The Wanganui Chronicle THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1931. THE PARLIAMENTARY SESSION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 148, 25 June 1931, Page 6

The Wanganui Chronicle THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1931. THE PARLIAMENTARY SESSION

y’HE Parliamentary session whieh opens to-day promises to provide a piquant situation. The Government has had a clear indication in the Hauraki by-election that it is unacceptable to the country. It knows that its days are numbered, and that the next general election will see the United Party eclipsed, with the Reform Party in office and the Labour Party as the ol'licial opposition. Nothing but a miracle can bring about any other result. fusion was a card played in desperation, knowing full well that the United Party is a bankrupt concern. It did offer the prospect of some of their members being slaved from annihilation in the forthcoming debacle. But this is just what will do good. In a few instances the members of the Government have proved themselves to be able men in the conduct of public affairs, but some members of the Cabinet have been conspicuous failures, and the rank and file of the party has certainly not been of a high order of ability. The constituencies generally wish to be relieved of these incompetants, and fusion or no fusion between the parties, the incompetent men will be relieved of their offices. In such circumstances, how- shall the Government aet? It has evidently despaired of its own ability to improve its position and has decided upon a small legislative programme, which, it anticipates will last but two months. The end of August should therefore see the end of the session, and the month of September should witness the general election. The crucial legislation will, of course, be the financial proposals, and although this may be a contentious measure it is more likely to pass the House than it would were a general election not imminent. The real contest at the next election will be between the upper millstone of Reform and the nether millstone of Labour. Air Forces will, however, contrive to obtrude his party into the contest between the two real protagonists. How he can achieve tnis is his real problem during the session from a party contest point of view.