A STORMY SESSION

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 84, 25 June 1930, Page 5

A STORMY SESSION

——oPARLIAMENTARY WHISPERS

BUSINESS TO BE HUSTLED.

WELLINGTON, June 24. Every indication is that there will be a rapid-firo opening of the second session of the United Government's tenure of office and there 'locs not appear the slightest doubt that the legislators will be- asked to work as they have rarely worked. In contrast to last year, the work of the House will begin in earnest as soon as Ministers can persuade it to attack legislation and reports that the Budget will be presented within a couple of weeks of the opening of Parliament seem to be founded on fact. The Law Drafting Office, presents a spectacle of activity and there does not appear to be any doubt that important legislation is ready to come off the stocks at any moment.

The Ministry is leaving nothing to chance and the explanation of the burst of activity is the determination of the Prime Minister to attend the Imperial Conference in September. In order that he may do this, it is necessary that controversial measures shall be out of the way. But the ardour of the United Party in preparing for the coming session might be somewhat dampened if it knew that it is by no means certain that the Government will be permitted to continue in office during the coming year. The Reform Party has not pledged itself to a political truce, such as was hinted might be advisable, and is not likely to do so. On the other hand, there is a strong minority movement with the party directed towards the overthrow of the Government at tho earliest possible moment. These mem bers argue that early last session their leader offered the fullest co-operation with the Government in tho endeavour to give it the chance to place its policy into effect, and that instead of being welcomed these offers were treated with disdain. They argue, also, that nothing is now to be expected from the United Party in the way of fulfilment of its election pledges and that the sooner it is removed from office the better. Undoubtedly, too, their thought is coloured by the fact that with its cheap money proposals proving impossible and Sir Joseph Ward a confessed invalid and unfit for the strain of administration, the country may take a different view of the Government. Also, they are confirmed in their view by the dissension which rent the United Party's organisation last year and which they consider did it irreparable damage. There seems little doubt that a majority of the Reform Party is still indined to give the Government another session without seeking to embarrass it by introducing any motions of no-cou-fidence. Whether the views of the smaller, but active minority will prevail remains to be seen. The Reformers urge that, they should fulfil the functions of an active opposition and it is difficult to imagine any party being anxious to assume office during a period such as the present with falling prices, a shrinking revenue and higher taxation inevitable. However, at a pre-sessional conference to bo held at Wellington within the next fortnight, the line of action of the Reform Party will be determined and a policy" laid down for the session approaching. Even if "it is decided to allow Mr Forbes to go to England with j the assurance of a party truce, there will be lively criticism of the "policy" measures which he is introducing early in the session and the attitude of the Opposition will depend upon the provisions of those measures and the spirit in which the Government meets suggestions of amendments.