PARLIAMENT

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 August 1929, Page 2

PARLIAMENT

QUESTIONS TO MINISTERS.

(Special to ‘‘Star.’’)

WELLINGTON, July 31. A question concerning State Advances interest was asked in the House to-day, by Mr Martin, who asked the Minister of Finance (1) Whether it lias come under his notice that when the State Advances Office Mortgagor, who has an existing loan bearing at per cent., applies for a further advance, the State Advances Superintendent, in some cases at least cancels the old rate of interest on the old loan, and charges the present 6 per cent, rate, on the amount of the old loan, as well as on the amount of the new advance? (2) Whether tlhfi Minister will give instructions that in such cases the mortgagor is to have the benefit of the old rate on the existing amount of the old loan? (3) Whether the Minister will make this rule apply to all future payments in respect of all applicants who have had their rate raised?

Sir J. Ward replied that in all cases where the original mortgagor makes an application for an additional loan, the rate of interest charged on the previous loan is not disturbed, and the borrower is charged the current rate of interest on the further advance only. Mr Rushworth asked the Prime Minister whether his attention had been drawn to a reported utterance of the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the British House of Commons, suggesting the holding of an Imperial economic conference, and what attitude the Government intends to adopt towards such suggestion. Sir J. Ward replied that if any general desire is expressed for an Imperial economic conference, prior to the Imperial conference next year, the Government will be happy to take part. hlr Kyle asked the Minister of Education whether the establishment of intermediate or junior high schools, as proposed by the Minister, will interfere'with the present educational work carried on in high schools and whether they will be responsible for reducing the number of free places now obtainable at our high schools. Mr Atmore said that in any proposed reorganisation of schools, it is not intended to withdraw any concessions of free education. Mr Wilkinson asked the Minister of Customs whether in view of the reported potato famine in Australia, where potatoes are bringing £2O per I,on, he will immediately endeavour to bring about a better understanding with the Commonwealth authorities in the direction of getting the embargo on New Zealand potatoes removed. Mr Taverner replied the position is that the Commonwealth Government imposed restriction on the importation of potatoes for the purpose of preventing the possibility of diseased potatoes being introduced’from other countries. The New Zealand Government have from time to time made representations to the commonwealth authorities, with a view to relaxation of the restrictions, but without success. While the restrictions referred to exist, it is not considered that any useful purpose would be served by discussion of the question as to the duties on potatoes.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

RELIGION IN SCHOOLS

(Special to ‘‘Star.”)

WELLINGTON, July 31

Although there are no indications as yet that • the Religious Exercises in Schools Bull, on the lines of measures previously introduced, will appear this session in the House, the subject has definitely been introduced in the Legislative 'Council, in the Education Amendment Bill of Mr Thomson, read a first time to-day. It is on the same lines as the Bill introduced in the Upper House last session by the same councillor, but not proceeded with, as a similar measure had been defeated in the House of Representatives. Mr Thomson proposes that teaching in schools shall be made secular in the sense of non 'sectarian. With a view to affording facilities for giving religious instruction by qualified persons approved by the Minister, he suggests that half an hour on one or two school days in each week shall be set apart and that during that time no secular instruction shall be' given to children not attending the classes for religious instruction. He also proposes that no child shall be required to attend for religious instruction unless his parent or guardian has signified in writing liils willingness, and -that no State school teacher shall be required to give religious instruction though he may be required to see that order and discipline are preserved in the classrooms and school grounds.

RENT RESTRICTION

The treatment accorded to the Rent Restriction Bill by the Legislative Council was watched with considerable interest this afternoon, as in 1927 the Council declined by one vote to accede to the renewal of the legislation. The Bill was given its second reading on the voices. Several members who had voted against it on the former occasion recording their objection to the principle it contained, but de-, dining to force a division on the ground that the Government took the responsibility for extension of the law. The Bill was put through the final stages and passed.