LIVELY DAY IN PARLIAMENT

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 284, 30 August 1945, Page 8

LIVELY DAY IN PARLIAMENT

Discussion On Imprest Supply Bill BENEFITS FOR MAORIS Though the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Holland, had indicated that an Imprest Supply Bill introduced in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon would be expeditiously dealt with by the Opposition, a protracted and sometimes heated discussion developed after Mr. Gooseman (N., Waikato) had raised the question of social security payments to the Native race. He complained that bis request for a return showing the extent of these payments had not been complied Wltll The question was discussed by members on both sides of the House, and it was revealed during the debate that the Alinister of Social Security, Mr. Parry, had written a letter stating that increased social security’benefits would accentuate the problems associated with social security payments to Natives, and that.a conference was to be held today, when the matter would be fully discussed. Mr. Smith (N., Bay of Islands) said that if we all became New Zealanders then Maoris automatically forfeited their right to be represented separately m Parliament on a racial basis. He thought that right should go, but if the Maoris wanted to be represented on a racial basis then they should not .have the right to vote on matters affecting pakelias only. ' Another subject discussed was that of manpower, and several Opposition speakers urged the more speedy release from the forces of men required in essential production. In the evening a debate developed on the question of appointments to the Public Service, .some Opposition members alleging that many of the important ones were of a political nature. This was vigorously denied by Government speakers. The Bill, which votes two months’ supply amounting to i 16,<860,500, was passed after the Minister of Finance. Mr. Nash, had replied to the debate. The House rose at 11.40 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. todar.