MORNING SITTINGS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12393, 14 December 1909, Page 5

MORNING SITTINGS.

TO COMMENCE ON THURSDAY

Some two hours or more, comprising the major portion of this afternoon's sitting, were taken up with a discussion on the question of morning sittings. The Prime Minister moved that on and after to-morrow the House should commence its sittings at 10 a.m. This proved a long debate, lasting up till the dinner adjournment. Members of the Opposition objected very strongly to sitting morning, afternoon, and night, as being too great a test on human endurance, and it was also pointed out that if the House sat in the mornings members would be unable to attend to committee work or their correspondence and business arising therefrom. Mr Massey, in" alluding to-the apparent desire to. rush through the business, said that the whole difficulty had arisen from the unfortunate : postponement of thf\ session from jJuno. -till Octobers

Eventually the--Prime Minister altered his by .providing thait: the morning sittings should "commence on Thursday, and in this form it was carried.

The Prime Minister was urged ■ to make a statement as to the business that it was intended to proceed with, but lie said he would; make the statement on Thursday or ;Friday after seeing what was done in the meantime.

During the discussion Mr Hanan got into trouble with the Speaker, and had to withdraw some remarks that he had made: Mr Hanan charged -the Opposition with " cant, humbug, and hypocrisy." , _..

Mr Massey drew the Speaker's attention to the language used. Mr Speaker said he understood Mr Hanan was " only referring to that expression in a political sense." This remark was received with laughter. Mr Hanan then referred to the Opposition as political humbugs. Mr Massey—l must again draw your attention, Mr Speaker, to the language that is being used. Mr Speaker—That must be withdrawn. Mr Hanan —Very well, I withdraw it, but if the cap fits Mr Speaker—The lion, member must withdraw that further remark.

Mr Hanan —I withdraw it willingly Mr Speaker—At your wish.