PARTY STRIFE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 74, 28 March 1931, Page 9

PARTY STRIFE

A lengthy and at limes somc/ifthat heated debate took place in Vtt'e House of Representatives last 111,5 'll on the introduction of the Hawk es Bay Earthquake Bill, which gmes effect to the Government's proposals to rehabilitate the area devastate* d by the earthquake some weeks agp'. A proposal was made from t.Ue Labour benches that the Houtu' should put the Bill through thai night, but the Prime Minister ex-j pressed his determination to "clearj the decks" of the Finance Bill before tackling the earthquake problem. Other members also raised objection to the course proposed by the Labour Party, on the ground that the Bill was a far-reaching one and required mature consideration. Labour's plea for tho immediate passage of the Bill was advanced by Mr. H. E. Holland after the Governor-Gen-eral !s Message had been received. Tho Prime Minister intimated that it was proposed to proceed with tho measure as soon as tlio other business before the House had been disposed of. ' Mr. Holland: "What other business?" The Prime Minister: "The Finance Bill." "Hiding behind the earthquake," interjected Mr. J. O'Brien (Labour, >Vcstland). Mr. Speaker said he would have to "name" the member if he persisted in interjecting. Speaking with considerable feeling and to the tune of "Hear, hears" from hia supporters, Mi. Holland said it seemed that the Prime Minister intended to make use of earthquake distress for party political purposes—a line of action that should not bo followed by either the Government or Parliament. He repeated Labour's offer to assist the Prime Minister to facilitate the passing of the legislation, which, he claimed, could bo put through at that sitting if the Prime Minister were earnest. Mr. Forbes knew that the Finance Bill would when passed add to the distress of ITawkes Bay people. It would reduce the wages of men who had. been without pay for many months. "That is not correct," interjected the Minister of Labour (the Hon. S. G. Smith). "AN ASTOUNDING METHOD." "It is, and the Minister knows it," retorted Mr. Holland. "No member of the Ministry or the Government can defend what is being done at the present time. _ "We have the Prime Minister capable of saying that until his wage and salary Teducing legislation is passed the people of Hawkes Bay will receive- no relief whatever. Never in the history of New Zealand or of any other country in the world has there been such an astounding method pursued as the Prime Minister is pursuing now. It is something that will reflect to the discredit of New Zealand when news of it is known abroad. . . . There is not a thinking man or a humanitarian in the Dominion who will stand for what the Prime Minister is doing. If lie thinks that by these most extraordinary tactics he is aoing to break down the resistance of the Labour Party to his class legislation, introduced at the dictates of Sir Otto Niemeyer and the financiers of Great Britain and New Zealand, then he is making a mistake. His legislation will be fought right through, notwithstanding what he is attempting at the present time. I sincerely hope that the Prime Minister will reconsider his decision. Mr. Seniple: "He is not big enough." 1 Mr. Holland suggested that tho Prime Minister should agree to deal with the earthquake legislation at the sitting. The La"bour Party would accord urgency to tho Bill. Government and Beform members: "Nonsense." Mr. F. Waito (Reform, Clutha): ""Who is' running the show?" Mr. Holland said tho Labour Party was prepared to sit all night, and even if it were found necessary to move motions, discussion on theni would not be prolonged. Government members: "Glad to hoar it." Mr. Holland: "I take it the Prime Minister .will not make the matter a party one." Mr. Lyanar: "You are trying to make it a party matter." Mr. Holland claimed that the Prime Minister could get the Bill through the House before to-morrow morning if he were in earnest over the question, and not merely using the legislation as an instrument to gain a party advantage. "For Heaven's sake go across to the other side," said Mr. Holland, when lie was again interrupted by Mr. Lysnar. AN IMPOSSIBLE COURSE. Replying, the Prime Minister said Mr. Holland seemed to have lost his usual common-sense regardiiig the position. (Hear, hear.) He was asking the House to pass the Bill at the sitting, notwithstanding that it contained some entirely neve principles, which members would want to analyse and carefully consider. There were 78 clauses, and the Bill had still to be circulated. In addition, the people affected by its provisions had not had the slightest opportunity of seeing the Bill or making representations; yet Mr. Holland was prepared to put it through straight away. (Laughter.) Legislation passed in tsueh a, manner would only have reactions. AYhile the desiro to facilitate the Bill was appreciated, Mr. Holland must, recognise that it was not possible to do what lie had asked. Explaining the re:ison for tlio introduction of the Finance Bill as tlio initial measure of the session, Mi". Forbes said the Government had been repeatedly told that it would be turned out of office on that legislation. "I was informed," added the Prime Minister, "that I would not be in office tlie day following its appearance, and I felt it only right as the author of a contentious Bill, upon which the fate of the Government depended, to test the House on that measure, to determine whether the Government was to remain the Government, and whether tho Government was in a position to command a majority of the House and introduce any further legislation. We are still in "tho process of testing it. I think Mr. Holland is rubbing it in. Since tho debate started I have not had tho opportunity of sleeping in anything but my clothes and on a sofa in this buildins." Mr. H. E. Holland: Serve you right." BREAKING DOWN THE GOVERNMENT. The Prime Minister said I lie stage fcad been reached when the business of

