THREE WEEKS MORE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10923, 12 November 1913, Page 3

THREE WEEKS MORE.

<».—,—■ PRIME MINISTER ON GOVERNMENT'S PROGRAMME. TARIFF REFORM MAY BE DELAYED. [From Orn CoiuuisroxuxNT.] .. WELLINGTON, November 11. The Prime Minister was invited by the House this afternoon to say what the Government's remaining legislative programme is to be. Ho "blamed the long discussion on the introduction of the Second Ballot Repeal Bill for interfering with his plans and preventing a full statement, lie was able, however, to say that the Government proposed to go on with all tho Bills on the Order Paper except one or two. There were also Bills before committees, the Native Land Act Amendment, Native Rating Act Amendment and Reserves Disposal Bills which would be proceeded with. Thero were (several others which had not yet appeared in print. . Sir Joseph Ward: Are we to have a Naval Bill? The Prime Minister: Yes. In a few days. Sir Joseph: And a. Customs tariff? The Prime Minister: lam not able to answer that question at the moment, because owing to what has taken place there lias been a serious disturbance in the revenuo of the country, so that Cabinet will have to consider tho position. " What of the Licensing Bin?" naked Mr Witty. The Prime Minister: That will be proceeded with. Mr Massey caused hearty laughter when he announced that the Hon Dr Pomare's solitary Bill, that relating to the Cook Islands, would be dropped for the session. Finally, in answer to Sir Joseph Ward a he assured Parliament that the Government had quite made up its mind on electoral reform. Sir Joseph Ward said that the Opposition had only indulged in intelligent criticism of- the Second BTUlot Repeal Bill in the absence of intelligence from the Government. Tho Prime Minister: if that was intelligent criticism then Heaven help the House. If there is no obstruction, I am hot referring to reasonable criticism, it can finish easily within three weeks. Sir Joseph Ward declared that the Government having admitted legislation involving important constitutional changes, the Opposition was bound to prevent any alteration in the absence of, an alternative proposal.