POLITICAL NOTES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16816, 14 August 1920, Page 6

POLITICAL NOTES.

AN ELECTIVE EXECUTIVE. MR, STATHAM’S BILL. BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT - WELLINGTON, Aug. 13. The Elective Executive proposal which came in for a lengthy debate when submitted by Mr. Statham (Dunedin Central) in the form of an amendment to the Address-in-Kepiy was again before the House to-day When the amendment was being debated, Mr. Massey submitted that it was not a proper way in which to bring forward such a proposal; it should come as a private member’s Bill. He promised that the House should have full facilities for discussing such a measure. Mr. Statham took Mr. Massey at his word and to-day asked for leave to introduce the Elective Executive Bill. Mr. Massey feared that it might lead to l an afternoon’s discussion, thus blocking the Estimates, and he said so. Members indicated that they would agree to the first reading without dScussion. Said Mr. Forbes: “We won’t discuss it if the Government takes it up.” . . Mr. Massey showed no inclination to purchase peace at such a price However, members generally agreed not to debate the Bill, and it was read a first time. The Prime Minister said ha would give this Bill a fair run. Said Mr.. Statham: I want it set down for September 1. “The Hon. Member has been a long time introducing it,” replied the Prime Minister. “He didn’t want to interrupt Government business,” said the Hon. J. A. Hanan. The Prime Minister retorted that he would not go back on anything he had said. The Bill was accordingly set down for the second reading on ■September 1. TO THE RESCUE, Even the Chairman of Committee*, has his uses at times. During the debate on the Post and Telegraph Department estimates, Mr. 0. Hawken (Egmont) was arguing that this department and the Railway Department must pay their way'and provide enough to enable adequate salaries to be paid, to the staffs. “What about experimental farms!'” interjected Mr. Parry (Auckland Central). Mr. Hawken did not seem to have a reply handy, but the Chairman or Committee;' came to his rescue. “Experimental farms,” he said, “are not the subject of the discussion.”