PARLIAMENT

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 97, 6 December 1928, Page 5

PARLIAMENT

NOTICE GIVEN TO WE I ADDRESS IN REPLY OPPOSITION SUGGESTION TO LIMIT DEBATE. LABOUR. PARTY’S SILENCE. WELLINGTON, Last Night. Weather conditions were again , favourable for the further ceremonies connected with the opening of Parliament, These proceedings! conslstiod of tlie arrilval of His Excellency the (GovernorGeneral and suite for the pnr- ; pos e of reading the Speech to uiembers of both Houses. To witness this portion of the ceicinonies a great crowd gatheicd in ‘ the;grounds’ of Parliament House, bright sunshine contributing materially to the pleasure of the outing. After the reading of the speech, Mr J. McCombs, the Labour member for Lyttelton, at this stage affirmed his allegiance to the King. Mr A. B. Ansell (Chalmers) gave notice of his intention to move that a respectful address be presented to His Excellency in reply to Plis Excellency’s speech. NO CONFIDENCE AMENDMENT. Sir Josph Ward gave notice of his intention to move an amendment to the motion' to the effect that 1 His Excellency’s advisers did no possess the confidence of the House. Mr P. Fraser (Wellington Central) gave notice t'o introduce the Rent Restriction Continuance Bill. Mr J. O’Brien (Westland) gave notice to ask whether the Government would, increase the rates of pay on relief works from 9s to 12s per day to standard rates of pay in the districts concerned.

In reply tioj Mr D. G. Sullivan (Avon) the Prime Minister said that the number of registered unemployed in the Dominison last June was 3300; in October it was 2360; at present it was 1S00; while the number in Christchurch was 388. Mr Sullivan: And that in the height of the suramerContinuing, the Prime Minister said h e would ,as requested by the member, see what 1 could be done to alleviate the condidtion of the unemployed. Six weeks’ leave of absence was, on the motion of Mr E. J. Howard, granted Mr W. J, Jordan (Manukau), who is absent on urgent public business. 1 On the motion of the Prime Minister the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill was read a first time pro forma. The Speaker reported that he had received a copy of His Excellency s Speech to both Houses, and a copy would be laid on the table of the House. The Prinie Minister moved that the House adjourn till 2.30 p.m. tomorrow. Sir Joseph Ward asked what 1 cours e the Prime Minister proposed to take to-mbrrow.

FORMAL BUSINESS. Mr Coates said he proposed to take certain formal business (and then begin the debate on the Address-in-Roply. Under ordinary circumstances they Would have only the speeches of the mover and seconder and then adjourn. On this occasion he thought they would best! serve the wishes of the House and the interests of the country if the debate was continued right on. If some arrangements could he made by which each side put up one speaker he thought the requirements of the debate could bo met and they might fnish the session on Friday night or some time on Saturday morning. SIR JOSEPH AGREES. Sir Joseph Ward said so far as he was concerned he would agree to the Prime Minister’s proposal. It they could arrange for one speaker it would certainly shorten the proceedings. and he would be glad to know that th e Leader of the Labour Party was prepared to fall into line. If no arrangement was made he thought another session would he necessary in February. He was not prepared to give his reasons for making that statement at the moment, hut he would do so if he had the opportunity to-morrow afternoon or evening. IMr Holland did not make a statement and did not disclose what attitude the Labour Party would adopt towards the Prime Minister’s suggestion to limit the debate. Seen later, Sir Joseph Ward explained that what he meant by a session in February was that he was

thi3 session prepared to submit legislation to the House which, it passed, would meet' the present requirement's and no session would be necessary till June, but if not then he was convinced a session m February would be imperative. The House rose at 2.55 p.m. ti 2.30 p.m. to-morrow.