PARLIAMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 20853, 24 July 1931, Page 1

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL [Pep. United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, July 23. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Leader of the Council _ (Sir Thomas Sidey) moved the adoption ’of tho Address on tho Statute of Westminster, He said that so far as New Zealand was concerned there was no desire for a change in the constitution, and all that Parliament was being asked to do was to place, no obstacles in tho way of the other dominions who did seek changes. Tho representatives '■of'New Zealand at the conference had been inspired with the need for Imperial unity. Seconding tho motion, Sir. Francis Bell said that, although ho hoped the effect of the Statute would not bo to disunite the Empire, lie had the gravest doubts on that score. Ho hoped New Zealand would never agree to come under the charter for which tho Statute stood. Sir James Allen agreed that it was better for New Zealand to keep in close association with the British Government than to attempt to live a life of its own before it was ready to do so. Attempts should be made to strengthen the trade relations of the_ Empire, otherwise there would he friction. Hon. D. Buddo expressed satisfaction that tho right of New Zealand litigants to appeal to tho Privy Council had been retained. The debate was adjourned, and the Council rose at 4 p.m. until to-morrow, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. Notice was given of intention to introduce the following Bills: —War Ministers’ Profits Bill (Mr J. M'Combs), Wellington City Empowering Bill (Mr C. R. Chapman). Replying to Mr A. Harris (Waitemata), tho Minister of Agriculture (Mr Murdoch) said the question of the introduction this session of tho Orchard and Garden Diseases Amendment Bill was at present under consideration by the Government. Mr J. S. Fletcher (Grey Lynn) asked the Prime Minister (Mr Forbes) whether lie was aware that the Auckland Savings Bank had decided to reduce the rate of interest on loans, and whether the Government would instruct the State Advances Department to take similar steps. Mr Forbes said the Auckland Savings Bank was in a different position from the State Advances Department, which was lending money out at almost* cost price. However, the State Advances Board was meeting cases of hardship by extending the ternu, of the loan and thus lightening tho periodical amount of repayment.' Introducing tho Public Hospitals Assisting Bill, Sir G. C. Black (Moteuka) said it provided for authority for any two or more hospital boards to conduct an art union or sweepstake for the purpose of raising finances. Ho referred to two factors which ho said were very much in evidence at the present time. In tho first place, it was becoming increasingly difficult for hospitals to obtain adequate finance _to carry on as a result of tho reduction in subsidies, and, secondly, for years past much money had been sent out of Now Zealand by those anxious to take part in spoepstakes in other countries—for instance, Tasmania, and latterly the Irish Free State. Ho considered tho time was now opportune to provide that if money must bo invested in sweepstakes it should bo possible to invest it in New Zealand, and there was no bettor channel for investment than those connected with charity. Tho Bill contained certain safeguards. Any scheme put forward would bo subject to the approval of the Minister of Internal Affairs. Tho Bill was read a first time. Tho Auckland and Suburban Drainage Amendment Bill (Mr Stalhvorthy), was introduced and read a first time. Tho Wanganui Church Acre Amendment Bill was received from the Legislative Council and read a first time. Tho Distress and Replevin Amendment Bill (Mr Fraser), Deaths by Accident Compensation Amendment No. 2 (Mr W. D. Stewart), Deaths by Accident Compensation Amendment (Mr H. 0. R. Mason), and the Divorce and Matrimonial Clauses Amendment (Mr

H. G. R. Mason) wore all read a second time pro forma and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. Mr W D. Lysnar (Gisborne) was greeted with applause when he rose to move the second reading of the Meat Export Control Amendment Bill. Ho said ho did nob intend to deal with tho substance of the Bill very fully, because members were bv now aware ot its purpose. Ho hoped it would be given a rapid passage through the House. Ho considered that it should have been placed on tho Statute Book during the earlier session of tho present Parliament. Tho Bill would alter the method of electing the Control Board and would cancel tho appointment of Government nominees who, under the present law, wore appointed for all time. The Bill would also remove the commercial representative. There was no justification for a commercial representative on the board. Mr F. Waite (Clutha) : “Is he an undesirable? ” Mr Lysnar: Yes; ami I think that is ono reason for the board not functioning properly.” Mr Lysnar was interrupted by tho rising of tho House at 10.30 p.m.