“A MIXED GRILL”

Evening Star, Issue 22805, 13 November 1937, Page 20

“A MIXED GRILL”

POLITICAL FARE OF THE WEEK [From Our Parliamentary Bepoeter.] WELLINGTON, November 13. A mixed grill was the political fare in the House of Representatives this week. All sorts of topics were discussed, but none yielded an impressive debate. Two out of the four parliamentary days were given wholly to the Estimates, and thus the week began and ended with much talk about money. Several members of the Opposition emphasised the cost of the Ministerial trips to London and Europe, and! made special reference to Mr Nash’s “grand tour,” which included visits to Berlin, Moscow, and America. It was suggested that the results of his tour were scarcely worth the cost, but Mr Nash re-, plied that not an_ hour of his time was spent in pleasure. Sir A. Ngata said it was time a truce was called on party criticism of Ministerial trips abroad. He had listened to the same complaints for 80 years. “ Why go on with such protests? ” he asked. If New Zealand wanted to be adequately represented at overseas conferences and on great occasions, then there should be no grumbling about tho cost in each case. The parties got their turn. Good progress was made on the Estimates, and nearly £15,000,000 were voted. Only 21 classes now; remain for consideration. ' Radio broadcasting again < provided big hunting for the Opposition, but once again “ the game ” proved elusive. A request for a Royal Commission of inquiry into commercial broadcasting was rejected and the (Bill was passed. The division on the third reading, after the prolonged discussion, was rather thin on the Opposition side —3B votes to 9. A fairly easy passage was accorded the Bill providing for a temporary additional Court of Arbitration. The Minister of Labour stressed the extent of the pressure of work on tho existing court, mentioning that 302 cases were awaiting attention at Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin alone, and pointing out that there was a limit to the workers’ and employers’ patience. The Legislative Council had a light week. As one member jokingly remarked in the lobbies; “ The Council ; met at the races.” It can be said that the pace is now on in Parliament. The House sits on Monday, and if business drags next week, a Saturday sitting will also be arranged. The Government is determined to finish this part of the session not later than December 10. NEW BILLS. Several new Bills are marked for introduction next week. The first is expected on Monday. This will be a measure to restore three-year Parliaments instead of the quadrennial terms as fixed by, the Coalition Government. A clause will establish secrecy in Maori polls at the General Election. A miscellaneous Finance Bill will soon 'be introduced. It is through the Jaw draughtsman’s hands. No provision for revising taxation will be contained in the measure, but a clause will be included for cases of hardship concerning land tax. The Public Works Statement, containing the details of the Government’s extensive programme of works, will be presented on Tuesday. This list does not by any means complete the programme of the Government for this portion of the session, as two other important Bills are almost ready. On© relates to prospecting for oil, and th© other contains Mr Semple’s plans as Minister of Transport for a further tightening up of the control of road traffic, one feature being revision of the system of issuing drivers’ annual licenses. The closest secrecy is being observed concerning a Bill of special interest to newspapers and contributors to the Press, but the measure is on the horizon, and a full week of brisk debate is indicated,