THE WEEK IN PARLIAMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16847, 25 September 1922, Page 3

THE WEEK IN PARLIAMENT.

“ NEW ZEALAND WILL BE THERE.” THE RAILWAY POLICY. ('Special to the “ Star.’') WELLINGTON. September 23. ; The absence of any theatrical display ; characterised the proceedings of the ! House at the beginning of the week ) when the Prime Minister moved a forj mal motion endorsing the action of 1 Cabinet in making a ready response to j the call of Empire- Tho gravity of the j situation was emphasised by some i speakers, but the majority lent to the opinion that there would be no war with the ‘‘terrible'” Turks. However, the leader of the Labour Party was alone in suggesting that Mr Lloyd George's appeal was in the nature of a big bluff. Labour moved an amendment. but it was of a harmless nature, and silently the Party voted with the Government and thereby endorsed the proposal to send a contingent away, should such a step prove necessary. No flog waving or anthem singing followed the unanimous passing of the Prime Minister's motion. It was clear that nobody wanted, war, and just as clear that if war was declared New Zealand would bo there. Wednesday found the House disinclined to settle down to every-day polities, and time was wasted to a certain extent- by unimportant discussion*on reports from Select Committees. If a committee makes a favourable report there are always one or two members anxious to explain that the committee has done its work well. Their remarks reach Hansard, and consequently they can feel sure of the vote of the petitioner and his friends. Should a committee make an unfavourable recommendation then they feel bound to say that a mistake has been made. There is not a chance in the wide world of rectifying tho mistake, but that does not w ? eigh with them. A chance to say something is seldom allowed to pass. Many answers to questions were circulated, and members failed to express their usual dissatis- . faction. Only one thing prevented them from doing so. They were denied the usual opportunity. When the House was putting through the State Advances Amendment Bill on Wednesday Mr T. K. Sidey was I cruel enough to suggest that Mr Massey’s proposal to strengthen the funds by adding another £2,000,000 was made for electioneering purposes. This hurt Mr Massov. Ho denied that he could be held guilty of stooping to such tactics. The Opposition was not convinced, and said so. Mr Massey said that he had some surprising " legislation in store, including the extension of some of the privileges of the Repatriation Act to civilians—small men vho desired to enter into business on their own account and found difficulty in raising the necessary capital. He

the necessary capital. lie told the members. of the Opposition that if they voted against the legislation he intended to introduce, it would he mighty bad electioneering from their

point of view. So far this session tile Prime Minister lias been very careful not to introduce any contentious Bills, and it seems quite reasonable to suppose that be will continue along these lines. He will be a shrewd man n be can continue to make proposals which the Liberals must support. For a couple of hours on Thursday and for live hours on Friday memoers discussed the railway administration, and said nothing that was flattering to either the Minister or his Department. Some made requests involving the expenditure of countless millions. This was either electioneering or a verification of the old proverb that hope springs eternal. Electioneering . probably wins by the- length of the straight. There were other members who thought that they were making modest requests when they sought to revolutionise the Department's policy so that the railways would at least pa'y their way. A King Country representative suggested that the balance might lie on the i ight side if a station nmster j were sent to Okobaukura. Others} thought that more efficient management might do the trick. The Minister did not commit himself to anything beyond the statement that the management was already efficient, and therefore it was to he improved by the appointment of a board. Having, beard that much the House, without further ado. vole ' the £0,000,000 required. Country members made their usu.-T: appeal for back-country schools when tlie Education Department's estimates were under consideration. The Minister said that he had treated the back j countries well, and the House went off i oil a. new tack. Mr Holland brought up the Park case, but said that he would not discuss such an important subject while so few members were in their seats. He would return to the attack later.® Air Parr said, in effect: “By all means do so. I am just aching to tell the House all 1 know about the Park case-- There is much to be told. Let me at ft.” So there is something in store. The Land and'lncome Tax Bill, promised for last week, has been delayed. It might come next week and it might not. It seems to depend upon developments iu the Near East. It is j quite certain that if there is going toj no a war there will he no reduction in } taxation.