POLITICAL POINTS

Evening Star, Issue 20586, 11 September 1930, Page 15

POLITICAL POINTS

THE DAY'S WORK [From Oue Parliaubntart Reporter.] WELLINGTON, September 10. Following the particularly strenuous and long sitting which disposed ot the Unemployment Bill, the House ot Representatives to-day undertook a light programme. Members were given most of the afternoon to discuss Ministerial answers to their questions, and thoi dealt with private members Rills. Mr O’Brien (Westland) moved the second reading of a measure to provide pensions for invalids. This was not contested, but, as an appropriation Bill, is destined to bo eventually ruled out. The Painters and Decorators Bill, which seeks to enforce the use of non-poisonous lead in paints was presented by Mr Jordan (Manukau), who had taken up the Bill frequently introduced by the present Minister ot Railways (Mr Veitch) in his capacity as a private member. This Bill was referred to the Labour Bills Committee, and Mr Jordan did not object to a suggestion postponing the prohibition of the use of white lead for two and a-half years. Mr iWnard (Napier) had an amendment to the Destitute Persons Act, seeking to empower Magistrates Courts to deal with orders of the Supteme Court under the Destitute Persons Act where enforcement is required. , Mr Mason moved the second reading of the Property Law Amendment Act to limit to forty years the period necessary for investigation of property titles. Both were read a second time. It was remarked by Mr Downic Stewart that so many legal reforms had come from Mr Barnard and his colleague the member for Auckland Suburbs, Mr Mason), that members could not find time to consider their meaning. On this hint, Mr Barnard and Mr Mason agreed to refer their measures to the Statutes Revision Committee. . The Life Insurance Agents Bill (Mr Clyde Carr) was read a second time and also referred to the Statutes Revision Committee, the House then adjourning. » a <♦ • MAILS TO INVERCARGILL. The suggestions by Mr Ward for an improved mail service to Invercargill were placed on the order paper, with the result that the Postmaster-General replied: “ I shall be pleased to consult the Minister of Railways as suggested, an! will advise the member of the result.” « * * * SOUTHLAND EDUCATION LEASES. In view of the special circumstances of the session, it is not possible to make legislative provision this year to amend the education leases with a view to placing these settlers on the same footing as Crown tenants. ' The Minister of Lands gave this reply to Mr Hamilton (Wallace), and he also mentioned that he understood thJ. Southland education leaseholders desired the right of arbitration when fixing the new lease after surrender, and increasing the term from twentyone to thirty-three years. The question affects other districts, and will have to be considered as a whole. Mr Mason (Auckland Suburbs) supported a protest by Mr Hamilton against continued delay in settling the matter. A promise of consideration was given two years ago, and the delay was irritating. **■)<* RETORT TO THE BANKS. A retort to recent banking developments is made by Mr Wilkinson (Egmont), who asked the Minister ot Finance whether, in view of the proposed curtailment of the circulation of 10s bank notes, and the consequent increased circulation of silver coinage in lieu thereof, the Government will consider arranging with the Imperial mint authorities for a special issue of silver coin suitable for the dominion’s requirements. Ho points out that this should be a very profitable transaction, considering that an ounce of silver, worth to-day Is 6d, when combined with alloy to the present coinage standard, will produce coins to a face value of 10s. • • • • RADIO POLICY. The attention of tlxo PostmasterGeneral has been called by Mr Clyde Carr (Timaru) to statements in the Press regarding possible developments of radio broadcasting in New Zealand, including reference to the projected establishment of a new and powerful station in Wellington. The Minister is asked to inform the House what the Government’s policy is likely to be after expiration of the present contract with the Radio Broadcasting Company. • « • • MEDICAL OVERHAUL. A remit passed at the Hospital Board’s Conference at Palmerston North towards making more adequate provision for the voluntary annual medical inspection of persons over forty years of ago was brought under the notice of the Minister of Health by Mr Clyde Carr (Timaru). The member is anxious to know whether action is being taken this session along these lines. “ The ■ matter of securing the cooperation of the public and medical profession and allied interests in proposals for voluntary periodic health examinations is under consideration,” was tho reply by Mr Stallworthy.