A SHORT SESSION

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20523, 13 June 1938, Page 6

A SHORT SESSION

As was expected the Prime Minister proposes to curtail the length of the third session, and his outline of the business to be dealt with shows that several important matters will be jettisoned. When last week Mr Savage said that there would be no revision of the tariff it was evident that the promised overhaul of the taxation system would be postponed. In 1936 he admitted that it was a task for this Government, and would be dealt with, but that important matter, and such measures as the Local Body Amalgamation Bill and the amendments to the transport legislation, apparently will be jettisoned. The Budget this year will be introduced earlier than usual, and promises to be of exceptional importance. With the national revenue buoyant it might have been possible to anticipate some lightening of the load on the taxpayer, but the Minister will have framed his proposals with the new social legislation prominently in mind. The plans will not come into operation until next financial year, but it will not be possible to avoid making some preparation for them, and, indeed, Mr Nash may decide to give the country in detail the courses he favours for establishing the extended social services on a sound basis. It is to be hoped that the desire to bring the session to an early close will not mean any attempt to drive the social measures through the House. They are of outstanding importance, involving the expenditure of many millions of revenue and imposing on all wageearners and others a 5 per cent, impost. It was the original intention of the Government to deal with national superannuation and health insurance in one comprehensive Bill. At a later stage Mr Savage announced that it was probable that there would be two measures, but apparently as a result of further study, and it may be on the reoommondation of the Parliamentary Committee, the first idea has been revived. However introduced the proposals will be the chief item of the session. It is cheering to find the Education Amendment Bill in the list of measures to be considered. It would have been most unfortunate for the Hon. P. Fraser, after devoting his time and attention since assuming office to this important work, had he not obtained an opportunity to place his plans before Parliament. And they, too, will be of such importance that a hurried discussion could not do them justice. Where time may be saved will be in connection with the routine business, and from the commencement of the session there should be no early adjournments. A full work-ing-week would be of assistance in getting through even an amended sessional programme.