SIR JOSEPH WARD PLANS FUTURE WORK FOR PARLIAMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18630, 6 December 1928, Page 6

SIR JOSEPH WARD PLANS FUTURE WORK FOR PARLIAMENT.

SESSION IN FEBRUARY • MAY BE NECESSARY. (Special to the “Star.”) WELLINGTON, December 5. Sir Joseph Ward’s brief statement in the House to-day, in Avhich he mentioned the possibility of a session in February, naturally caused quite a flutter in the House and galleries. Its full significance, however, Avas generally missed. The fact that the Leader of the Opposition should speak in this strain implied, of course, that he expected shortly to be Prime Minister, because only the leader of the House can make arrangements of the kind, but it implied something more. It was an indication that the leaders of the two other parties acquiesced, and the inference is, therefore, unavoidable that the leaders have already exchanged opinions and have reached an understanding regarding the immediate future. Sir Joseph Ward is too old a parliamentarian and has too sure a knowledge of the constitutional position to anticipate events, even by implication, unless he is absolutely sure of his ground. It was as if the real leader of the House was making an announcement, even though it came from the Opposition side and not from the Treasury benches.

SIR JOSEPH WARD'S PROGRAMME. The precise intention of the brief statement made by Sir Joseph Ward in the House this afternoon was not apparent at the moment. The Gover-nor-General’s speech contained the statements that it was not proposed to submit legislative measures this session, and that, as supply had already been granted up t© June 30, the House of Representatives would not be called on to consider financial legislation. Evidently Sir Joseph Ward had other ideas and did not intend to be bound by the ad\uce gi\*en to his Excellency by the present advisers. He, therefore, took the earliest opportunity of telling the House that he deemed certain legislation should be put through, and he gave members to understand that, if the Bills were not put through this session, it would be necessary to summon Parliament to meet in February. Whether members understood Sir Joseph Ward’s remarks in this sense is doubtful, but there can be no doubt as to Sir Joseph’s own intention. PARLIAMENTARY ATMOSPHERE. The air of amity and goodwill so far pervading Parliament will presumably be dispelled to-morrow. It is scarcely likely that the ardent spirits will be able to contain themselves in silence any longer. Mr O’Brien broke out with a question to-day, and so did Mr Sullivan. One or two others were obviously restless, and will certainly ask questions to-morrow. If party leaders agree to Sir Joseph Ward’s proposal to limit speeches in the Address-in-Reply, one or two Labour members will be sadly disappointed. SIR JOSEPH WARD S HEALTH. The leader of the United Party has been in good form this session. His speech of congratulation to the Speaker yesterday was a model of good feeling and clear expression. He spoke quietly and slowly. Considering tfie number of callers at his room and the volume of correspondence with which he has to deal, he looks wonderfully fresh and alert.