LIFE OF PARLIAMENT

Southland Times, Issue 21854, 3 November 1932, Page 5

LIFE OF PARLIAMENT

FOUR YEAR TERMS. PROVISIONS IN BILL. (From Our Parliamentary Reporter). Wellington, November 2. The permanent establishment of four yearly Parliaments is sought in the Electoral Amendment Bill which was read a first time in the House this afternoon. By the Finance Act of last session the life of Parliament was extended by ono year and the object of the bill is to extend the same provision to subsequent Parliaments, making the interval between elections a maximum of four years. In conjunction with the extension of the term of Parliament, the time between the licensing polls is automatically extended, since the licensing poll must be taken the same day as the general election. The next licensing referendum is to be held at the same time as the second general election is held after August 31, 1931 the date of the passing of the Licensing Poll Postponement Act. At present the election of members of licensing committees follows the triennial licensing poll, but the present bill makes a consequential amendment, making the election of licensing committees at four yearly periods.