WITHOUT LIGHT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160737, 25 August 1920, Page 2

WITHOUT LIGHT.

PARLIAMENT PERTURBED. (By Telegraph—Special to “Herald”). WELLINGTON, August 24. The prospect of doing without light as well as trams naturally prompted members to ask questions of the Premier when the House met to-day. The Hon. Mac Donald, who has returned to his place as Leader of the Opposition, wished to know how the business of the House would be conducted. My Massey stated it would be difficult to light the large chamber except by electricity, but a trial was being made of a special light, which could be used if successful, otherwise he proposed to ask the House to adjourn at 6.30 and meet at 11 o’clock each morning, doing committee work in the evenings, as it would be easier to light the committee rooms. The Hon. Hanan: “A blessing in disguise!” Air Fraser asked the Minister if he was aware that there was plenty of coal at the wharf and watersiders were willing and eager to unload it. Surely the dispute in regard to the superphosphate boat could be isolated. Air Massey explained that the Conciliation Commissioner was at work. Mr Holland took advantage of this opportunity to urge speedy development of the Buller Gorge railway and coal areas. Tire Premier’s answer was that something more' direct and speedy had to ho done otherwise there would be a good deal of hardship and inconvenience before the Buller coalfield could be developed. Soon after 5 o’clock members could hardly see each other in the chamber, hut persevered with the discussion" until about 5.20. Electricity gleamed up during the middle of a Ministerial statement. Oppositionists naturally cracked jokes about the necessity of enlightenment. The Premier made a suitable retort, announcing arrangements had been completed for lighting the House till 10.30 p.m. so as to enable some business to be done.