POLITICAL NOTES

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20978, 5 October 1933, Page 8

POLITICAL NOTES

——-4[From Our Parliamentary Reporter J WELLINGTON, October 4 Export of Hides. The Hon. R. Masters, Minister for Industries and Commerce, announced to-day that the present arrangement of the Overseas Shipowners' Allotment Committee to surcharge freight rates on hides to Canada on the same basis as those applying to shipments to the United Kingdom will be continued up to the end of November. Negotiations to place exporters of hides to Canada on an equal footing with exporters to the United Kingdom in respect of the exchange on freight rates were entered into with the committee in May last, and have, in the opinion of the Minister, assisted materially in developing the hides market with Canada, resulting in record shipments being made for the present season. Mrs McCombs's Election. The view that Mrs E. R. McCombs should not have been opposed at the recent by-election in Lyttelton is not subscribed to by Mr J. Hargest (C-, Invercargill). "The Leader of the Opposition regretted that the Government had opposed Mrs McCombs," said Mr Hargest in the 'House to-night; "but I think he will admit, and she will agree, that it is more satisfactory to enter this House after defeating a strong opponent than to have a walk-over. Her victory has been received with a good deal of satisfaction by her sisters throughout the Dominion, no matter to what political party they belong. She is a pioneer, and her entry into Parliament is regarded as some slight reward for what women have done throughout the years. It will stimulate their efforts, especially in social legislation. I hope Mr s McCombs will have I a very happy time in this House." | Demand for Election. Some amusing observations on the Labour party's demand for an im- [ mediate election were made by Mr A. E. Jull (C., Waipawa) in the House of Representatives this i evening. When an extension of time was proposed for Mr P. Fraser (Lab., Wellington Central), Mr Jull voiced objection. Mr Jull himself was the next speaker, and he explained that ihe had refused the courtesy to Mr | Fraser because of the growing abuse of the privilege. "The House has been sitting for nearly a fortnight, and it is about time we got something done," he said.

When the speaker's bell rang, denoting that Mr Jull had only five minutes to go, Mr Fraser raised a loud laugh by moving that Mr Jull's time be extended. Amid more laughter, Mir Jull said he appreciated the offer, which he regarded as a most gracious one. "I could not really, under the circumstances," he said. "Some other time, perhaps." Mr Jail's Comment. However, Mr Jull made good use of his remaining five minutes by making a humorous reference to the amendment moved by Mr Fraser, in which it was proposed that Parliament should be dissolved, and an election held immediately. "I used to like these elections," said Mr Jull. "In fact, I would like them every year. It is good fun—a bit expensive, in fact, but on the whole it is very good sport. However, in view of the shortness of cash, I really think that in the interests of the Labour members themselves they would be better advised to withdraw their amendment, and let us go on for a couple of years. By that time we might extend the life of Parliament again." Mr Mcßougali's Position. The Prime Minister, Mr Forbes, was inclined" to be non-committal when asked what action was proposed in view of Mr McDougall's having voted against the Government on a no-confidence issue.

"You had better ask Mr McDougall," replied Mr Forbes. When reminded that he had made a statement when the late Mr G. C. C. Black had voted against the Government the Prime Minister said a member knew what to expect wheii lie voted against the Government on a no-confidence question. By following such a line of action a member excluded himself from the Government party. < "Will Mr McDougall be invited to caucuses in future?" Mr Forbes was asked. "I do not think he will expect to be," replied Mr Forbes. Mr McDougall said he had not heard anything from the Prime Minister regarding, his action. He had warned the Minister for Industries and Commerce (the Hon. R. Masters) that he would vote against the Government unless the wheat marketing restrictions were removed from Southland wheat. "As long as the Government prevents Southland farmers from selling their wheat when they can do so I will vote against the Government," Mr McDougall said, "but if they will remove the restrictions they have placed on farmers I will vote with them again. The fact that I have voted with the Labour party does not mean that I will support them in everything." Mr McDougall added that the Government could turn him out if it liked. He had said that he would vote against it on the wheat question, and he believed Ministers had not believed him, but when he said he would do a thing he believed in doing it. He had been told that his action would cost him his seat, but even if it did he would vote according to his convictions.