PARLIAMENT

Grey River Argus, 24 September 1932, Page 5

PARLIAMENT

FAT FOLK WARNED Danger cf Reducing Tablets (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS, September 23. In the House to-day, Air Barnard asked the Minister of Health whether he would take immediate steps to stop the sale of certain obesity reducing tablets if, as was alleged, the active ingredient in each tablet was a segment of a live tape-worm, which, when swallowed, developed into a full-sized tape-worm. The desire for a youthful figure, said Air Barnard, induced many people ' to resort to sundry forms of treatment, drugless and otherwise, and if any unscrupulous person or firm was catering for tht public requirements in that direction by the horrible means suggested, then urgent and drastic action was called for. The Minister (Air Young) denied that there was any such ingredient in the preparaton mentioned. Instructions had been given, he said, that such preparations should be marked: “Danger: This preparation should not. be used, except under medical advice.’’ Mr Barnard: “I am glad to hear it.”

New Maori Member

TO CO-OPERATE WITH LABOUR. •WELLINGTON, September 23. The new Alember for the Southern Alaori District, Air Tirikatene, was sworn in to-day in the House. He was sponsored by the Labour whips, Messrs D. G. Sullivan and E. J. Howard. It is understood that Mr Tirikatene will work in closest co-operation with the Labour Party. RAILWAYMEN. Air W. Nash asked the Prime Minister whether the Government had reached any decision regarding the petition recently presented to the House by the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, in reference to the safeguarding of the superannuation rights of railway servants, on which a favourable recommendation was made by the Railways Committee. Mr Forbes asked Air Nash to place the question on the order paper. He had not yet had the opportunity of going into the matter. Mr Nash said Air Forbes was going to give a reply some time ago.

The Bookmakers

(From Our Parliamentary Reporter.') PARLIAAIENT BUILDINGS, September 23. There was loud laughter in the House to-day when Mr H. T. Armstrong again introduced his Gaming Amendment Bill, which aims at the licensing of bookmakers. THE PRICE LEVEL. Air J. R. Corrigan. Hawera, has sent to Parliament a petition asking for investigation by a special committee of his plan to raise price levels and restore prosperity within a year. He claims the plan would raise prices to the 1928 level and keep them there; while the unemployment would be overcome, a gradual repayment of the National debt would result, land values would be stabilised, exchange between Great Britain and New Zealand would remain at par, up to the total sale of the value of exports, and the Dominion could arrange for borrowing internally. COALITION CAUCUS. A Coalition caucus was held this morning, when a resolution was carried expressing entire satisfaction in the course adopted by the Government, as being the only one in the national interests. The caucus also affirmed its loyalty to the Cabinet. Air Forbes said that the meeting had been most satisfactory, from every point of view. LIMIT ON DEBATE. PREMIER’S STATEMENT. (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS, September 23. In the House to-day, Mr Jull asked whether the Prime Alinister would consider the fixing of a definite date for the taking of a vote on the Ad-dress-in-Reply debate. The Prime Alinister said that the Government was anxious to curtail the debate, but the matter was one for the House. He would be pleased to confer with the Leader of the Opposition to sec if any arrangement could be arrived at. HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP. Air Coates denies the report that he is an aspirant for the office of High Commissioner. FREEZING WORKS. A Bill to amend the Aleat Export Control Act, given notice of by Mr Polson, aims to compel proprietary freezing works to accept and kill stock, on owners’ account, for charges and allowances, and under conditions approved by the Meat. Board. PRIVATE BILLS. Notice has been given of the intention to introduce the following bills: Christchurch District Tramway Amendment (McCombs), Carterton Borough Council and Wairarapa South County Council Empowering (MeI Leod), Meat Export Control Amend-

ment (Polson). Akaroa Cocksfoot Seed Bill (McCombs), Avon and Heathcote Estuary Conservation (McCombs). QUAKE RELIEF. Mr Coleman asked whether the Government would immediately consider the granting of financial assistance to local bodies, business people and others in the areas afflicted by the recent earthquake. Mr Forbes said the matter would be considered when the Government received a report from the Engineer-in Chief of the Public Works Department.