PARLIAMENT IN SESSION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2526, 12 June 1909, Page 4

PARLIAMENT IN SESSION

YESTERDAY’S" DOINGS

A HOST OF QUESTIONS

(Special to “Times.”)

WELLINGTON, June 11. A large number off questions nave been placed on the Order Paper so far, and some anxiety Is felt as to whether j they will be answered, the Speaker to-dav stated, that, as Wednesday was the onlv day on which questions were answered, he could not compel replies earlier. Some members fear that Barli ament may close its doors be tore tjat day. and feel aggrieved at the prospect of getting no result from their industry. . Notices of motion are also numerous, but they will have no chance to get , consideration. . Mr. R. A. Wright (Wellington South), wlio was returned as an Independent member, 'has evidently fadeu into the ranYs of the Opposition, for he remarked to-dav he reckoned "All the talk this session Is going to come from tills side of the House,” indicating the Opposition’ benches m tne neighborhood of which he sits. thf condition of the police FORCE. ' The condition of the police force of the Dominion formed the subject of some comment by Mr. Herdman in the House to-dav. He was speaking on Ins Public Service Bill, and in the course of his remarks said that the police force was in a very unsatisfactory state. It was entirely due, he believed, tb the fact that no proper supervision was exercised by the head of the Department in making appointments.- He did not in any way blame the Minister of Justice, who was keen and anxious In the discharge of Ills duties and who, he believed, was animated by motives and a desire to promote a better condition of things in the Department. He (Mr. Herdman) added that he was inclined to the opinion that the head of the Department was responsible for the state of tilings that existed, which amounted almost to a* scandal. The force was in a condition of chaos, due almost entirely to the fact mat political influence was exerted in tne . making of appointments. That sort or y thing ought not to be allowed to continue. THE ADDRESS-IN-REPLY DEBATE The speeches in the House on the Addrcss-in-Reply did not begin till tfio afternoon, and dealt mainly with Sir Joseph Ward’s projected departure ana the adjournment of the business of the House for three months. No new points were brought- out. and the discussion was somewhat dreary. Mr. Massey made the best effort. He was in good form, and displayed an unusual amount of satirical humor that set the House in roars at times. Especially was this the case when he criticised Ministers individually and collectively. He described the collective body as policy-less and “A Ministry of all sorts.” representing land nationalism's, freeholders, optional tenyirists. Socialists, and other diverse peculiarities. As to the proposed prorogation, lie entered a most emphatic protest. and moved an amendment in support thereof, having emphasised his former statement respecting the delay of business, by exclaiming: "I wash my hands of it. The responsibility rests with those who have agreed to the proposal.”