INDIGNANT SUPPORTER.

THREAT TO GOVERNMENT.

UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEMS.

MR. FLETCHER'S DECLARATION.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday.

A threat, to walk across tlio floor of the Hotisti if tlio Government failed to tackle, problems becatiso it was alarmed at their magnitude was made in the Houso to-night by Mr. ,T. S. Fletcher (Government—Grey Lynn). The downright declaration was tho outstanding feature of a dull day's debating. The Houso at the time was considering the second reading of P. Eraser's Unemployed Workers' Jsill.

In response to Labour members' plea to UlO Government to legislate for unemployment insurance this session tho Minister of Lands, Hon. G. W. Forbes, acting-Leader of tho Houso, said that hurried legislation might result in a setback. Tho Government recognised the urgency of the matter and it was intended to go into tho wliolo matter during the recess. Government's Determination, It, was tho determination of tho Goveminent io put an Act. on tho Statute Book dealing with unemployment insurance. Co-operation of all coneorncd, however, was needed and the Ministor had 110 doubt that co-operation would bo forthcoming. "In a measuro of this sort it is not advisable to push anything down the throats of anybody," said Mr. Forbes. " I believe thero is a feeling that some better arrangement can bo como to in regard to tho relief of unemployment than tho one at present adopted. Tho Govornment will lose no timo in going into tho question, so that when wo como to next session wo will havo somo measure to place before the House." Mr. Iv. Semplc (Labour —Wellington East) recalled that one United candidate now a member of tho Houso had promised during tho last election that work would be found for the unemployed within six weoks of the United Party getting into office. " I am tlio member who made the statement that work could bo found in a short time," said Mr. Fletcher. " I still bolievo it can be." Mr. K. McKccn (Labour —Wellington South): But tho Government will not do it. Solution of Problem. Mr. Fletcher said he would again tell tho Government how the problem could bo met. Tho problem could bo solved if it were not magnified to the extent it had been. As a first step Mr. Fletcher advocated tho launching of a big reading scheme, as 110 felt the Government's land settlement policy could not be put into operation sufficiently quickly to absorb tho men. The fact that the solution was described as a big job should not stay the hand of the Government. Mr. Fletcher said ho supported the bill and he hoped it would be passed this session. Fojlowing up his argument that the Government should act Mr. Fletcher stated that tlio Ministor of Industries and Commerce, Hon: J. G. Cobbe, had informed him that during the recess tho Government would consider tho holding of 1111 investigation into tho possibilities of developing the secondary industries. "If that is all the Government intends to do, they can take it from nic here and now that they will not havo my support any longer," declared Mr. Fletcher. Reform Members: Bo careful. Pledges to Constituents. "T am being careful," retorted Mr. Fletcher. "I will stand by my pledges to my constituents and get filings dono if it is at all possible. If the Government is to take up this attitude and block tho way by saying they cannot facklo tho job because it is too big, and if tho reply of the Minister is not satisfactory 1 will walk across the floor of the House to-night.." "I think the attitude of the member who lias just spoken borders on rebellion," said Mr. A. M. Samuel (Reform —• Thames). "However, I am inclined to admire him 011 that account." Mr. P. Eraser (Labour —Wellington Central): It was an honest statement, anyway. Mr. Samuel: It was an honest statement, and if other members of tho United Party would only attack tho question in tlio same way tho problem would soon be solved. Mr.-Fletcher's declaration was commented 011 by several subsequent Labour speakers. Both Mr. W. E. Parry (Auckland Central) and Mr. W. E. Barnard (Napier) warned tho Government of results that might follow its decision to postpone. legislation until next session. "I want to ask tho Minister of Lands a straight question and I want a straight answer," said Mr. Barnard. "I want to know why tho Minister talks of waiting until next session and warns us of the perils of acting hastily. Wo have had the spectacle, of a member of the Minister's own party making a demand on the Government tliat this matter should bo taken in hand at once." Mr Holland's Congratulations. Congratulations to Mr. Fletcher were extended by Mr. H. E. Holland, Leader of the Labour Party. "It takes courage to take a stand against tho party of which he is a member," said Mr. Holland. The bill was read a second time, but Mr. Speaker said it would require to drop off the order paper as it involved an appropriation. • "I am of opinion the bill is sufficiently important, to go to the Labour Bills Committee," said Mr. Fletcher. Mr. Forbes said there would be no objection to that courso if that was the wish of the House.

The Right Hon. .T. G. Coajes, Leader of the Opposition: I think it is a matter for the Government. They can adopt this bill if they like. Mr. Speaker said that could not he done. The Minister of Justice, Hon. T. M. Wilford, moved that the hill he. referred to the Labour Mills Committee as he said "to see if the House will agree to it." The requisite unanimous consent was given !>y the House to that course.

TROUBLE IN PALESTINE. SAFETY Or NEW ZEALANDERS. [BY TELEORAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. Wednesday. Tho Prime Minister, replying in the House to a question submitted by Mr. A. Hamilton (Reform —Wallace), slated that in any case where personal inquiries had failed to elicit a reply as to the safety of Now Zeahmders in Palestine the Government would, on request, take tho matter up officially.

SCHOOL DENTAL CLINIC.

POSITION AT AVONDALE.

[BY TKLEOBAI'II. —SPECIAL REPORTER.] W ELLINGTON, Wednesday. Provision to enable scholars of the Avondale Convent School to receive dental attention at the Avondale South clinic was urged bv Mr. H. G. R. Mason (Labour—Auckland Suburbs). Replying in tho House to-day, the Minister of Health, Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, regretted that, it was impossible to incorporate further children until additional nurses were available. As additional nurses were available the services of tho clinics would be extended.