night sittings and extended hours within the next fortnight. Of the three biir bills of the session, that setting up the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the Companies Bill, and the Municipal Corporations Consolidation, only the latter remains to be dealt with ' at length. It is at present before the Local Bills Committee, which is hearing evidence from members and officers of municipalities, and it will probably be reported back to the House this week. OLD STORY RECALLED

There is likely to be a good deal of debate oil questions of amalgamation of local bodies and the extension of the term of office from two to three years, but it is not likely that the measure -will lie substantially changed. Probable Labor opposition to any extension of the term of office recalls a story which still goes the. political rounds concerning the extension of the life of Parliament. During the war, it is related that the late Mr. J. McCombs was fighting a measure strenuously, but when the crucial division was taken there was an overwhelming majority in favor of the proposal. Mr. McCombs and Mr. Massey met as tney walked out of the Chamber, arid with his stem North of Ireland accents, Mr. Massey is supposed to have said: “Weil, your prayers were more effective than your votes.” Possibly there will be an occasion in the near future when this comment can be used again.