UNITED GOVERNMENT

Grey River Argus, 12 December 1928, Page 5

UNITED GOVERNMENT

FIRST APPEARANCE.

On Treasury Benches.

BARRAGE OF QUESTIONS FROM LABOUR MEMBERS.

(Special to Argus.) WELLINGTON, December 11

After a week-end of rumours, settled eventually by Sir Joseph Ward’s announcement of the new Ministry, the House met to-day with the new Prime Minister, and his colleagues, occupying the Treasury benches.

For some minutes the new Ministers had to face a. barrage of questions, mostly from the Labour benches, the principal topics bding pensions and unemployment.

After Sir Joseph Ward had formally announced his Cabinet to the House, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. J. G. Coates, said he desired to congratulate Sir Joseph and those associated with him. Sir Joseph had taken on very great responsibilities, and it was the duty of every member to make those responsibilities as easy as possible. In view of the present political situation the Reform Party would be willing to assist Sir Joseph Ward to place any legislation on the Statute Book which it was considered was beneficial to the country, but at the same time they reserved the right" to criticise and oppose anything which they considered inimical to the country’s best interests. It might appear that the present political situation had many attractive, if not alluring, possibilities, but it was not the Reform Party’s intention to take advantage of anything of that sort.

Mr Coates remarked on the scarcity of farmers in Cabinet, and said it appeared that a big load had been placed on Mr Forbes, who was asked to control Lands and Agriculture. He stressed the importance of scientific research work in relation to agricultural matters.

The Leader of the Labour Party also congratulated Sir Joseph Ward, and said his Party’s attitude had already been defined. Sir Joseph Ward and his colleagues could always rest assured of Labour’s support when they were right: (Laughter.) Sir Joseph Ward acknowledged the remarks which had been made concerning him. It was his intention to look into the question of existing loan authorities, and into other matters before it was decided whether the House should be asked to consider legislation this session. He did not want to call Parliament together in February unless it was absolutely necessary. Sir Joseph Ward refuted the suggestion that there were not sufficient farmers in the Cabinet, and said all could be relied on to work in the interests of all.

The House adjourned until 2.30 p.m. on Thursday.

Unemployed Relief. LABOUR STRESSES URGENCY. GRANTS TO BE MADE TO FOUR CENTRES. (Special to Argus) WELLINGTON, December 11. Always on the alert in advancing the claims of the unemployed, Labour members lost no time in the House to-day in questioning the new Government in regard to its intentions in this respect. Mr Parry asked the Prime Minister if, in order to relieve the terrible distress prevailing in New Zealand, he would make provision this session that would enable Hospital Boards to increase the amount of assistance given to applicants for relief. The Prime Minister said he intended to make a statement in regard to unemployment when the House met later. So far he bad not visited any of the Government departments, but yesterday he had advised two Christchurch members that he would authorise a certain amount to tide the unemployed over Christmas. He proposed to do that in the other centres as well.

Replying to Mr Armstrong, the Minister of Public Works (Hon. E. A. Ransom) said he was making completa investigation of relief works in New Zealand so far as the rates of pay were concerned. That was a question of policy, and he would submit it to Cabinet at an early date for decision. Reform of Pensions System. SERIES OF QUESTIONS. (Special to Argus; WELLINGTON, December 11. Several questions were asked relating to pensions in the House to-day. Mr Parry gave notice to ask whether old age pensions would be increased to at least £1 5/- a week; whether the restrictions in respect to old people who are unable to prove their ages, will be eased; and whether pensions for the blind will be increased. Mr Nash gave notice to ask the Minister of Pensions whether he would carry out the promise made by the late Acting-Minister of Pensions, to bring about a reciprocal agreement with Governments of other Dominions, and Great Britain, in regard to old age pensions. Mr Samuel also asked if legislation would be introduced providing pensions for women with invalid husbands.

Mr Harris is to ask the Minister of Pensions whether he would introduce legislation providing for pensions for guardians of orphans. Mr Parry intends to ask the Minister of Pensions whether he w’ll extend the benefits of the Pensions Act to deserted wives and children, and to wives and children of men suffering from illness and unable to work. GENEVA LABOUR CONFERENCE. NEW ZEALAND’S REPRESENTATION. (Special to Argus) WELLINGTON, December Ilin the House to-day, the Leader of the Labour Party, Mr H. E. Holland,

asked the Prime Minister if the Government would at once take into consideration the question of making provision for New Zealand to be represented at the International Labour Conference at Geneva in May or June next.

Sir Joseph Ward said he would have the matter looked into without delay, and would give an answer as soon as possible.