HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Evening Star, Issue 21279, 7 December 1932, Page 7

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Mr A. D. M'Leod (Wairarapa), pointing out that New Zealand growers of small fruits were suffering hardship, asked whether the Government would take steps to prevent the dumping of Australian small fruits into the domin-' ion. The Minister of Customs (Hon. W. D. Stewart) said he appreciated the importance and urgency of the question, and he was anxious to have the matter settled at tbo earliest possible moment. It would be discussed by Cabinet at the first opportunity. Mr W. P. Endean (Parnell): Give Australia six months’ notice of the cancellation of the agreement. Mr H. T. Armstrong (Christchurch East) asked, in view of the serious losses to primary producers and wage earners as a result of the freezing works stoppage, if the Minister w r ould insist on all matters being referred to arbitration for settlement. He said he understood the employees were prepared to abide by the judgment of the Arbition Court. Mr Hamilton said he had already made a number of efforts to bring about a settlement of the dispute. He had no power to insist on it being referred to the Arbitration Court. The Fire Brigades Amendment Bill, the Cook Islands Amendment Bill, and the Native Land Amendment Bill were read a third time and passed. Mr Forbes then moved the adjournment of the House. Replying to the Leader of the Opposition, hc_ said that the Finance Bill would be introduced to-morrow, and the business to be taken would be the Bill introduced to-day and the Supplementary Estimates. He suggested that the House_ should sit at 10.30 on Thursday morning and pass local Bills by 1 p.m., completing the other business he had. outlined on Friday last during the afternoon and evening sittings. The House rose at 10.40 p.m.