At Least 24 Bills Almost Ready For House (Press, 21 June 1960)

On 20 June 1960, it was reported from Wellington that Parliament is set to convene on Wednesday for a session that will run until mid-October. While around 24 bills are nearing presentation, they are not expected to generate significant excitement compared to previous sessions. Unlike the last two sessions, where the Opposition frequently complained about a lack of business, it appears that this session will be busier and more engaging. Several notable bills are to be revived from the previous session, each currently at the second-reading stage. These include the Cheques Bill, Poisons Bill, Judicature Amendment Bill (No. 2), Political Disabilities Removal Bill, Police Offences Amendment Bill, Milk Amendment Bill, Education Amendment Bill (No. 2), and the Auckland City Empowering Bill. Additional bills under committee consideration include the contentious Crimes Bill, Criminal Justice Amendment Bill, and Summary Proceedings Amendment Bill. The opposition anticipates heated debates on the Police Offences Amendment Bill, Political Disabilities Removal Bill, and the Crimes Bill. The Crimes Bill has been significantly revised since its last introduction, particularly concerning clauses on homosexual offences, although provisions concerning the abolition of the death penalty for murder are expected to remain unchanged. Furthermore, considerations are being made to abolish the grand jury, aligning New Zealand’s legal framework with those of Britain and Australia, as the current Attorney-General, Mr Mason, concurs with his predecessor that the grand jury serves little purpose today. The Police Offences Amendment Bill seeks to repeal parts of legislation instituted to address industrial unrest in 1951, which may incite strong opposition from industrial labour factions and provoke significant discussion based on recent government actions regarding disputes involving freezing workers and Kawerau. The Political Disabilities Removal Bill aims to facilitate political contributions from trade unions and is viewed as a pre-election promise by some groups. Other expected legislation includes a proposal for better financial management in trade unions, a Chiropractors Registration Bill, and an Animals Protection Bill—though the latter may see the Chiropractors Bill dropped quietly. New initiatives anticipated in this session encompass amendments to the Broadcasting Act to establish a television service and appoint a director, a bill for the construction of the Nelson-Blenheim railway, and legislation for the Te Anau-Manapouri lakes system's development. Additionally, measures will arise from the commission's inquiry into the meat industry and the establishment of a new university grants committee based on the Parry Committee's recommendations. Legislative reports from select committees on local body structures and liquor licensing are imminent, with some committee outputs, such as that from the West Coast development group, awaiting governmental action. Proposals in early preparation stages also include consolidations of the Education and Transport Acts, a fertilisers bill, and regulations controlling unit investment trusts. Overall, the session promises a wide range of legislative considerations and debates, marking a significant period in New Zealand's parliamentary history.

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