YESTERDAY’S PARLIAMENT

Evening Star, Issue 18690, 19 July 1924, Page 9

YESTERDAY’S PARLIAMENT

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, July 13. The House met at 2.30 p.m. Notice of intention to introduce the tollowing Bills was given;—The. Auckland Board Empowering Bill (tho Hon. G. JParr), Renfßestriction Bill (the Hon. G. J. Anderson), Legislature Amendment Bill (Mr Massey), Medical Practitioners Bm (Sir Maui Pomare), Local Authorities Valuation of Land Amendment (the Hon. R. F. Bollard), Gaming Amendment (Mr Bollard), War Funds Amendment (tho Hon. W. D. Stewart). COOK ISLANDS.

Sir Maui Pomare laid a report of the Cook Islands Department on the table. Mr Wilford complimented the Government on tho appointment of Mr Ayson as Commissioner at these islands. His tact had been instrumental in greatly reducing the friction between the white traders and the native producers. At the same time, the price wo in Now Zealand had to pay for Rarotanga fruit was altogether extortionate. He considered there was no attempt being made by the Government to cheapen fruit to the people or to tell the people why it could not be done. Mr M, J. Savage entirely agreed with Air Wilford in all he said regarding Cook Island fruit. The people were paying at least 50 per cent, more than they should pay. Tho Hon. D. Bnddo complained that Canterbury people were not able to get fruit at all. Mr T. K. Sidcy also voiced tho complaints of the South Island. Mr H. E. Holland argued that tho only satisfactory solution of the fruit problem was the establishment of State marketing depots.

After several other members had expressed their views, Sir Maui Pomare, in reply, said that good progress was being mado with reading in Rarotonga, and with the establishment of an adequate water supply. A shipment of tomatoes would arrive in New Zealand in a few weeks from the Islands. These tomatoes were the result of experiments made. Ho hoped ns a result of this enterprise that New Zealand would have a regular supply of tomatoes in the winter. Discussing the delivery of fruit in the dominion, he said tho policy of the Government was to see a fair allocation between the North and tho South. Ho censured Auckland merchants for glutting the Wellington market with a view to destroying the southern market. Auckland was getting a fair share of the Island trade, and should be prepared to let other portions of the dominions have a share. Good progress was being mado with the establishment of wireless and of schools. The health of the people was good.

POLICE FORCE AMENDMENT BILL. The Hon. G. J- Parr moved the second reading of the Police Force Amendment Bill. In doing so ho explained that the Bill had been drafted by the police authorities, and was Intended to remove the anomalies which the working of the present Act had exposed. The term “sergeant” is now defined as a member of the force below the rank of sub-inspector and above that of constable. The power of dealing in a disciplinary manner with the superintendent, inspector, or subinspector lay formerly with the GovernorGeneral. Under the new Bill, in the case of a charge of misconduct or neglect of duty and denial of the charge, the .Minister may appoint a hoard of inquiry consisting of members, of whom only one shall he a. member of the force, who shall investigate the charge and report to the Minister, who in turn mav recommend the Governor-General to dismiss, fine, or inflict other punishment. In the case of sergeants and constahlcs_ similarly dealt with, the new clauses provide (hat a competent authority—that is, the Minister and Commissioner respectively —shall not bo bound by the terms of the recommcndatnn submitted to him, excepting that he shall not inflict a more severe penalty than that recommended. The Bill removes the hardship under which members of the Police Force who worn in the Expeditionary Force suffered. Hitherto their full rights in the police were restored if they rejoined within six months nf their discharge. This period has now been extended to two years and three months. . Mr Wilford said ho had great faith in the heads of the police in New Zealand. If the Minister could assure him that they wero the parents of the’Bill it would go a long way to reassure him. The Minister: They are entirely responsible for it. Continuing, Mr Wilford said his objection to the Bill was the enormous power given to the Minister. There wero certain amendments that he would suggest ip committee should bo incorporated to prevent “ Star Chamber ” methods in connection with inquiries within the force. The spirit prevailing in tho force in New Zealand to-day was good, and we should keep it so.

Mr W. D. Lysnar (Gisborne) gave the Bill general sunport. Mr H. E. Holland said he recognised Urn difficulty the police had in petting convictions of cunning criminals, but he hoped the New Zealand police would _ hot be instructed to practise deception in order to obtain convictions. Tho Hon. 0. J. Parr having briefly replied, the Bill was read a second time and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. COPYRIGHT AMENDMENT. The Copyright Amendment Bill was introduced by Mr Parr, and read a second time without discussion. PURE FOODS AND DRUGS. Sir Maui Pomaro, in moving the second reading of the Sato of Foods and Drugs Amendment Bill, explained that the Bill was intended to bring the law up to date in regard to securing the parity of tho articles offered for sale, and to prevent deception. The Bill was read a second time without debate. EXTRADITION AMENDMENT. The Extradition Amendment Bill, introduced by the Hon. C. J. Parr, provides that a stipendiary magistrate shall without further appointment be a Commissioner for tho purpose of the principal Aict, section 3 of which is repealed. Bribery is added to the list of extradition crimes. On the motion of the Minister, (he Bill was read a second time without discussion. LOCAL LEGISLATION BILL. The Hon. R. E. Bollard, in moving the second reading of the Local Legislation Bill, explained that the Bill was introduced last session, but could not be passed owing to pressure of other business. It had been brought down again unaltered except for the omission of ono clause. Tho Bill provides machinery by means of which local bodies may obtain minor local legislation without recourse to the “ Washingup Bill,” and their ratepayers and others interested may have full notice of what 's proposed to be enacted and opportunity to oppose it if they so desire. The Bill provides that a local authority shall submit its proposals in concrete form to the Minister of Internal Affairs, in cuxler that they may be considered by the Government. Objections must be made in writing to the Minister, who must forward particulars to the local authority concerned in order that both parlies , may appear before a parliamentary committee. Tho only difference between the present Bill and that of last session is the omission of a clause providing that no application shall be received by the Minister after two months of the session have expired. After several members had suggested several committee amendments, tho Bill was read a second time and referred to the Standing Orders Committee. The House rose at 9.50 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday.