Parliament WAGES RESTORATION DISCUSSED

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 255, 24 July 1936, Page 12

Parliament WAGES RESTORATION DISCUSSED

Opening of Debate on Finance Bill

GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO RE-ESTABLISH PRE-DEPRESSION STANDARD

Trial By Jury: Some Archaic Features

There was a quiet afternoon in the House of Representatives vesterday when consideration was given for the greater part o* the time to the second reading of the Judicature Amendment 811-, a technical measure making provision for the hearing of civi. actions by juries. Some amusement was caused by the AttorneyGeneral Hon. H. G. R. Mason, who reviewed the history of the law and revealed quaint and archaic features of legal procedure. For example, the present law provides for the appointment ot “gentlemen of the best condition” as expert jurymen. This, said the Minister, seemed to suggest some social prejudice, lhe House laughed. The Bill was read a second time. ... In the evening full galleries heard the opening of the debate on the second reading of the Finance Bill, which primarily provides for the restoration of cuts in salaries and wages back to the 1931 level. Several members appeared to be amused at the suggestion by members of the Opposition that the restoration should have been made retrospective to April 1. The Minister of Finance, Hon. W. Nash, declared that the cuts should never have been made at all. Contrary to expectations urgency was not taken for the Bin and the House, after a steady debate, rose until 10.30 a.m. to-day.