PARLIAMENT

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 June 1926, Page 5

PARLIAMENT

HOUSE’S SHORT SITTING,

QUESTIONS AND TRIBUTES.

(Special to “Star.”)

WELLINGTON*, June 18.

When the House resumed to-day, Mr Sidey gave notice to ask the Government whether legislation would be introduced to prevent the South Island from losing its proportion of members in the House. Mr Sullivan said that lie would ask the Prime Minister whether he would afford the House the opportunity of discussing and expressing an opinion on matters which he intended to submit to the Imperial Conference.

Mr Nash said he intends to ask the Primo Minister whether he will introduce legislation this session prohibiting the Dairy Control Board from exercising compulsion on September 1 next, as it would deprive the producers of the right to sell their own produce. Mr Ransom stated that he proposed to ask what steps the Government intends to take to protect the interests of New Zealand in the Nauru phosphate deposits.

Mr: Fraser notified that he would ask the. Minister of Education if in view of the l number of offences against children, the regulations would be made under the Child Welfare Act restricting the attendance of children at places of entertainment, fixing the age at which children unaccompanied by parents or guardians should be permitted to attend picture and other theatres, and placing on the proprietors or lessees of the theatre, the direct responsibility of supervising those portions of theatres set apart for children. Mr Veitch said he would ask rhe Minister of Justice if he would abolish the present practice of rejecting all applications from working men for appointment to the Commission of Peace. Mt Rhodes said he desired the Minister of Railways to state whether in the event of Mr Sidey’s Summer-time Bill becoming law, the running of the railways would be adapted to the altered conditions or would other time be observed.

Mr J. R. Hamilton gave notice to ask the Minister of Finance wthether he will allow State advances to be made for the purchase of homes as well as for their building. Mr Fraser asked the Minister of Labour whether the rent restriction legislation would be continued beyond August 31. The Hon. G. J. Anderson replied that he was unable to make a statement yet. Mr Parry: “You won’t repeal it, will you?” The Minister: “What?” Mr Parry : ‘ ‘The Act. “Oh,” replied Mr Anderson, “that is a matter for consideration.” Mr Coates stated, in reply to Mr Holland, that the Imprest Bill was coming down on Tuesday, the Address-in-Reply debate opening at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday. To-day’ sitting .was brief, the principal business being the recording of fributes to deceased legisLafors. These were the Hons. Hislop/ Geddis, Campbell, Mac Gibbon, late M.’s L.C., and Messrs A. Graham, J. Graham, Goldie and Napier, past e members of the House. As a mark of respect to their memory, the House adjourned at 3.57 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday.

REFORM PARTY MEETING

WELLINGTON, June 18.

The Reform Party met in caucus to-night, and the Chief Whin, Mr ,r. S. Dickson, later issued a statement that the following resolutions were unanimously approved by the members present:

That this meeting of members of the Government Party in the House of Representatives desires to extend to the Prime Minister its heartiest congratulations on the splendid victory achieved at the general election which was largely due to the sound and progressive policy, upon which the country was asked to pronounce a verdict, and also to the able manner in which the policy was expounded by the Prime Alinister. (2) That the meeting further de sires to express its complete confidence in the Prime Alinister, and the Government, and pledges itself to assist in the fullest degree the passing of the various policy measures designed to give effect to the platform of the Party.