EARTHQUAKE BILL

METHOD OF PBOCEDTJ RE

OPINIONS DIFFER

FINANCE BILL FIRST

Parliament could not bo carried on by means designed to braak down physically the Government and its supporters. "We want to got tlio Finance Bill through, but from the Labour benches wo have listened to—" "Hot," prompted Mr. J. Bitehoncr (Reform, Waitaki). "I would not say that," continued the Prime Minister, who declared that democratic government depended upon the fact that in Parliament a majority decision could be arrived at. The Government had been' told that members would bo kept in attendance until Easter, and then received inquiries a a to whether it was proposed to sit on Good Friday! Mr. Forbes denied emphatically that the Earthquake Bill was being employed for party purposes, and it was "a bit over the odds" to say that the Government was holding up the- legislation when it was tho Labour Party itself that was delaying proceedings. Mr. Parry: "You have tho power in your Own hands." Mr. Forbes stated that the Earthquake Bill required close consideration. Ho i did not claim that the measure was ' perfect, and tho House and tho country was entitled to time to examine the provisions. NO DIFFERENCE OF OPINION. Mr. P. Fraser (Labour, Wellington Central) pointed out to tho Prime Mm I istor that early in the session he tested [,• the feeling of the House, which voted r confidence in him and his party. The Prime Minister then had the right to rl iring down any legislation he desired. 1 ".t had been reiterated from every side a f the House that so far as the earthquake legislation was concerned there | -g -as no difference of opinion as to its ti rgency. Tho Prime Minister himself, ™ hen ho was in Opposition, had taken pi :rt in obstructive discussions i'or a uk uch longer period than that which ha d boon spent on tho Finance Bill. N<l 'body could blame- the Prime Minis b er for the attitude he had taken up j in t connection with the Finance Bill, but it was desirable that they should get the-, earthquake legislation out of the ■winjy- at the earliest possible moment. Pill it history showed that important legislation had been put aside in order i to J permit of emergency legislation going' through. He asked that tho legis- j latin n giving relief to the earthquake j suffer rers should bo removed from the j confls let of party politics. He had know n the Prime Minister for a long time- -he once sat as his benchmate — and Ii c had never known him to do anything1 that was not honourable, lie hoped that he would not make use of the Hi iwkes Bay disaster to lever other Icgista tion through the House. "ALL SHOULD BE FRIENDS." Thcfl iking the Prime Minister for the introd'.j iction of the Bill, Mr. A. E. Jull (UnitQ d, Waipawa) agreed that it would rcontain principles which no previous (3 iovernment in New Zealand had brought; forward. It would therefore require- a good deal more consideration than ca ild possibly be given, it straight away, a <nd ho felt they would not be ustifled. in proceeding with it that evening. "I have been in communication with dil fercnt sections of the people in the II awkes Bay district," he added, "and it is their desire to come to Welling! on to make representations upon mait ters connected with the proposed legislation." (Voices: "Hear, hear.") Mr. Jull said there were some points t'.fa at ho might seek to have incorporated in tho Bill. "I do think this is an occasion when wo should all be friencli•," he said, "without making any accma ations or counter-accusations about tho political aspect. We should give credit •■ to tho Government for their desire to &\~> the fair thing by the people of Hawke.si Bay. I do trust we may forget the- heat of tho controversy we have boon engaged in during tho past few days,. ..and. allow, members an