BUDGET DEBATE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 216, 12 September 1934, Page 15

BUDGET DEBATE.

BACK-BENCHERS' DAY.

ALSATIAN BILL INTRODUCED.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. Although there are still a fair number of speakers waiting to take part in the Financial debate, the interest, both public and political, has fallen to a very low ebb, and those who were called by Mr. Speaker in the House of Representatives yesterday, did not arouse much interest. The general business of the House was disposed of in a few minutes, several petitions being presented, a number of reports placed on the table, and the Alsatian Dog Bill being received from the Legislative Council. The Alsatian Dog Bill was read a first time, while members indulged in a quiet laugh. Then the backbenchers had their opportunity to talk on the Budget, and the debate was confined to their numbers until the Hon. J. G. Cobbe entered the lists at 11.30 p.m. Taken generally, the debate followed the well-worn trails blazed during the last week. Labour members criticised the Government, and Government members complimented Mr. Coates. The only Independent member to speak during the day, Mr. C. A. Wilkinson, who joined Labour members in criticising the Government, but introduced a new note by attacking the Minister of Finance on the question of profits from the minting of silver coinage.

As was to be expected, when Mr. D. W. Coleman (Labour, Gisborne), and Mr. E. F. Healy, (Government, Wairau), addressed the House, railway construction was added to tlie varied topics under discussion, the former advocating the completion of the Gisborne-Wairoa line, and the latter endorsing' his former advocacy of the South Island Main Trunk.