THE COMING SESSION

Southland Times, Issue 19458, 24 January 1925, Page 5

THE COMING SESSION

EARLY MEETING UNLIKELY. WELLINGTON, January’ 22. In view of events which have occurred in the last month or two, it does not seem likely, says the Post, that members of Parliament will be called together any earlier than usual, which would be towards the end of June. The Prime Minister, who has been confined to his residence in Wellington with only one or two breaks ever since the 1924 session ended, is reported to be making satisfactory progress towards recovery, but he is suffering from a complaint which may leave him at any time, or which, on the other hand, may be prolonged and necessitate medical attention for some months. It is problematical, therefore, whether he- would be fit to resume his duties in the event of the session commencing earlier. Mr Massey’s second-in-command, the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, led the House during the Prime Minister’s indisposition towards the end of last session, and he might carry on until Mr Massey is sufficiently restored to health to be able to take his place in the House, but it is now announced that Mr Stewart is leaving for America on a health trip which, to be of real benefit to him, must be. of several weeks’ duration. The combination of circumstances makes it improbable that Parliament will meet any earlier than usual this year, and this view is supported by opinions expressed in official circles in Parliament buildings. It is probable that Mr Stewart would have represented New Zealand at the Imperial Peace Protocol Conference if it had not been abandoned, as announced by cablegram yesterday.