opportunity ti > carefully peruso the proposals, lam sure that that will not cause delay, but rather that it will expedite the Q ompletion of the work." The memfo er for Napier, Mr. W. E. Barnard, a£i "eed that the legislation should not ho made a party question. "Surely it atands outside party considerations," ho suggested. Mr. W. J). ;.Lysnar (Independent, Gisborne): "The same applies to the other legislation." Mr. Barnarvl said that when the Prime Miniate** on tho previous day indicated that tiifi legislation would not be proceeded with until tho Finance Bill was dispoa Dd of, his confidence in Mr. Forbes's enuity had been shaken. The speaker s&i (1 he rejoiced now that the Bill had baun brought down, and he felt sure that tfoe Prime Minister did not intend that -the Finance Bill should bo dealt with sta& put through all its stages before the earthquake legislation was taken to tho second reading. That would be o\ iviously unfair and unjust, and not in with the character of the Priimo Minister as they kuew him. H© agreed that such important legislatia n would require careful examination, and people affected would want an op portunity to make representations. Bnj.S that was no reason \ why there should be any delay in proceeding with tho second reading. "I will say on behalf of my own electorate," he saia, "thu t we should be glad if the second read iing could be taken on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. That would give ample time for representations to "i'.o made. When the need is so desperate and urgent, I am ! satisfied that two c*?. three days would j be long- enough to give tho Bill the fullest possible considers ttion." NO BUSH "XA.CTICS. Tho Leader of th»a Opposition said that so far as his tittle of the House was concerned it was ■ not prepared to rush the earthquake legislation through without consideration.- Some of tho proposals in regard to insurance would require tho most careiiil investigation, as an entirely new p rinciplo was involved, and it was dosirable to ascertain how far-reaching- it was going to bo. He thought sufficient time should be given to allow of a careful examination of the proposals. It was not thinkable that the Bißi should bo put through that night. Mr. Frascr: "The scMi-nd rending." Mr. Coates: "No, not-.isven the second reading." The Leader .of the Labour Party had taken up a v.'sry curious afctiturle. Mr. Holland: "it i«t Aim attitude I have taken all along." Mr. Coates: "The honourable g^nllerajiii must realise that ho lias put the Government where it is.l' Mr. W. K. Parry (Labour, Auckland Central): "You are projecting them pretty well now." Mr. H. M. Campbell (J?i?l'onn, Ha wires Bay) said he agreed ontiaiel.y with the Prime Minister when he :r>iirl tliat it would bo wrong to go on lyith thu Bill that night. It was essential that they should have a chance of Iweving a proper look aI: tho Bill. Personally, he hoped the Prime Minister would not go on with tho Bill until, fairly well into next week. FINANCE BILL NO OSISTACiE. "Everybody about ifoc House knows," said Mr. J. M'ComJbs (Labour, Lytteltmi), "that tho BIS?, was not ready to be brought down. Therefore the Prime Minister has not been waiting for an opportunity to bring tho Bill down, because he was mot ready. Secondly, just bo soon as ho decided to bring tho Bill down he found no difficulty whatever, but merely moved to report progress on the Bill Xveforo the House. Ho has not been /prevented by anything that has happened in the House in tho last few days from introducing the- Bill." He suggested that tho Bill should be read a set-ami time pro forma immediately and rcit'crred to a Committee of the House .for lh<! hearing of evidence. "1 deplore." said Mr. M'Combs, "Hint an.y parl.y should Uy, in parly warfare, to put

