MOCK PARLIAMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17350, 15 May 1924, Page 12

MOCK PARLIAMENT.

SESSIONS CONTINUED. The members of the Mock Parliament, continued their deliberations in fresh surroundings last night, the Christchurch Parliamentary Association having secured permission to use the. Provincial Council Chambers. The Speaker (the Hon G. W. Russel) expressed pleasure that the association had been able to secure the use of the building through the offices of the Prime MinioLer and Mr L. M. fsitt, M.P. When assembled in what was probably the most beautiful buildings in New Zealand, one could mot help thinking of the pioneers of Canterbury, to whom the present generation were indebted for a great deal. The works which had been done by tho first Parliament it should lie their duty to emulate, and, although they were only an amateur body, or a Mock Parliament, he hoped that from amongst them there would come men who would take their place in the councils of State. Tf they took for their pattern and model the ndhlh men wlio sat and legislated for the province :in that building, they would be on solid ground. A motion of thanks to Mr Massey and Mr Isitt was moved by the Prime Minister and spoken to by leaders of the parties. Mr H. Holland said he had a longer connection with the building than probably any ot!)er person present as he had seen the foundation stone laid. The building had been frequently described as the most perfect model of Gothic architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. He was pleased that they were meeting there if only to give tho people of Christchurch an opportunity of seeing the design of the building. The first business was: Questions, and members appeared to have a thirst for information. ’Flic Minister of Public Works and Railways was plied with questions on matters arising out of the recent strike, such as the setting up of a. commission of experts and tho question of better road transport between Lyttelton and Christchurch. In reply to other questions. Ministers expressed the Government’s intentions regarding subsidising the funds to send representatives to the Olympic Games, and outlined the proposals to deal with unemployment. The Minister of Public Works told a member that the Government had no funds to provide for a. poll to give the people of Christchurch an opportunity of expressing by ballot their preference for the tunnel road, or a canal. The House then took the second reading of the Representation Amendment Act, a. bill designed to provide for the increase of membership of the House from eighty to ninety. The Bill went through all stages and eventuallv passed after a. good deal of discussion ; it was the first Bill to be passed bv the House. _________