NOTES FROM THE GALLERY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19999, 15 July 1920, Page 7

NOTES FROM THE GALLERY.

PARLIAMENT DAY BY DAY. DOINGS IN THE HOUSE. (Special to tho “Star.”) WELLINGTON. July 14. MISSING FROM THE ORDER PAPER. The member for Bailor yesterday gavc notice of a question expressing an opinion as to the way Hie Gish problem should bo settled, hut it wasn’t put on the Order Paper.' - i “I riso to point out to you,” said I Mr Holland to-day, “that the notice i ft motion I presented yesterday does I not appear on the Order Paper, and to ask whether the motion has been ruled out of order,” ; . Tllft Speaker said the notice of mo- ! tion was submitted to him. “l am of opinion,” he said, “that it should not bo placed on tho Order Paper, for : tho reason that it dictates to the British Government, or rather reflects on i,ho action of the British Government-. I take tho responsibility on nivrclt of saying that it is not proper for this IJoufto to reflect on the action of the British Government at a. critical period.” | Mr Holland; “On the question of, privilege.” The 'Speaker: “If the lion, member! disputes the Speaker’s ruling ho must ' do so by giving notice. ’ I Mr Holland: “I accept your ruling; Lilt do you rule that if my privileges as a member of Parliament have been infringed I cannot discuss the question, except by giving notice of motion, which cither you or the Government can prevent being discussed this session ?” The Speaker said ho had nothing to do with tho question not being reached. “Hon. members’ privileges have not been infringed. I may have given, a wrong ruling, but that must be corrected in a constitutional way.” INDEPENDE.-, fS TO UNITE There is a movement among the Tnedeponuent mem tiers of Parliament, and there are quite a number who come under that classification, to come together for mutual knowledge and enlightenment in regard to the legislation before the House, and for tho discussion of matters that, may be* for the, wcllare of the country. So far tlie.ro _ is no indication of any party ambitions, or any aspirations to attack in any concerted way the course of tho Government with the idea of gaining power or prominence. The independence that exists will bo utilised in the watchfulness of measure and men. WHERE REFORM PARTY IS . WEAK.. Tho weakness of the Reform Parly in the Nelson, Marlborough, North Canterbury and Westland districts enabled Mr M’Callum to have a little gibe at- the Prime Minister. He asked, quite seriously, if the Prime Minister, in making future Cabinet appointments, would consider the claims of those districts whioh. (except .for a period when the late Mr J. Colvin had held office, had not had a member in Uie Ministry since Mr Seddon. Of course, the position was rather difficult, owing to tho fact that of tho six members four wero Liberal, ono Labour and ono Reform. He suggested, however, that Mr Reform member for Motucka. would strengthen tho Cabinet, and adorn, the Treasury bond) on. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the suggestion, which appealed to him, especially the suggestion that the member for Motucka should bo_ -appointed. Mr Hudson, lie was satisfied, would make an excellent Minister. Ho was a, steady and reliable worker, and popular and loyal, and these were qualifications very hard to bent. His difficulty was that m the House there were so many possessed Df tho snJiio iqualifiontions. Ho wis sure that many of .ins supporters daserved seats (Opposition laughter;, but unfortunately only a-certain number could get Cabinet rank. He would be glad to bear the suggestion in mind when the time came to appoint another Minister, though lie did not want that time to come, for there was no more difficult task than appointing Ministers. Air Vigor Brown: “You surely haven’t got any dissatisfied members in your party?” ' Air Massey: “No; they are a, loyal body of men, who will accept my verdict, right or wrong.'’ . Air Witty: “You brought them to heel last week-” AIR NGATA SCORES. Tho member for Eastern Maori (the Hon A. T. Ngata) is a quick thinkci. For instance, when the Liberal Party waa urging last night Jliha-b aliens, whoso papers of naturalisation had been annulled, should have the right of appeal to the Supreme Court, The Minister of Education ridiculed tho idea of suggesting that the highest Court in the laud should be worried with such trivial mutter?. He argued that it- was absurd. “ And yet,” broke in Mr Ngata-, “you have the Govcriior-Gc-nora’i to sign the original papers'.” UNPOPULAR ALLUSION. In dealing in the House with thesubject concerning the naturalisation of aliens Mr Holland made a ratlioi unpopular,allusion by way of illustration. “You received the Prince ot Wales with open arms,” he began. Cries of “Mby not? ’ broke out from all quarters of tho House, and prevented the member from continuing, till order was called by the chairman, who instructed Air Holland to confirio himself more closely to the matter before the committee.