THE WEEK IN PARLIAMENT

Evening Star, Issue 22817, 27 November 1937, Page 21

THE WEEK IN PARLIAMENT

STRENUOUS WORK THE CLOSING BUSINESS [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, November 27. . With the session drawing to a close, Parliament set a comparatively brisk pace for itself throughout the . past week, the going at times becoming unusually strenuous. Although the talk recorded will fill hundreds of pages of ‘ Hansard,’ it is to’the credit of members that solid progress with important measures was made. The Finance Bill took up the time of the House for three days. The measure was not passed until urgency was extended, and Parliament sat into the early hours of Thursday morning, members meeting the dawn as they made their weary way home. The hardship clause for the benefit of land owners who find it difficult to meet the tax on their properties was keenly ■ debated, Opposition members declaring that the clause was the worst ever introduced. Strong objection was made to the Minister of Finance being the final arbiter. Mr Forbes, referring to the personnel of the special committee set up under the Bill, said that the Secretary of the Treasury was the full back, and after he had settled with any point in dispute, all that would be left for the Minister would be the dispensation of mercy. Mr Nash stood firm, however, and the clause went through unamended. The purchase of Picot Bros.’ business for the purposes of the interna] marketing scheme loomed large in the debate, the dogged tactics of the Opposition in its endeavour to obtain the details of the purchase from the Minister being successful in the end. The price was stated to be £65,958, including £15,000 for goodwill. Prior to the disclosure of the price Mr Endean described Mr Nash as New Zealand’s champion fiveeighth, because of his skill in dodging the point. Mr Nash’s retort was that the Opposition was suspicious by nature, but he did not intend to give them the information until he was ready. At the eleventh hour the Minister introduced a new clause to the Finance Bill which makes it impossible for a landlord to evict a tenant unless alternative accommodation is available. Thursday saw the passing of the Consolidated Estimates, the last eight classes, representing over £2,000 ; 000. being passed after a day’s deliberation. In the early part of the week the Coal Mines Amendment Bill went through without opposition. Mr Webb said this measure would make New Zealand’s mining laws the best in the world.

The Mining Amendment Bill, introduced yesterday, provides a penalty of £SOO or five years’ imprisonment for “ salting ” a mining area. Members on both sides of the House were agreed that this reform was essential. The Bill was referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee.

The Auckland Electric Power Board’s Amendment Bill, which alters the system of election from the ratepayers’ to the municipal franchise, was put through with less discussion than anticipated. The Attorney-General said the voting system that had been in vogue was antiquated as well as conservative, while the municipal franchise was democratic in principle. Next week the pace will he fast again. Monday will be devoted to discussion on the Public Works Statement and Estimates, and there will be a flood of talk on the huge expenditure on this important department. The Electoral Bill, abolishing fouryear Parliaments in favour of former triennial system, is bound to be keenly debated, as will the Petroleum Bill, which gives the State ownership of all oil deposits. The Supplementary Estimates and Appropriation Bill will make their appearance towards the end of the week, and they, too, will give further opportunities for free discussion.

The Auckland Metropolitan Milk Amendment Bill will make'its appearance, perhaps on Thursday. If the opposition to this measure is as strong as last session, there is reasonable prospect of it being dropped. Opponents of the measure have been noticeable in the lobbies of - late, interviewing members.