THE RECORD RUSH

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 140, 10 December 1918, Page 6

THE RECORD RUSH

WAR LEGISLATION

THE "STEAM^COO(P SYSTEM. 1 '1

"Putting Bills througtf with a longhandled shovel" was on© phrase used to describe the pitching and tossing of*important Bills through the House of Representatives this session. -A-later.torn' is the "steam-scoop system." The record came last night with amendments of the War Legislation Bill, introduced by Governor's Message. The amendments ,jrere concerned with education (the appointment of oTg.inising teachers), probationary homes for children, apprenticeship, shop-closing regulations, and the regulation of/the Trade and Commerce Act. Mr. M'Combs (Lyfctelton) said that there had besn talk of irregular procedure with the Legislative Council Amendment Bill, but he considered that the proposed amendments of Labour legislation, which the House was expected to pass- -without a first, second, or third reading, were most irregular. The Labour organisations and the Labour "Bills Committee of the House should have full opportunity to review any proposed alterations of* the Shops and Offices Act. Yet the Housfe was asked to pass something which it had not read. He suggested that such legislation should be introduced in the pro-.-, per way. ' Mr.-Massey said that:he would withdraw the section in question if the House desired, but he had been assured by the Labour Dapartment that the proposals were necessary in the interests of workers. There was no further discussion. The amendments were passed. Mr. W. Downie Stewart (Dunedin West), speaking'on the Rabbit Bill, referred generally to the steam-scooping. There was not the slightest reason, he said, why Bills should not bo discussed after the two leaders had gone away. There was no reason why the House) should not have an opportunity to study bills. ;These were brought\down.at the las-i minute, and the House v was apparently expected to pass them without consideration. The rushing process would give rise to a very severe- censure of the House. Members, should not be expected to take on trust proposals which were of vital importance to their constituents. • : Mr. Forbes (Hurunui) offered as an excuse for the rush that the leaders had to go to the Peaoo Conference. This was a matter of paramount importance, which would justify any comparatively minor disadvantage resulting from hurry with legislation. ■ Mr. Payne (Grey, Lynn) supported Mr. , Forbes's argument. Mr. Holland (Grey) supported Mr. StewartV argument against haste. On the "Washing-up Bill/ Mr. Anderson (Mataura) protested against the passing of proposals affecting various districts before the people concerned had had an opportunity to see the text. I