BUDGET ESTIMATES

Gisborne Times, Volume LIX, Issue 9576, 30 July 1923, Page 5

BUDGET ESTIMATES

PREMIER SPEAKS OUT ON OBSTRUCTION. COMPROMISE ARRANGED. WELLINGTON July 28. After tire telegraph office closed, the debate on the first item of the Estimates was continued by Mr. Veiteli. At the close of his speech, Mr. Massey rose and said he wished to tell the House and country what the position«was. They had some most difficult legislation to arrange this session— <more difficult than any he could remember. He referred to soldiers’ settlement adjustment and to pensions for incapacitated soldiers. The latter Bill was well forward, but not so a measure in connection wiith soldiers’ settlement. At that problem lie had been working hard while others had been sleeping, and to-day he had laid out a big day’s work for liimselr ana his colleagues. He had arranged conferences with Departmental heads, which would occupy the whole day. It would he very trying work, and it would he impossible for them to prepare this legislation unless they had a proper opportunity of doing so. He hoped to he in a position to hand it over to the law draftsman at the conclusion of the conferences to which ho had referred, hut could not. possibly do so after an all-night sitting. He had had an hour’s sleep, but others had not, and coulcT not give their host attention to the work in front of them if in an exhausted" condition. If lie was not going to England he wanted members to sayso, and he would be content to remain. If ho was going, then preparations had to he made, and so far lie had made none. Members could go on till breakfast if they liked. They now knew the position and could do as they pleased.

Mr. Glenn urged that legislation for the benefit of returned soldier settlers was necessary, and there was no chance of doing this unless they pushed on with the present business. At 2.5 a.m., Mr Holland moved that progress be reported. He could see no use in going on as they were doing. Mr. .Massey said ho had iilready stated that no part of the estimates would bo taken until the reports affecting the items wore available. He considered it his duty, to go to the Imperial Conference if possible, and referred to tfio fact that when Mr. Seddon was going to the first Imperial Conference he (Mr Massey) had felt it his duty to raise no obstacle to his going. Mr Wilford said the present discussion on the first of the estimates was not unduly long, and there had been no obstruction on the part of the Liberals. The discussion had been hampered hv the fact that a number of reports had not been brought down. After some further discussion a compromise was arranged, Mr. JB jllancL agreeing to withdraw his motion to report progress on condition that a vote was taken on the first item of the estimates (Legislation Departments). This was done, and the item carried on the voices. The House adjourned at 2.40 a.m. till 2.30 p.m. on Monday.—P.A.