CLOSE VOTING

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21580, 6 December 1944, Page 2

CLOSE VOTING

GOVERNMENT CLAUSE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES DEPARTMENTAL TRADING iP.Tij WELLINGTON, Dec. G. "Hurrah! Resign!” shouted Opposition members in the House of Representatives last night when tiie Chairman of Cotnmiitec-s, Mr. R. McKean (Wellington South), announced that a clause in a Government measure had been rejected by 31 votes to 30. It was a momentary triumph, because the Prime Minister’s vote had not been counted and, as the amendment meant a draw, the Chairman of Committees exercised his casting vote in its favour and it was reinstated in the Statutes Amendment Bill, which was being considered in tiie committee stage. The contentious point was clause Go, which empowers the Minister of Works to purchase and sell electricalappliances and equipment. ■ Opposition members had taken strong exception to what they considered was the further invasion by the State into the sphere of trading. They demanded a division, the voting being on party lines ancl the result for retention of the clause was 30 against 31. , . “The clause is struck out. _ announced the chairman, whose decision was greeted with uproarious laughter from Opposition members and cries of “resign!” . The chairman proceeded to submit the next clause, which empowers the Minister of Works to instal electiical equipment and appliances, to cnarge rent for their use or accept payment by instalments. This was at once challenged by the Opposition, though its members did not rise to speak. “We just want a vote.” remarked the Leader of the Oppositiin, Mr. S. G. Holland. ... When the Prime Minister, the hi. Hon. P. Fraser, rose to speak Mr. Holland genially inquired: “IS this the resignation? We are ready. j “I think the Opposition should explain the reasons why they want the clause deleted, M said the Prime Minister. “I would like some informat.oin. Mr. Holland: While you pick up a couple more votes.

Pairing Arrangement

The Prime Minister said he understood that the member for Wallace, Mr. Adam Hamilton, had made a pairing arrangement with Minister of Marine, the Hon. J. O'Brien, but had voted, though he could not vouch tor the accuracy of this report.. Mr. W. J. Broadfoot (Opp. Waitomo) chief Opposition Whip: It was unknown, to the'. Whips. ; " Who’ve. you-sent l'or?” inquired Mr. W. S. Goosman (Opp.. Waikato). The Prime Minister laughingly retorted that he could get .half a dozen. The Minister of .Justice, the Hon. H G. R. Mason, proceeded to explain the meaning of the clause to the running accompaniment of Opposition comment that they quite understood and wanted another vote. A new element was introduced by the Chief Government Whip, Mr. D. W. Coleman (Gisborne), who stated that a mistake had been made by the tellers, who omitted to include the Prime Minister's vote. This, he added, would make the voting for, 31, against, 31. 'The chairman of committees announced that he would ex,ercise his casting vote and reinstate the clause. "Now the Government is as strong as we arc,” - commented tiie Leader of the Opposition. . Reinforcements had meanwhile been arriving .and when clause G 4, which empowers the Minister of Works to instal electrical equipment hi public or private buildings was put to a dicision it was adopted by 33 votes to 31. u

The final phase was the explanation of a misunderstanding which caused the member for Wallace, Mr. Hamilton, to vote against clause 03 under the belief that the Minister of Marine, with whom he had a private pairing arrangement, was in the House. “It is awfully dangerous for members to make private arrangements without consulting the Whips,” commented the Prime' Minister after showing that the standing orders did not permit the original division lists to be corrected under such circumstances.