P. & T. DEPARTMENT

Gisborne Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5582, 10 September 1920, Page 5

P. &T. DEPARTMENT

AAIENDING BILL BEFORE HOUSE.

LICENSING OF WIRELESS APPARATUS. DELIVERY oF’uNADDRESSED MATTER. WELLINGTON, Sept.'9. Tlie Hon. Mr. Coates moved the second reading of the Post and Telegraph Amendment Bill, which, he said, was of a purely machinery nature and dealt with rates of interest payable by the P.O. Savings Bank, delivery of parcels, packets, etc., prohibition of use of private telephone lines for profit, licensing of wireless services to approved colleges .or associations, altering date of P.O. Savings Bank balance to 31st March into line with all other Government accounts and the enforcement of penalties for breaches of discipline within the department. Mr.- Wilford congratulated tlio Government on the provision for licensing wireless apparatus. They would remember what Professor Rutherford had done in the realm of science. He however, objected to clause 4, which, lie said, aimed at a particular firm which had built up a business of delivering unaddressed circulars, etc., throughout the Dominion. The Minister said the clause was not aimed at that firm. Mr. Young intimated that he would move an amendment covering the omission in last year’s legislation regarding the right of certain persons to appeal against decisions of the Promotions Board. Dr. Newman suggested that the P.O. Savings Bauk should be placed on the same footing as other banks on which people had a right to draw cheques. He thought this would’ be a great convenience to the public, many of whom had to travel long distances. Air. McCallum contended that a higher rate of interest should be paid to depositors up to £SOO, which deposits might easily provide all the money required for public works. Air AlcCombs complained that it was wrong to give the department power to fine employees, /without inquiry,” for breaches of discipline. The Hon. Air. Coates, in reply, said he had not fully considered the question of issuing cheques on Savings Banks. The objection taken to clause 4 was due to some misunderstanding. He claimed that the P.O. was tlie sole possessor of the right to deliver unaddressed matter and was sorry if an assertion of that right would interfere with the living of any individual. lie would favorablv consider the amendment suggested by Air. Wilford. Tlie amendment mentioned by Air. Young regarding appeals opened the door widely and required careful consideration. ‘The Bill was read a second time.

STATE MONOPOLY NOT TO APPLY TO UN ADDRESSED “A! AIL A

REMOVAL OF SUGGESTED INJUSTICE. WELLINGTON, Sept, 9. The House ivent into committee on the P. and T. Amendment Bill. In clause 4, wiving the Postal Department a monopoly of the delivery ot all addressed or unaddressed mail matter, Mr. Wilford moved an amendment limiting the monopoly to addressed mail matter. —The Hon MrCoates said he could not accept the amendment. He thought it would b e better to leave the matter to be regulated by Order-iii-Council. Iu insisting on this clause the Department was not seeking; to penalise anv person or firm.—Air. Wilford said he had been assured that a certain postal official had said that the clause was intended to crush one particular firm which had built up a big business in delivering unaddressed circulars all over the Dominion .—The AI blister assured the committee that sir'll was not the intention, but if there was any doubt about it lie would move an amendment based on the British Postal Act, in which trade announcement, circulars or advertisement were excepted from the clause.—The amendment was agreed to.—Air. Young moved a new clause giving the right of appeal to certain officers of tlie Department who had been inadvertently deprived of that right. About thirty-five men were affected, and the clause would operate over the period from Ist April, 1919. until the passing of the Act of 1919. Air. ALassey advised the Minister in charge of the Bill to accept the clause, as it was apparent that otherwise an injustice would be done. —The Alinister accepted the clause, which was'agreed t-o, and the Bill was reported with amendments, read a third time, and passed.—P.A.