IN FIVE MINUTES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 281, 26 November 1937, Page 14

IN FIVE MINUTES.

HUGE SUMS PASSED. RADIO SERVICES: £354,416. OPPOSITION TACTICS T '.V.j Telesjrnph.— Pnrliimiontnry Reporter.) \YKLIjINGTOV, Thursday.

Tho National Ftroadcasting estimates, totalling iJ'tVt.t 10, were paused by the House of Representatives to-night in five minutes, this extraordinary celerity being due either to Opposition plans or a strategical error. It was 10.15 when this ex|HMiditure, one of the most contentious among the millions which have been voted, ciinte under review. it was divided into two sections—broadcasting Ji2.1:1,1).'!.'!, and commercial broadcasting £ 120.04.'!.

"We hrve had a lo>t of discussion and the hour is rather late," remarked Mr. Hamilton, Leader of the Opposition, in announcing that he intended to move a reduction in the vote by JLl'2(l,tl4:i.

; This represented the total of the final «|ubdivision, mid Mr. Hamilton explained that he wished to see it eliminated because the Opposition Viad no confidence in commercial broadcasting, while he personally thought the appointment of the controller was unfortunate, and that opinion was held by a mighty lot of people in New Zealand. There were two directors, but he thought Professor S lie I ley had the approval of everybody.

Opposition members showed no desire to talk, for they preferred to vote on their leader's amendment. It went to division, was negatived by 40 votes to Hi. and Mr. K. A. Wright (Independent, Wellington Suburbs) proceeded to a«k questions about the'item in the ordinary brondcasting vote, under which £20,000 is transferred to the works fund a* progress payment in connection with the new broadcasting house and conservatorium of musio and spoken arts. He w«m allowed to complete his speech, but the Chairman of Committees, Mr. Howard, permitted no further discussion.

"The total vote has been carried by the refusal of the House to reduce the last item," he announced, much to the surprise of . most members "There's nothing left on the Estimates," declared Mr. Howard with finality.

Ag some Oppositionists seemed puzzled and were inclined to continue, the Minister of Labour, Mr. Armstrong, told them laughingly; "Try it next year."

The chairman instructed officer* to call Mr. Speaker," who was informed that the Estimates were passed, and the next move was from the Prime Minister, who moved that the House adjourn—a welcome proceeding after the exhaustive sittings.