“GAG” AGAIN

Grey River Argus, 17 March 1932, Page 4

“GAG” AGAIN

ARBITRATION BILL Closer Divisions (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON. March 16. The debate on the short title of the Arbitration Act Amendment Bill was continued all this afternoon until 5.15 o’clock, when Mr Forbes again moved the closure. The Chairman of Committees, Mr Smith, said that there had been over five hours of discussion on the short title.

Mr Fraser: Is the Chairman trying to justifv the Prime Minister?

The Leader of the Opposition said that the Minister in charge of the Bill. Mr Hamilton, had spoken three times in committee, and there were several Labour Members who had spoken only once or twice. The Chairman said that he had to be satisfied that the application of the closure would not infringe the rights of members, and. in the circumstances, he did not think anyone’s rights would be infringed. Mr Semple: You are bound to be satisfied! The closure vote was carried by 43 votes to 23. After the tea adjournment. Mr P. Fraser tabled a motion to defer the Act until January 1, 1936. As no discussion on the motion was permissible under the closure, a division was taken immediately. The amendment was lost by 44 votes to 30.

Labour immediately afterwards divided the House on Clause One, which was carried by 42 to 31.