NO BITES

Evening Star, Issue 23620, 5 July 1940, Page 12

NO BITES

MR LEE S BUDGET AMENDMENT INSISTS UPON DIVISION [JTbom Ouk' Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, July 4. The.most one-sided division iii recent parliamentary history provided an interlude for members or the House on Mr.,Lee’s Budget amendment setting opt a different line of financial policy from that adopted by the Government. He expressed his views to the extent of . his full. allowance of time ; hut declined with thanks- an Opposition proposal that the limit should be extended.' The amendment was then open for discussion, blit nobody appeared interested. Mr Speaker put it to the vote, first ascertaining that Mr Atmore (Nelson) was seconder. The fate of the amendment was very obvious, and Mr Speaker formally inquired if a division was called . for.; ■: “ Yes,” said Mr Lee, and all the elaborate machinery for counting heads commenced to operate. Mr Atmore was teller, with'the mover on the “ Noes ” side and the Government Whips attended to the “Ayes.” Opposition ■members joined the Government procession into the other lobby, and Mr Leo soon emerged from the “ Noes ” tidh „ with bis division list containing only two names. Several minutes later the tally of those who opposed the amendment (63) was completed, arid the doors were unlocked. Much ' friendly chaff was endured by the member for Grey Lynn over his forlorn effort, which, as ho remarked, produced no bites.