forward for tlicir protection as something they can liiclo behind, tho men, women, and children sufferers in the earthquako area •" (Dissent.) Mr. Chairman: "Order! Order!" Mr. M'Combs: "1 think what the Prime Minister originally proposed to do, to try and hide behind tho earthquako distress in this way, was most unworthy of him." GOVERNMENT NOT TO BLAME. Tho Primo Minister said (He Bill was highly technical and ono that re- j quired a good deal of time. "When j we consider," said Mr. i'orbes, "(lint j this is an emergency session, that it j hii.s been in progress- for 10 days, and that the Labour Parly has taken up nearly a fortnight of that time, I think | it will be agreed that tho Government is not to blame for tho present; position. I believed that it would take llirco weeks to cnablo us to get our business done, but for a whole fortnight wo havo had to listen to members of the Labour Party talking. I think I am justified in asking that we should get the Finance Bill out of the way and clear the decks for other legislation." The Primo Minister added that it would be impossible to put the Bill through that night, as it was only right that those who were likely to bo affected should be given the opportunity of making representations to him. Mr. E. Seiuplo (Labour, Wellington East) submitted that the Government had had ample opportunity to introduce the Bill earlier. It seemed to him that the Prime Minister had thought it more urgent to cut the workers' wages. The Leader of the Opposition had accused the Labour Party of keeping the Government in office. "We had to choose between two evils," he said. A Beform voice: "Now you have | woke up." Mr. Seiuplo: ""We woke up a long I time ago to tho administration and conduct of the, Reform Party." He protested against tho Labour Party being discredited for defending the rights and privileges that had been given to tho workers. Mr. Barnard said lie was in a position to say that the Prime Minister | could not have introduced the legislaj tion earlier than last night, so there had been no delay caused by the debate on the Finance Bill. It was necossary to press on the Bill without delay. Mr. Lysnar said it was regrettable that the Labour Party was introducing party into the question. Ho agreed with the course proposed by tho Prime Minister. Mr. J. O'Brien (Labour, Westland): "That is enough to condemn him, anyway." Mr. Lysnar urged that all parties should, sink party differences and get the earthquake legislation on to the Statute Book. NO COMMITTEE PROPOSED. Mr. Forbes said he was unable to say on what day they could proceed with the second reading, because no doubt many representations would be made to himself as the Minister in charge of tho Bill. It was not intended to set up a Committee. That would only lead to delay. Thoso who were interested could make their representations to the Government, and if necessary to members. Mr. Forbes said ho desired to got the Bill on tho Statute Book at the earliest possiblo moment, and there was other urgent legislation he wished to see passed as soon as possible. Ho- would welcome any assistance in getting his legislation through with expedition, and would do his utmost to get it before the Houso as early as he could. Labour voices: "That's all right." , Mr. Holland said ho took it that the Primo Minister would not make tho non-controversial earthquake legislation depend on tho passage of tho controversial legislation. Mr. Forbes: "I don't want you to put words into my mouth. I don't want to be misunderstood." Mr. Holland: "I did tho Primo Minister more justice than ho was entitled to." If there was any delay whatever in regard to tho earthquake Bill tho Primo Minister and the Government must bo made responsible; they could not divest themselves of that responsibility. It was utterly unfair to make the earthquako legislation depend on other legislation that was detrimental to the workers. " I hope," he said in conclusion, "that the Primo Minister will not persist in saying that tho people of the Hawkes Bay area will get no legislation until the drastic legislation providing for salary cuts has been given effect to." The Bill was then reported and read a first time.